Please Keep in Mind...

The Library's wireless network is not secure, and is an open network. The Library cannot guarantee the safety of your traffic across its wireless network. The Library assumes no responsibility for the configurations, security or files on your laptop resulting from connection to the Library's network. Information sent to or from your laptop can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and appropriate software, within the range of the access point.

The Library is not able to provide technical assistance to you, and there is no guarantee that you will be able to make a wireless connection. If you need assistance, contact the manufacturer of your laptop or software. We'll do our best though to provide you with helpful instruction in this Web Resource Guide. The Library is not responsible for any changes you make to your computer's settings, so please copy any settings before you change them.

How do I use wireless at the library?

  • Salida Regional Library uses the WiFi standard (also known as IEEE 802.11b).
  • You will need to bring your own laptop computer to the library and it will need to have built-in WiFi or you will need to install a WiFi network card.
  • Most WiFi equipment will be compatible. However, we can make no guarantees as to compatibility of your equipment with the library's network.
  • Printers are not part of the Wireless Internet Access program in the libraries. If you need to print, please save the work to disk, then ask staff for assistance.

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) = "library" (without quotes)
  • Mode or Network Type = Infrastructure mode or Access Point
  • DHCP = Obtain an IP address automatically
  • DNS = Obtain DNS server address automatically

Browser Connection Settings:

Set the connection settings to auto-detect proxy settings for this network.

FAQ's

I can't get a WiFi signal, but the person next to me can.
Not all Wireless cards are the same. The quality of your card versus your neighbor's can be quite different.

Do all PDA's support wireless?
While not all PDA's support wireless, several manufacturers have adopted the 802.11b standard.

Will my Macintosh work with wireless in the Library?
Yes, as long as it supports 802.11b or 802.11a wireless.

Do I need special software or drivers to connect?
While you won't need special software, up-to-date drivers have remedied many connection problems. The drivers included with the card may be several generations old. Updates are usually available on the vendor's website.

What is the difference between 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, etc?
802.11a (aka Wi-Fi5) – Theoretical speeds up to 54 Mbps (with a fallback to 48Mbps, 36Mbps, 24Mbps 18Mbps, 12Mbps, 9Mbps, 6Mbps) in the 5 GHz band, however not compatible with 802.11b.

802.11b (aka Wi-Fi) – Theoretical speeds up to 11 Mbps (with a fallback to 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps and 1 Mbps) in the 2.4 GHz band, most popular standard with the majority of HotSpot locations and equipment utilizing this.

802.11g – Theoretical speeds up to 54 Mbps (with a fallback to 48 Mbps, 36 Mbps, 24 Mbps, 18 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 11 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 1 Mbps) in the 2.4 GHz band, extremely fast AND compatible with 802.11b.

What do all the acronyms mean?
AP – Access Point
ISP – Internet Service Provider
SSID – Service Set IDentifier
VPN – Virtual Private Networking
WEP – Wired Equivalent Privacy
WI-FI – Wireless Fidelity
WISP – Wireless Internet Service Provider
WLAN – Wireless Local Area Network

Can I print web pages or files from my laptop using the Library's printer?
No, the wireless network is not connected to the library's public printers.

I don't have a laptop computer. How can I use the network?
Unfortunately, the library does not have laptop computers for loan. You may access the network from computer stations located in other sections of the library.

What kind of wireless card do I need?
You need an 11Mbps 802.11b or 802.11g Wireless Network Card. Many new laptop computers have wireless built in them so you will want to check with your laptop manufacturer for your options.

How long does my connection last while I'm in one of your libraries?
We have not implemented any sort of time limit presently; however, we reserve the right to do so at a later date.

Do I need to Update Windows for wireless?
You don't need to update Windows specifically for wireless but it is always a good idea to keep your software fully patched and up to date. You need to make sure that Windows remains safe when you are on the wireless network (or any internet connected networks). Microsoft recommends that you install all the "service packs" for your version of Windows, and visit www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com for more information. Make sure that you have anti-virus software and that personal firewall software is running on your machine

I can't get XP to connect with your wireless.
Two very common problems are:
On some XP laptops with both wireless and wired (Ethernet) connectivity, vendors ship with the "Network Bridge" turned on. You may need to Delete this (under Control Panel, Network Connections).

Numerous problems have been reported with Windows XP Service Pack 1 that are resolved by Service Pack 2.

I can't use your wireless with Windows 2000.
A machine with an integrated wireless card and running Windows 2000 might stop working after installing SP3. Microsoft Knowledge Base article 327947 , states that Windows 2000 SP3 turns off PCMCIA-to-PCI IRQ routing, which causes problems for integrated Lucent/Orinoco wireless adapters. You need to follow the instructions in the Microsoft Support document to re-enable the card.

Will Bluetooth transmissions interfere with my Wireless connection?
It is unknown whether Bluetooth transmissions will interfere with Wireless connections at this time. Bluetooth does transmit in the same frequency range as Wireless so it is possible that the transmissions may interfere with each other.

Does a wireless card reduce battery life?
The wireless card does use the battery more since it is constantly radiating a signal to the access point.

I have problems connecting with Internet Explorer - IE
In some cases, the proxy server setting is present in your browser. On a public network like the Library network, it's important that you turn off proxy servers. The wireless network cannot allow unauthenticated connections to external proxy servers for security reasons.

To check proxy setting, go under Internet Options, Connections tab, verify that the Dial-up and Virtual Private Network settings are set to "Never dial a connection"

Under Local Area Network (LAN) Settings, uncheck each of the following:
"Automatic Detect Settings",
"Use Automatic Configuration Script", and
"Use a Proxy Server for your LAN"

I own a Cisco, D-Link, Linksys, Netgear, Nortel, or SMC a/b/g wireless card and am having throughput (slow connection) problems.
Check with the manufacturers for resolution. Some cards are more problematic than others but upgrades are regularly available for the popular cards.

Can a cell phone interrupt my connection?
A cell phone probably won't interrupt your connection, however there are cordless phones and microwave ovens that operate within the frequency range of the SRL Wireless (2.4 GHz and up) that can cause interference with the connection.

What else can interrupt my connection?
Wireless connects using radio waves. Those things that can cause interference of radio can also interfere with your Wireless connection. The largest offenders however are those things containing water. Wood, people, fish tanks, walls all can cause the signal to be interrupted or lessened. If you experience a connection problem try moving to a different part of the room or within sight of the Wireless Access Point.

Why does the wireless network data transfer rate vary?
There are several possibilities including:

  1. Your distance from the Access Point (AP). You can see variable rates ranging from 45Mbps to 1 Mbps depending on how close you are to the AP.
  2. Since a wireless network is a shared network, its data transfer capability depends on how many users are using the same AP. If more people use the same AP then users might see slower connections.

I think I got a virus from your Hotspot.
Hotspots do not produce viruses. They come from the Internet, often as attachments to e-mail. It is strongly recommend that all users have virus protection and a personal firewall installed on their Laptops.

Troubleshooting--Network Settings

Windows 98:

  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:

  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 whatever you have named your wireless 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 wireless network called <DCL Wireless DSL Connection> at the library and click “Connect.”

Windows NT:

  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.

Internet Explorer Tips:

Please note that depending on your version of software, there may be variations in the procedures.

  1. From Control Panel, select Internet Options > Connections tab.
  2. If you also have a dial-up connection, it should not be set to "Always dial my default connection."
  3. LAN Settings should be "Automatically detect settings" and leave the Proxy server settings blank.

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.