Wireless FAQs (courtesy of Chicago Public)

FAQ's

I can't get a WiFi signal, but the person next to me can.

Not all Wireless cards are the same. The quality of your card versus your neighbor's can be quite different.

Do all PDA's support wireless?

While not all PDA's support wireless, several manufacturers have
adopted the 802.11b standard.

Will my Macintosh work with wireless in the Library?

Yes, as long as it supports 802.11b or 802.11a wireless.

Do I need special software or drivers to connect?

While you won't need special software, up-to-date drivers have
remedied many connection problems. The drivers included with the card may
be several generations old. Updates are usually available on the vendor's
website.

What is the difference between 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, etc?

802.11a (aka Wi-Fi5) – Theoretical speeds up to 54 Mbps
(with a fallback to 48Mbps, 36Mbps, 24Mbps 18Mbps, 12Mbps, 9Mbps, 6Mbps)
in the 5 GHz band, however not compatible with 802.11b.

802.11b (aka Wi-Fi) – Theoretical speeds up to 11 Mbps (with a fallback
to 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps and 1 Mbps) in the 2.4 GHz band, most popular standard
with the majority of HotSpot locations and equipment utilizing this.

802.11g – Theoretical speeds up to 54 Mbps (with a fallback to
48 Mbps, 36 Mbps, 24 Mbps, 18 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 11 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 5.5
Mbps, 2 Mbps, 1 Mbps) in the 2.4 GHz band, extremely fast AND compatible
with 802.11b.

What do all the acronyms mean?

AP – Access Point

ISP – Internet Service Provider

SSID – Service Set IDentifier

VPN – Virtual Private Networking

WEP – Wired Equivalent Privacy

WI-FI – Wireless Fidelity

WISP – Wireless Internet Service Provider

WLAN – Wireless Local Area Network

Can I print web pages or files from my laptop using the Library's printer?

No, the wireless network is not connected to the library's public printers.

I don't have a laptop computer. How can I use the network?

Unfortunately, the library does not have laptop computers for
loan. You may access the network from computer stations located in other sections of the library.

What kind of wireless card do I need?

You need an 11Mbps 802.11b or 802.11a Wireless Network Card.
Many new laptop computers have wireless built in them so you will want
to check with your laptop manufacturer for your options.

How long does my connection last while I'm in one of your libraries?

We have not implemented any sort of time limit presently; however, we reserve the right to do so at a later date.

Do I need to Update Windows for wireless?

You don't need to update Windows specifically for wireless but
it is always a good idea to keep your software fully patched and up to
date. You need to make sure that Windows remains safe when you are on the
wireless network (or any internet connected networks). Microsoft recommends
that you install all the "service packs." For your version of Windows and
visit www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com for
more information. Make sure that you have anti-virus software and that
personal firewall software is running on your machine

I can't get XP to connect with your wireless.

Two very common problems are:

On some XP laptops with both wireless
and wired (Ethernet) connectivity, vendors ship with the "Network Bridge" turned
on. You may need to Delete this (under Control Panel, Network Connections).



Numerous problems have been reported with Windows XP Service Pack 1 that are resolved
by Service Pack 2.

I can't use your wireless with Windows 2000.

A machine with an integrated wireless card and running Windows
2000 might stop to work after installing SP3. Microsoft Knowledge Base
article 327947 http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=327947,
states that Windows 2000 SP3 turns off PCMCIA-to-PCI IRQ routing, which
causes problems for integrated Lucent/Orinoco wireless adapters. You need
to follow the instructions in the Microsoft Support document to re-enable the card.

Will Bluetooth transmissions interfere with my Wireless connection?

It is unknown whether Bluetooth transmissions will interfere
with Wireless connections at this time. Bluetooth does transmit in the
same frequency range as Wireless so it is possible that the transmissions
may interfere with each other.

Does a wireless card reduce battery life?

The wireless card does use the battery more since it is constantly
radiating a signal to the access point.

I have problems connecting with Internet Explorer - IE

In some cases, the proxy server setting is present in your browser.
On a public network like the Library network, it's important that you turn
off proxy servers. The wireless network cannot allow unauthenticated connections
to external proxy servers for security reasons.

To check proxy setting, go under Internet Options, Connections tab, verify
that the Dial-up and Virtual Private Network settings are set to "Never dial a connection"

Under Local Area Network (LAN) Settings, uncheck each of the following:

"Automatic Detect Settings",

"Use Automatic Configuration Script", and

"Use a Proxy Server for your LAN"

I own a Cisco, D-Link, Linksys, Netgear, Nortel, or SMC a/b/g
wireless card and am having throughput (slow connection) problems.

Check with the manufacturers for resolution. Some cards are more
problematic than others but upgrades are regularly available for the popular
cards.

Can a cell phone interrupt my connection?

A cell phone probably won't interrupt your connection, however
there are cordless phones and microwave ovens that operate within the frequency
range of the CPL Wireless (2.4 GHz and up) that can cause interference
with the connection.

What else can interrupt my connection?

Wireless connects using radio waves. Those things that can cause
interference of radio can also interfere with your Wireless connection.
The largest offenders however are those things containing water. Wood,
people, fish tanks, walls all can cause the signal to be interrupted or
lessened. If you experience a connection problem try moving to a different
part of the room or within sight of the Wireless Access Point.

Why does the wireless network data transfer rate vary?

There are several possibilities including:

1. Your distance from the Access Point (AP). You can see variable rates
   ranging from 45Mbps to 1 Mbps depending on how close you are to the AP.
2. Since a wireless network is a shared network, its data transfer capability
   depends on how many users are using the same AP.  If more people
   use the same AP then users might see slower connections.

I think I got a virus from your Hotspot.

Hotspots do not produce viruses. They come from the Internet,
often as attachments to e-mail. It is strongly recommend that all users
have virus protection and a personal firewall installed on their Laptops.

(FAQ's Courtesy of Chicago Public Library)