Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi)

Looking for a place to check e-mail, surf the Net, or do last minute research...

Wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) has been implemented throughout the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative. Use your wireless enabled device (laptop or PDA) to gain access to the Internet for web browsing and eMail. Access is not open to all Internet ports. Please be certain your use is restricted to basic web-browsing. Use for or need of specialized ports for SMTP, Remote Desktop, Corporate Intranets, etc are not provided for on our wired or wireless connection. Not sure of what wireless means? Need help with terms? Visit W2i or DevX

This service is FREE and currently available at all full service library locations:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Network Identifier or the SSID: HCPLC-Library

Enter the SSID above into your wi-fi configuration. Make sure that WEP/WPA encryption is turned off.

Need help? Check the wireless card manufacturer's support page by using a library public Internet workstation. The library provides general setup/access support for Windows XP SPK2 and Windows Vista. Not sure of what wireless means? Need help with terms? Visit W2i or DevX.

Not Connecting?

• Is device wireless (Wi-Fi) capable (does it have a wireless card or built in Centrino)? Blue Tooth technology is NOT Wi-Fi
• Is the wireless card or built-in technology (Centrino) turned on?
• Is the device in "default" configuration such that it will pick up any broadcast?
• Are other wireless networks overriding ours? Our SSID broadcasts as "HCPLC-Library". A customer could find themselves on another network not supported by the library.
• Is the device locked down (Windows FW, wireless, wireless protection via Zone Alarm or Air Defense) or is wireless access disabled?
• Visit the links relating to Windows XP SPK2 and Windows Vista to follow the graphical steps outlined concerning multiple wireless connections and/or insecure connections.
• Are you attempting to access a resource on a non-standard port? Standard ports are web (80) and limited access on other ports (8000 and 8080) for example. If you are trying to access SMTP, Remote Desktop, Corporate Intranets, etc. the library does not provide open port access.

Printing is not available using the library's wireless connection. To access a printer, signup to use the library's public Internet workstations.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The library utilizes Dell's TrueMobile 2300/2350 Series WAPs (wireless access point) devices to connect to our public network. This device is compatible with 802.11b & 802.11g standards. The security you enjoy on our public network will also protect your wireless connection. However, data transfers between your laptop or PDA and the WAP are insecure. We suggest you install or implement the native firewall in Windows XP or XP SPK2 or some other third party program to insure secure communication and data transfer.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Find other area libraries around Florida as provided by JiWire.com.