What is Shared Connection?
Shared Connection is an optional capability within Connect2ProNect that allows your MyGlo instrument to use your computer's network connection via USB. This feature is designed specifically for labs operating under strict IT security policies that require WPA3-Enterprise authentication or other enterprise-level network protocols.
How It Works
When you install Connect2ProNect, you'll be asked whether you need the Shared Connection capability (below image). With Shared Connection enabled, your computer acts as a secure bridge—allowing MyGlo to access the ProNect Data Platform through your computer's existing network credentials and permissions.
When to Use Shared Connection
Choose Shared Connection if your organization:
- Requires WPA3-Enterprise network authentication
- Uses eduroam or similar academic/institutional networks
- Has strict IT policies that prevent direct device connections
- Requires centralized credential management for all connected devices
Important Considerations
- USB connection required: MyGlo must remain connected to your computer via USB while in use
- Computer must be on: Your laptop or workstation needs to be powered on and connected to your network for MyGlo to access ProNect
- Flexibility: You can disconnect the USB cable when MyGlo is not in use and reconnect it whenever needed
- One MyGlo per computer: Shared Connection supports one MyGlo instrument per computer connection
Can I Change My Mind Later?
Yes.
If you didn't enable Shared Connection during initial installation but later discover you need it, simply uninstall and reinstall Connect2ProNect and select the option. The same applies if you no longer need this capability. Reinstalling without the option will remove it.
Not Sure If You Need It?
If your lab has standard Wi-Fi (non-enterprise), Ethernet access, or you're using GloFi with cellular connectivity, you likely don't need Shared Connection. When in doubt, consult your IT department or skip this option during installation—you can always add it later if needed.
Shared Connection Tray Icon
When Shared Connection is installed, a small cloud icon appears in the Windows system tray in the bottom-right corner of your screen. The icon gives you a quick view of the current connection status without needing to open C2P. See below for all icon states.
Finding the Icon
The tray icon may be hidden in the overflow area. If you don't see it, click the up arrow (∧) near the clock in your taskbar to reveal all system tray icons.
Icon States
The icon changes color and appearance to reflect the current state of your Shared Connection.
When multiple conditions are present at once, the icon shows the highest-priority state.
If Shared Connection has been manually stopped, the Stopped icon will show even if there are underlying issues. Restarting the service will show the current connection state.
Using the Tray Menu
Right-clicking the icon opens a menu. At the top of the menu, a read-only status header shows live information about your current connection:
Status Panel (Information Only)
1. ProNect Shared Connection: The name of the service running on your computer. This service maintains the connection between your MyGlo and ProNect.
2. MyGlo: The current state of your connected MyGlo instrument. Possible states: Offline, Idle, Ready, Busy, or Error.
3. Shared Connection: Whether the service is running. Possible values: Active (connected to ProNect), Disconnected (running but not connected), or Stopped (service is off).
4. Serial #: The serial number of your connected MyGlo. Shows a dash (—) when no instrument is connected or Multiple if more than one MyGlo is detected.
Actions
5. Start Shared Connection: Starts the Shared Connection service if it's been stopped. Not available when the service is already running.
6. Stop Shared Connection: Stops the Shared Connection service. May require admin privileges; see Admin Permissions section below.
7. View Logs / Diagnostics: Opens the folder containing Shared Connection logs on your computer. These are Shared Connection logs only; C2P and MyGlo each maintain their own separate logs in different locations.
8. Exit: Stops the Shared Connection service and removes the Shared Connection icon from the taskbar. You can restart it from the Start menu.
Admin Permissions
Starting and stopping the Shared Connection service may require administrator privileges on your computer. If you're not a local administrator, you may be prompted to enter admin credentials when using these options.
This is expected. Shared Connection runs as a Windows service, which requires elevated permissions to control. The service runs automatically in the background without any action from you; the Start and Stop options are there as troubleshooting tools for when the service needs to be restarted without rebooting your computer.
If you don't have admin access and need to restart the service, rebooting your computer will restart it automatically.
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