DPL - WiFi Frequently Asked Questions

WiFi FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use wireless at the library?
What is WiFi or wireless?
Why wireless?
Will I need any special settings or passwords to connect?
Will I need my library card to access your subscription databases (Online Resources)?
I’m using my own equipment, do the general rules about computer use still apply to me?
Can the library help me configure my computer?
What about virus protection and security?
What hours is wireless access available?
Is wireless available at all Deschutes Public Libraries?
How do I configure my computer or troubleshoot problems?

1. How do I use wireless at the library?

To connect to the library's WiFi, look for and join the publiclibrary wireless network.
The Deschutes Public Library System uses the WiFi standard (also known as IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g). These standards provide up to 54 megabits/second connection speed. Speed may vary by location and number of active wireless users.
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. The Library does not provide wireless cards.
Most WiFi equipment will be compatible. However, the library can make no guarantees as to compatibility of your equipment with the library's network.
Printers are not currently available to wireless users.

2. What is WiFi or wireless?

WiFi is short for wireless fidelity and is meant to be used generically when referring of any type of 802.11 network, whether 802.11b, 802.11a, dual-band, etc. The term is promulgated by the Wi-Fi Alliance. Wireless Internet access uses radio frequency signals to exchange information between your computer and the Internet.
No cables are required

3. Why wireless?

Wireless allows library users to bring their own computers or other devices to the library and get access to the Internet.
Library users can use their wireless laptop computers, iPods or other devices to access the Internet at most places in the library. You are not limited to the normal computer areas of the libraries.

4. Will I need any special settings or passwords to connect?

No, the library's patron wireless network is open to all visitors.
No special encryption settings, user names, nor passwords are required.

5. Will I need my library card to access your subscription databases (Online Resources)?

No – for purposes of accessing our subscription databases (Online Resources), you will be treated as if you are on a library computer, and will not have to provide a library card.

6. Since I’m using my own equipment, do the general rules about computer use still apply to me?

Yes – you still cannot disrupt other patrons as described in the Deschutes Public Library Administrative Rules for Internet Access and the Patron Code of Conduct. Any activities deemed illegal apply to you whether or not you are on a Library-owned computer or your own computer. Furthermore, security hardware and software will disconnect you temporarily or permanently from the entire wireless network if you attempt to circumvent standard procedures and protocols, or attempt to access or manipulate equipment to which you are not authorized to connect.

7. Can the library help me configure my computer?

No - everyone's computer is different and you are responsible for knowing how to configure your own equipment.
The Deschutes Public Library cannot be responsible for any changes you make to your computer's settings.
If you need additional assistance, you may need to contact the manufacturers of your hardware or software. The library staff cannot provide any help beyond this FAQ page.

8. What about virus protection and security?

It is solely the responsibility of the wireless device owner/user to provide anti-virus protection, and to configure their laptop/PDA settings to provide the appropriate security settings to control access from other wireless devices within the Library and the Internet itself. The Deschutes Public Library cannot and will not take responsibility for damages incurred for incorrect, insufficient or incomplete security settings; or lack of adequate or up-to-date virus protection. Wireless users assume all risks in this regard.

9. What hours is wireless access available?

Wireless access is available during open hours at the library.

10. Is wireless available at all Deschutes Public Libraries?

Wireless is available at all locations of the Deschutes Public Library.

General Information: - Wireless card settings - Internet Explorer tips - Miscellaneous

NOTE: The following instructions are general guidelines and require that you understand how to configure and restore the settings of your own computer. It is best to try to use the Internet before attempting any of the changes suggested on this page.

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) = "publiclibrary" or scan for the closest/strongest access point.
WEP = disable WEP encryption
Mode or Network Type = Infrastructure mode or Access Point – NOT "Ad-Hoc"

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 and XP (pre-Service Pack 2)

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 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 name of the wireless network available at your location in the library (PAT-1, PAT-2, etc) and click "Connect."

Windows XP (post-Service Pack 2) and Windows Vista

***NOTE*** In addition to the aforementioned procedure, you may have to make the following configuration changes. Windows Vista and XP (Service Pack 2) installations are configured with much more aggressive security settings than in all previous Windows versions. Users who have either XP (SP2) or Vista will have Internet Explorer 7 configured with Windows pop-up blocker, Firewall and possible Windows Defender enabled by default. Because of the many possible security settings combinations, we recommend adjusting the settings in accordance with your operating system manufacturer's documentation. Initially, you may try the following:

In Internet Explorer, adjust the cookies setting to low.

Temporarily disable pop-up blockers for the site, including any third-party add-ins such as Google or Yahoo tool bars.

Adjust the firewall settings to allow traffic from the wireless portal site https://216.228.164.19

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 an IP address from a DHCP server" and click OK.

Macintosh

Network Settings (OS 8 & 9):

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.

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 (Wi-Fi) Ethernet.

4. Leave Domain Name Servers and Search Domains blank.

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.

4. In some instances, namely Internet Explorer version 7.0, you may need to allow pop-ups for the interactive login/logout to appear.

Miscellaneous:

If your operating system or particular device is not mentioned above, in general, you should set your network options to "DHCP" for IP address assignment, and "any" for network or SSID name.

If your wireless network card software has the option to scan for the strongest signal that is usually preferable.

Deschutes Public Library