Frequently Asked Questions
I can't
get a WiFi signal, but the person next to me can.
Not all wireless cards are the same. Your card may not be the same
quality as your neighbor's.
Do all
PDAs support wireless?
While not all PDAs support wireless, several manufacturers have
adopted the 802.11b standard.
Will my
Macintosh work with the KPL WiFi network?
Yes, as long as it supports 802.11b or 802.11g wireless.
Do I
need special software or drivers to connect?
While you don't need special software, up-to-date drivers have
remedied many connection problems. The drivers included with your card
may be several generations old. Updates are usually available on the
vendor's website.
What
are 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, etc.?
802.11a
(aka WiFi5) - Theoretical speeds up to 54 Mbps (with a fallback to
48Mbps, 36Mbps, 24Mbps 18Mbps, 12Mbps, 9Mbps, 6Mbps) in the 5 GHz
band. Not compatible with 802.11b.
802.11b
(aka WiFi) - Theoretical speeds up to 11 Mbps (with a fallback to 5.5
Mbps, 2 Mbps and 1 Mbps) in the 2.4 GHz band, the most popular
standard. The majority of WiFi HotSpot locations and equipment utilize
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
WIFI - Wireless Fidelity
WISP - Wireless Internet Service Provider
WLAN - Wireless Local Area Network
Can I
print from my laptop using the KPL's printers?
No, KPL's WiFi is not connected to the library's public printers.
I don't
have a laptop computer. How can I use the network?
You may access the Internet and KPL's online resources from computers
located throughout the library.
Does the
WiFi network pose a health hazard?
No, the WiFi network does not pose any health risk. It uses radio
signals within the spectrum of safety. Learn more at the
FCC.
What
kind of wireless card do I need?
You need an 11Mbps 802.11b or 802.11g wireless network card. Many new
laptop computers have wireless capability built in.
How long
may I connect to KPL's WiFi network?
We have not yet implemented a time limit; however we do reserve the right to do
so later.
Why
can't I use Outlook, AOL, or other email clients with KPL's WiFi
network?
KPL does not enable use of POP3 email clients, such as Outlook, to
prevent the use of the library's network to send spam. You may use
web-based email services such as Gmail or Yahoo while connected to KPL's WiFi. Check
your ISP -- they may provide a web-based email site that you can use while
you're connected via KPL's WiFi network.
Do I
need to update Windows for wireless?
You don't need to update Windows specifically for wireless, but you
should keep your system software fully patched and up to date.
Microsoft recommends that you protect your computer by installing
all "service packs" for your version of Windows. Protect your machine
with anti-virus and personal firewall software.
I can't
get XP to connect with KPL's WiFi.
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 reported with Windows XP Service Pack 1 have been
resolved by Service Pack 2.
I can't
use your wireless with Windows 2000.
A machine with an integrated wireless card running Windows 2000 might
stop working after installing SP3. Microsoft Knowledge Base article
327947, states that Windows 2000 SP3 turns off PCMCIA-to-PCI IRQ
routing, which causes problems for integrated Lucent/Orinoco wireless
adapters. Follow the Microsoft Support document instructions to
re-enable the card.
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 KPL's, you should turn off proxy servers. The
wireless network cannot allow unauthenticated connections to external
proxy servers for security reasons.
To check
your proxy setting, go under Internet Options, Connections, verify
that the Dial-up and Virtual Private Network settings are set to
"Never dial a connection."
Under Local
Area Network (LAN) Settings, uncheck the following:
"Automatic Detect Settings"
"Use Automatic Configuration Script"
"Use a Proxy Server for your LAN"
I own a
Cisco, D-Link, Linksys, Netgear, Nortel, or SMC a/b/g wireless card.
My WiFi connection seems slow.
Check with the manufacturer. Upgrades are regularly available for
popular cards.
Can a
cell phone interrupt my KPL WiFi connection?
A cell phone probably
won't interrupt your connection with KPL's WiFi. However, some
cordless phones and microwave ovens operate within the frequency range
of wireless networks and can interfere with their connection.
What
else can interrupt my connection?
Wireless connects using radio waves. Things that interfere with radio
signals can also interfere with your wireless connection. Wood,
people, fish tanks, and walls can all interrupt or diminish the
signal. If you have trouble, try moving to a different part of the
room or within sight of the Wireless Access Point (AP).
Why does
the wireless network data transfer rate vary?
Two possibilities include your distance from the AP and the number of
users connected. Rates range from 54 Mbps to 1 Mbps depending on your
signal strength. Since a wireless network is a shared
network, its data transfer capability also depends on how many users
are using the same AP.
I think
I got a virus from KPL's WiFi.
WiFi networks do not produce viruses. Viruses are transmitted through
the Internet, often as attachments to email. KPL strongly recommends
that all users have virus protection and personal firewall software installed
on their laptops.
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