Wireless Access

The Ferguson Library now offers wireless access to the library’s Internet service on any floor of the main library for properly equipped and configured laptops and hand held computers. You will be asked to login using your library card number (a card from any Connecticut public library will do). Once you have done this, the library’s home page will come up and you are ready to use our wireless system. If you do not have a library card go to Information Desk and they will assist you.

Security Concerns

The Internet is a public communications network. Wireless poses the same risks to your personal information that a wired network poses, as well as some new risks. As with most public wireless “hot spots,” this connection is not secure. Please take appropriate precautions when using this service.

Staff Assistance

• You are responsible for setting up your own equipment.
• Library staff cannot assist you with your laptop card or configuration.
• The library cannot accept the liability of handling your equipment.
• Printers are not available through our wireless connection. To print, save to a floppy and use one of our public workstations.

Frequently asked questions:

Q. Can anyone use the service?
A. If you have a properly equipped and configured laptop computer and a valid library card card, you can use the wireless system at the library. You will be asked to login using your library card number. Just open your Internet browser (i.e., Explorer, Netscape, etc), the library’s home page will come up and you are ready to use our wireless system. If you do not have a library card go to Information Desk and they will assist you.

Q. What do I need to access The Ferguson Library’s wireless network?
A. You will need to bring your own laptop computer to the library and it will need to have built-in wireless capability or you will need to install a wireless network card. The library does not provide wireless cards.

Q. Can the library help me configure my computer?
A. No - everyone's computer is different and you are responsible for knowing how to configure your own equipment. The Ferguson Library cannot be responsible for any changes you make to your computer's settings. If you need additional assistance, you may need to contact the manufacturers of your hardware or software.

Wireless settings:

NOTE: The following instructions are general guidelines and require that you understand how to configure and restore the settings of your own computer.

Wireless card settings:

Use the software that came with your wireless card or computer to configure the settings and to verify a connection to the library’s wireless network.

• SSID (network name) = ferguson
• WEP = disable WEP encryption
• Mode or Network Type = Infrastructure mode or Access Point


Windows 98
Network Settings:
1. From Control Panel, select Network.
2. Locate the TCP/IP protocol and get into its Properties. If more than one TCP/IP protocol is listed, look for the one associated with your wireless adapter.
3. For IP Address, select "Obtain an IP address automatically."
4. For DNS, select “Disable DNS.”
5. For WINS, select “Use DHCP for WINS Resolution.”


Windows 2000 & XP
Network Settings:
1. From Control Panel, select "Network and Dial-up Connections" or "Network and Internet Connections > Internet Connections."
2. Right-click on “Wireless Network Connection” or “Local Area Connection” and click Properties.
3. Locate the Internet TCP/IP protocol and get into its Properties. If more than one TCP/IP protocol is listed, look for the one associated with your wireless adapter.
4. Select "Obtain an IP address automatically" and “Obtain DNS server address automatically."
5. For XP, right click on “Wireless Network Connection” and select “View Available Wireless Networks.” Select the name of the wireless network available at the library and click “Connect.” Please ask library staff for network name.


Windows NT
Network Settings:
1. From Control Panel, select Network.
2. Locate the TCP/IP protocol and get into its Properties. If more than one TCP/IP protocol is listed, look for the one associated with your wireless adapter.
3. Select "Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server" and click OK.


Macintosh
Network Settings (OS 8 & 9):
1. Select: Apple Menu > Control Panel > TCP/IP.
2. Connect via "AirPort" or other wireless (WiFi) ethernet.
3. Configure "Using DHCP Server."
4. Leave Name Server and Additional Search domains blank.

Network Settings (OS X):
1. Select: Apple Menu > System Preferences > Network button.
2. Select TCP/IP tab and Configure "Using DHCP."
3. Above the TCP/IP tab, you may need to Configure via "AirPort" or other wireless (WiFi) Ethernet.
4. Leave Domain Name Servers and Search Domains blank.

Additional Resources:

Alesso, H. P. The Intelligent Wireless Web. Addison-Wesley, 2002.
Ferguson call number: 004.678 A371I (Lower level)

Broadband Wireless Exchange Magazine
www.bbwexchange.com

ComputerWorld: Mobile and Wireless
www.computerworld.com

Forbes: Wireless
www.forbes.com

Intel: How to Connect to a Public Hotspot
www.intel.com

Hotspot Locations
www.hotspot-locations.com

LISNews: Wireless News
wireless.lisnews.com

TechDirt: Wireless News
www.techdirt.com

Wi-Fi Networking News
wifinetnews.com

Wi-Fi Planet
www.wi-fiplanet.com

Wireless Blogs
radio.weblogs.com
reiter.weblogger.com

Wired News: Unwired News
www.wired.com

Wireless Newsfactor
wireless.newsfactor.com

Wireless Week
www.wirelessweek.com