Wireless access at the Library

What is Wi-Fi? 

Wi-Fi, or a wireless connection, is internet access using radio frequencies as opposed to using cables. This enables a library patron to bring their own laptop or wireless device to the library and use the library's internet connection from anywhere within the library's "hotspot", or the range of the wireless signal.
 
 
What equipment do I need?
 
A laptop computer, PDA, or other device with a wireless network interface card, 802.11b or later with...A charged battery. Some electrical outlets are available, but the Library cannot guarantee availability.  Compatible headphones if you plan to use audio files.
 
 
How do I set up my computer?
 
In most cases you will not need to change the settings on your computer to connect. Simply launch your web browser. Your computer's home page will appear and you may begin surfing immediately. If you can't connect immediately, use the Trouble Shooting Tips included below.
 
 
Is technical support available?
 
There are no staff available to assist with setting up a wireless Internet connection on your computer; you are the person responsible for setting up your own equipment. Printers are not available via the wireless connection; if you need to print, save to a floppy and use one of our public workstations to print.
 
 
How secure is the wireless connection?
 
The Library's wireless network is not secure. Information sent from or to your laptop can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software, within three hundred feet.
 
 
Limitations and Disclaimers
 
There is no guarantee that you will be able to make a wireless connection.  The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment, or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library's network.  The East Lansing Public Library is not responsible for any changes you make to your computer's settings and cannot guarantee your hardware will work with our wireless connection.
 
  
Trouble Shooting Tips
 
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) = "arialzone" 
  • 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 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 and IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically."
 
Windows XP Network Settings:
 
  1. Right click on "Wireless Network Connection" and select "View Available Wireless Networks". 
  2. Select the name of the Library's wireless network ("arialzone") and click "Connect". 
 
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 and IP address from a DHCP server" and click OK.
 
Macintosh (OS 8 & 9) Network Settings: 
 
 
  1. Select: Apple Menu>Control Panel>TCP/IP. 
  2. Connect via "AirPort" or other wireless (Wi-Fi) ethernet. 
  3. Configure "Using DHCP Server". 
  4. Leave Name Server and Additional Search domains blank.
 
Macintosh (OS X) Network Settings: 
 
 
  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 (Wi-Fi) ethernet. 
  4. Leave Domain Name Servers and Search Domains blank.
     
Internet Explorer Tips: 
 
  1. From Control Panel, select Internet Options>Connections tab. 
  2. If you also have a dial-up connection, it should not be set up to "Always dial my default connection". 
  3. LAN Settings should be "Automatically detect settings" and leave the Proxy server settings blank.