The Richard Salter Storrs Library offers wireless “WiFi” access to the Internet. Use of the library’s wireless network is governed by the library’s Internet Access Policy and Guidelines and the Wireless Internet Policy. By using the wireless network, patrons are agreeing to abide by these policies. It is the patron’s responsibility to read the policies before accessing the network.
Advantages
• No waiting for an available PC
• No enforced time limits – connect as long as you like
• Work in a quieter area of the building
• Fast access
Limitations
• No printing services are available
• Signal strength varies within the library
Where You Can Pick-up the Wireless Signal
You should be able to pick up the wireless signal throughout the first and second floors of the building. Signal strength may vary in the building, and no guarantee can be provided that users will be able to make a wireless connection.
How safe is WiFi?
The Internet is a public communications network. WiFi poses the same risks to your personal information that a wired network poses, as well as some new risks. Any information being sent or received could potentially be intercepted by another wireless user. 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 data when you use either our wired or wireless Internet access. The library assumes no liability for loss or damage to the patron’s data or for any damage or injuring arising from invasion of the patron’s privacy.
What You Will Need
• Wireless network interface card (NIC).
• A Laptop or mobile device configured to use the library’s Internet connection.
• Your laptop or mobile device must conform to the “802.11b/g” standard, commonly known as WiFi. New laptops often come 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
While most laptops or mobile devices should connect to the library’s wireless connection with no difficulties, you might need to check the following in your configuration:
• The “Service Set Identifier” (SSID) should be set to salterlibrary. Anywhere your software ask for a “name” or “wireless area” or “access point name,” insert salterlibrary (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 building to a location that has a stronger signal.
• Click on your favorite browser and the Internet should come right up!
Library staff is not able to provide technical assistance with patron equipment, and the library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment, laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the library’s wireless network. All wireless access users should have up-to-date virus protection on their laptop computer or wireless device.
