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Wireless Internet Access

What is wireless?
  • Wireless Internet access uses radio frequency signals to exchange data between your computer and network without the need for cables.

  • The King County Library System offers free wireless access using the WiFi standard, IEEE 802.11b.
Which KCLS Libraries offer Wireless Access?
  • All of the libraries in the King County Library System offer wireless access points.
Why wireless?
  • Wireless allows people to bring their own portable computers to the library and get free Internet access.
  • The library system can offer Internet service to visitors, at 43 library branches, without the expense of installing new wiring.
  • With wireless, users can sit anywhere they like and not just in designated computer areas.
How do I use wireless at the library?
  • Users need to bring their own portable computers to the library with either built-in WiFi or an installed adapter card.
  • Most WiFi or 802.11b/g compatible units should work at the library. Apple calls their system Airport.
  • The Library System's wireless networks are open to all visitors and do not require any special logins, passwords, nor encryption.
  • At many libraries, especially at smaller branches, the wireless signal even reaches into the parking lot and can be used day or night.
  • Due to the variety of computer systems, library staff cannot help visitors to configure their own equipment. Please see tips and settings provided in this brochure and/or contact the manufacturer of your hardware/software.
Wireless Card Settings:
  • SSID or Network Name = “kcls.org Wireless"
  • WEP or Encryption = none or disabled
  • Mode or Network Type = Infrastructure or Access Point
  • Authentication = Open or None
  • TCP/IP settings = Use DHCP or "obtain IP Address automatically"
  • Turn Wireless ON
    Many laptops with built-in wireless (and some with external cards) have switches, buttons, or software that can be used to turn wireless off to save battery life. Make sure that it is turned on.
Wireless Configuration Tips:
  • Before changing any settings, try using the wireless network. It may already work.

  • Wireless settings used at home can conflict with settings needed at the library. Please make certain that original settings can be restored before making any changes.

  • After making changes, you may need to reboot.

  • Windows 98/ME/2000 needs to use a wireless client manager program, provided by the manufacturer of the wireless adapter, so please refer to the documentation and software that came with the equipment.

  • If using a wireless client manager, check the instructions that came with the program regarding the possibility of creating a profile to be used at the library in addition to the profiles used at home or elsewhere.

  • Windows XP has a built-in configuration tool. Look for icon in system tray at the bottom, right corner. Click on it to see a list of available networks. "kcls.org Wireless" should be on the list. Select it and click "Connect" or click "Configure" and compare settings to those listed in this brochure. Also click “Advanced” and add checkmark to option for “connect to unsecured”.

  • MAC OS 9 - Use the Airport Setup Assistant program to configure an existing wireless network and "kcls.org Wireless" should be detected. Click "Go Ahead" and then "Connect Now".

  • MAC OS X - Use the Airport Setup Assistant program to join existing AirPort network, signal should be detected for “kcls.org Wireless”, and follow steps to conclusion.
Network Settings Tips:
  • TCP/IP Settings should be set to use DHCP or "obtain IP Address automatically".

  • DNS settings, if applicable, should be set to use DHCP or to obtain automatically.

  • Windows 98/ME settings are found through the Network section in the Control Panel. Check the Properties of TCP/IP associated with the wireless adapter.

  • Windows 2000 settings are found through Network and Dial Up Connections in the Control Panel. Check properties of the Local Area Network associated with the wireless adapter and check properties of TCP/IP.

  • Windows XP settings are found through the Network Connections in the Control Panel. Select Properties of Wireless Network Connection and check Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) settings.

  • MAC OS 9 can adjust settings through "Apple Menu>>Control Panels>>TCP/IP".

  • MAC OS X can adjust through "Apple Menu>>Location>>Network Preferences".
Security Issues:
  • By their very nature, public WiFi networks are not secure.

  • If security is important to you, the best way to achieve this is to connect to a VPN. Many companies offer a VPN to their employees. If you do not have access to a VPN, you may want to limit your wireless network use to non-critical e-mail and basic Internet surfing.

  • Other recommendations: use firewall and antivirus software, keep OS up to date, turn file sharing off, and encrypt sensitive files.

Printing:

  • King County Library System is currently working with its software vendor to develop an update to allow wireless
    laptop users to print to the library system’s printers.

  • However, this functionality is not yet available. In order to print, users need to save to a floppy or USB flash drive and then login to a library computer.

  • Your library card number provides you with 75 pages of free printing per week (Sun-Sat).

Wi Fi Zone Program logo

KCLS is an official partner of the Wi-Fi Zone program

 

 

 

 

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Last Updated: April 10, 2008