5/3/05
Forbes Library offers wireless "WiFi" access to the Library's Internet service. When you use the Library's Internet service you are accepting the Library's Internet Use Policy. Please take the time to read the policy before accessing the network.
Advantages
- No waiting for an available PC
- No enforced time limits if you use your own laptop-- connect as long as you like
- Library card is not required
- Work in a quieter area of the building
- Fast access
- Download files
- Save your files permanently on your own device
- The library has laptops at Circulation that can be checked out for two hours with your library card
Limitations
- No printing services are available
- A WiFi network is less secure than a wired network (see "How Safe is WiFi?" below)
- Signal strength varies within the library
Where you can pick up the wireless signal
The entire building is not wireless accessible. You should be able to pick up the wireless signal in the Reference Room on the first floor, and in the Arts & Music Department on the second floor.
How Safe is WiFi?
The Internet is a public communications network, which means that there can be untrustworthy parties between you and anybody you communicate with. WiFi unplugs the Internet and makes personal security risks more visible. WiFi poses the same risks to your personal information that a wired network poses, as well as some new risks. WiFi users need to educate themselves about these risks, and take steps to secure their personal information. Cautious WiFi users may choose not to transmit their credit card information and passwords while using any WiFi "hotspot", including the Library's. The Library cannot assure the safety of your data when you use either our wired or wireless Internet access.
What You Will Need
- Wireless network interface card (NIC)
- A laptop or PDA configured to use the Library's Internet connection
- Your laptop or PDA must conform to the "802.11b/g" standard, commonly known as WiFi. New laptops often come standard with a wireless interface and may be automatically configured to pick up the wireless signal.
- Compatible headphones if you plan to use audio files
Wireless Technical Information
Wireless hardware and software varies as to the operating systems you may use on your laptop or PDA, so the same instructions may not work for everyone. In many cases, you don't need to do anything to hook up (just click on your browser), but you might need to check the following in your configuration:
- The "Service Set Identifier" (SSID) should be set to forbes1 or forbes2. Wherever your software asks for a "name" or "wireless area" or "access point name," insert forbes1 or forbes2 (all lower case).
- The "Wireless Mode" should be set to Infrastructure (not ad hoc).
- In Network Neighborhood Properties (right click on Network Neighborhood and click on "Properties") click on the Wireless TCP/IP adapter setting and look at its properties. Ensure that you have checked "Obtain an IP address automatically."
- Most wireless software has an indicator that tells you a signal is being received. Make sure the link quality and signal strength are both at least "good." If not, move about the room to a location that has a stronger signal.
- Click on your favorite browser and the Internet should come right up!