Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) is a wireless technology similar to what cellular telephones use to communicate. Wireless-enabled computers, laptops, and PDAs use radio frequencies to send and receive data indoors and out, anywhere within range of a wireless signal.
Washington County Library has added Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) points to allow patrons the opportunity to connect to the internet using their own equipment in the library. Wireless access points are available at the following branch libraries:
Hardwood Creek Library
Newport Library
Oakdale Library
Park Grove Library
R.H. Stafford Library
Rosalie E. Wahl Library
Valley Branch Library
Wildwood Library
For wireless internet access, a laptop must have 802.11b- or 802.11g- compliant wireless capability, a charged battery and/or a power cord, and an internet browser such as Internet Explorer. (Note: some laptops will only work with a power card.)
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Please note that this service is offered as a courtesy to patrons who have their own equipment.
Because of the vast array of wireless cards on the market, library staff will not be able to answer technical questions about a specific card configuration. The Library cannot guarantee that equipment will work with the Library's network and is not responsible for any changes made to a computer's settings.
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Connecting to the Wireless Network
Follow these steps to connect to the internet through the WCL Wireless Network:
1. Plug in your laptop's power cord (if needed)
2. If your laptop does not have built-in wireless capability, insert your wireless card
3. Power on your laptop
4. Open your web browser
In most cases you will not need to change the settings on your laptop to connect. However, if you are unable to connect immediately, see the tips listed under the Trouble Connecting section (below).
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Please note that the Library's wireless network is not secure and information sent from or to a laptop could be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software.
We recommend your laptop have the latest operating service packs and anti-virus software before connecting to the internet.
The tips provided in this information page assume a laptop running Windows 2000/XP or Mac OS X is being used.
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Trouble Connecting?
Check that your wireless connection is enabled and that it has a strong connection to the WLAN access point.
Enable the connection if needed. If the signal is poor, try moving to another location in the library to improve signal strength and quality.
Check your wireless card configuration.
The network name (SSID) that your laptop should connect to at WCL is "public wireless."
Check your wireless card properties and ensure the card is active and pointing to an available network called "public wireless." WEP encryption should be disabled. The mode or network type should be "infrastructure mode" or "access point."
Check your laptop's network TCP/IP settings.
In Windows 2000/XP, these settings can generally be accessed from the Control Panel under Network and/or Internet Connections > Wireless Network Connection. Find the properties for TCP/IP and ensure that Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain a DNS server automatically are selected.
If using Mac OS X, go to the Apple menu and click System Preferences > Network. Find the TCP/IP settings. Configure IPv4 should be using DHCP. Leave the DNS Servers and Search Domains boxes blank.
Check that your laptop has a valid IP address for the public network (192.168.1.x).
To verify the IP address using Windows 2000/XP:
•Click Start > Run
•Type cmd and press Enter
•Type ipconfig and press Enter
•The IP address will appear; the IP address should be 192.168.1.x
If the IP address is different, try to reestablish a network connection:
• Type ipconfig /release
• Press Enter
• Type ipconfig /renew
• Press Enter
• The correct IP address should appear; the IP address should be 192.168.1.x
For Mac OS X users:
From the Apple menu click System Preferences > Network > TCP/IP. If there are no numbers next to the IP address, subnet mask and router or the IP address is not 192.168.1.x, check the DHCP settings and verify that the SSID is public. You could also try clicking Renew DHCP Lease in Network Preferences.
Ensure your browser is not set to run through a proxy.
For example, the proxy settings in Internet Explorer are under Tools > Internet Options > Connections > LAN Settings.
If using Mac OS X, go to the Apple menu and click System preferences > Network > Proxies.
Ensure your browser is not configured to use a dial-up connection.
If it is, you will need to change your network or browser settings.
To connect to a wireless network in Windows Vista, follow these steps:
1. Click Start, and then click Connect to.
2. Click the wireless network to which you want to connect, and then click Connect.
Note: During the connection process, you may be prompted for Wired Equivalent (WEP) key. If you do not have this key, contact the administrator of the wireless network for help.
For more information about how to connect to wireless networks by using Windows Vista, use the following Microsoft web site:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb878035.aspx
For Wireless Wide Area Networks (2.5G/3G), the communication software is usually provided by the wireless carriers. You should contact the IT manager of the company or call the wireless carrier that is providing the service for Windows Vista-compatible software.
IF YOU ARE STILL UNABLE TO CONNECT AFTER TRYING THESE SUGGESTIONS, YOU MAY NEED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURERS OF YOUR HARDWARE OR SOFTWARE FOR ASSISTANCE.
Printing?
Printing is not available via a wireless connection in the Library. If you need to print, save the file to a floppy or USB device and use one of our public PCs to print.
