Wireless Internet Access at the Library
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where will wireless access be available?
- What is a hot zone?
- Can I have wireless if I am not in a hot zone?
- May I use my own power cords?
- If I use your wireless access, will your filter be in place?
- Do I have a time limit with wireless access?
- How does a patron use wireless access?
- What does my PDA or laptop need to use wireless access?
- Is wireless access secure?
- What are Hotspots?
- Where are other Hotspots in Louisville?
- How does it work?
1. Where Will Wireless Access be Available?
At Main: on the 1st and 2nd floors of the North Building, in the board room and Centennial Room.
At Branches: Available in all public spaces
2. What is a hot zone?
Hot zones are areas that have two things: an electrical outlet and wireless connectivity. Look for hot zone signs or ask library staff to direct you to an available hot zone.
3. Can I have wireless access if I am not in a hot zone?
Yes, but you will have to use your PC's batteries. Electrical cords stretched across the floor present a safety hazard.
4. Can I use my own power cords?
Yes, please use your power cords only in Hot Zones which are designated for that purpose.
5. If I use your wireless access, will your filter be in place?
Yes.
6. Do I have a time limit with wireless access?
No.
7. How does a patron use wireless access?
Most users will only need to change their Internet browser proxy settings. (see detailed instructions for Internet Explorer and MAC OS X).
Operating systems other than Windows XP and Windows 2000 or 2003 may require manual configuration of the wireless card. Consult the documentation for your specific brand and model of network card or contact the manufacturer or supplier for technical support. Information may also be found on your browser's Website.
8. What does my PDA or laptop need to be wireless-capable?
You must have a po computer, with a wireless network card that is 802.11b or 802.11g compatible. You must also have an account on your computer that has permissions sufficient to change the proxy setting on your Internet browser software. While using the wireless network, you will only be able to access the Internet by changing your proxy setting to proxy1.lfpl.org and the port to 80
9. Is wireless access secure?
No, the signal from the PDA or laptop is susceptible to interception.
10. What are Hotspots?
The term Hotspot is often used to refer to places that offer wireless access whether for a fee or for free (sometimes called Freespots). all the Hotspots at the Louisville Public Library are free.
11. Where are the other Hotspots in Louisville?
http://www.wififreespot.com/ky.html or http://www.louisvillehotspot.com.
12. How does it work?
Your PDA/laptop connects to our netework using radio signals. This is known as a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). We have the equivalent of radio station antennae broadcasting a signal that can be picked up by a wireless card in your laptop/PDA. However, the anntennae and the wireless card can send information as well as receive data. The data from a computer is made up of bits (1s and 0s). Bits are converted into radio waves and then back into bits.
Please ask at the Information Services Desk if you have other questions.
