Wireless Hot Spots on the MCLINC Network

Where is wireless access available?

Wireless access on the MCLINC network is available at all MCLINC libraries except Huntingdon Valley, Upper Dublin and North Hills. Please note that some libraries offer wireless access courtesy of non-MCLINC providers. These instructions pertain to MCLINC wireless connections only.

What do I need to access the wireless service?

You will need a laptop computer with a wireless card, or a portable wireless device, such as a PDA or Blackberry. A library card and password may be required, depending on local library policy.

What are the advantages?

No waiting for a library PC
High speed access utilizing the IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g WiFi standard
Can download/save programs or work to your own computer without the security restrictions in place on the library PCs

What are the disadvantages?

Cannot print within the library (except by saving to a disk and printing from a library PC)
WiFi access is inherently less secure than wired access

Disclaimer:

Your Internet connection may be filtered. Not all information available via the Internet is accurate, current or complete. Users are encouraged to exercise critical judgment in evaluating the validity of information accessed via the Internet. The library assumes no responsibility for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the connection to the Internet.

How do I access the library's wireless connection?

In most cases, you can simply start your laptop and the computer will be able to detect the library's wireless connection (check by clicking on the My Network Places icon in Windows XP/2000 or the Network Neighborhood icon in Windows 98). If you are not able to connect, you will need to change your computer's configuration settings to access the wireless connection. The library staff is not able to help you configure your computer for wireless access, you will need to change your computer's settings yourself.

Some steps for creating a typical wireless configuration are given below:

Proper Settings:

SSID: any

Network Mode: Infrastructure

WEP: disabled

IP or Network Settings: DHCP enabled or Obtain an I/P address automatically

DNS: Obtain a DNS address automatically

The most common problem is that the IP or Network Settings are not configured correctly. You can change these settings by following the steps below for your operating system:

Windows XP and Windows NT

1. Go to the Start button. Click on Settings and Control Panel.

2. Double click on the Network icon. Select the Protocols tab.

3. Select the TCP/IP protocol and click on Properties.

4. Select Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server, click Apply, OK, Close.

5. When asked "Do you want to enable DHCP?" click Yes.

6. When asked if you want to restart your computer now click Yes.

Windows 2000

1. Go to the Start button. Click on Settings and Control Panel.

2. Double click on the Network and Dial-up Connections icon. Click once on Local Area Connection. Select File and click on Properties.

3. Select the TCP/IP protocol and click on Properties.

4. Select Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain a DNS server address automatically. Click OK.

Windows 98

1. Go to the Start button. Click on Settings and Control Panel.

2. Double click on the Network icon. Locate the TCP/IP protocol and check 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.

Macintosh OS 8 & 9

1. Go to Apple Menu, Control Panel, TCP/IP.

2. Connect via "Airport"(or other WiFi Ethernet)

3. Configure "Using DHCP Server"

4. Leave Name Server and Additional Search domains blank.

Macintosh OS X

1. Go to 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 WiFI Ethernet.

4. Leave Name Server and Additional Search domains blank.

Please note that the Firefox and Camino browsers have been successfully tested with our wireless access equipment. Safari does not consistently work with our equipment.

How do I log on?

You will need to read the local library acceptable use policy, and agree to abide by its terms.

For more information, please visit: http://www.mclinc.org/WirelessInternetAccess.htm

Revised 11/07