Wireless Internet Access

Wireless access is offered at nine locations: Milton R. Abrahams Branch, Millard Branch, W. Clarke Swanson Branch, Florence Branch, Charles B. Washington Branch, Willa Cather Branch, Benson Branch, Bess Johnson Elkhorn Branch and W. Dale Clark Library. This simple guide will help you get connected.

Internet Usage Policy
Accessing materials legally defined as obscene or harmful to minors is strictly forbidden. Users are expected to honor this policy and respect others’ sensitivity to certain materials. Full Internet Policy

Security
Wi-Fi networks are not secure:

• Disable file sharing or print sharing when connecting to OPL’s wireless network.
• Always use firewall and antivirus software, keep your Operating System (OS) updated, and encrypt your sensitive files.
• There is no guarantee your hardware will work with its wireless connection.
• Data and files transmitted to and from your laptop within the signal’s range can be captured by any wireless device with the appropriate software.

Basic Requirements:
Most Wi-Fi or 802.11 (a)(b)(g) compatible units or Apple Airport should work.
No special login, password, or encryption required.

Hardware/software requirements:

• Laptop or other portable device with a built-in Wi-Fi or installed adapter card.
• Web browser such as: Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, Firefox, etc.

Disclaimer:
OPL is not responsible for changes you make to your computer’s settings and cannot be held liable for the safety of personal equipment, laptop configurations, security, or data files created while using its network.

Wireless Card Settings
Before changing any settings, try using the wireless network. It may already work. Wireless settings used at home can conflict with settings needed at OPL. Make certain that original settings can be restored before making any changes.

SSID or Network Name = OPL (broadcast so your card should find this automatically)

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 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.

You may need to reboot after you change settings

Wireless configuration tips

Windows 98/ME/2000 needs to use a wireless client manager program provided by the manufacturer of the wireless adapter. Refer to creating a profile to be used at OPL in addition to the profiles used at home or elsewhere.

Windows XP has a built–in configuration tool. Click on the icon in the system tray (bottom right corner) to see a list of available networks. OPL should be on the list. Select it and click “Connect” or “Configure” and compare settings to those listed in this document. Also click “Advanced” and check “Connect to Unsecured.”

MAC OS 9 - Use the “Airport Setup Assistant” program to configure an existing wireless network and “OPL” should be detected. Click “Go Ahead” and then “Connect Now.”

MAC OS 10 – Use the “Airport Setup Assistant” program to join existing Airport network, signal should be detected for “OPL”, and follow the steps to conclusion.

Network setting tips

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 NetworkConnections 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”.