Library Services and Collections

About Wireless Internet

January 21, 2010 - Wireless Internet Access is back at the Central Library and Hawthorne Branch

• High-speed wireless
• Free at ALL Madison Public Library locations
• No security codes needed
• Only available during open hours

Wireless Access FAQs

• Can my laptop access the library’s wireless network? How can I tell?
• How do I know if I have one of the two types of wireless standards (802.11b and 802.11g) you support?
• I have the right software and hardware and the wireless network is not coming up, and I clicked on my wireless icon but nothing’s happening. What now?
• I just can’t make my machine work on your wireless network. Is there anywhere else I can go downtown?
• I can’t get my laptop connected—can you fix it so it will work?
• My battery is running low—where can I plug in?
• Do you have headphones I can use?
• How secure is the library's wireless?
• The wireless network connection went down and my document was lost. What can I do?
• How do I use the library's computers for internet access?
• I've used wireless at Madison Public Library before, and I can see your access point with my wireless software, but can't connect. What's wrong?
• Can I print from my laptop to the Library's printers?

Can my laptop access the library’s wireless network? How can I tell?

1) Try putting your mouse over the icons on the lower right of your task bar (to the far right of the Start button, near the clock.) If you hold the mouse there for a second or two, it will tell you what each of the icons is for. One may be for wireless. If it is, click it and explore the window that comes up.

2) Try clicking on Start, then Programs and looking through the list for your wireless program.

3) Your device may generate a pop up menu (generally at the bottom right of your screen) that says it has found a wireless connection.

How do I know if I have one of the two types of wireless standards (802.11b and 802.11g) you support?

Nearly everyone will have one of those two types. If you want to check, either click on the wireless icon on your computer (lower right of the screen) or if you have a removable adapter, turn off your computer, pull it out and check the label.

I have the right software and hardware and the wireless network is not coming up, and I clicked on my wireless icon but nothing’s happening. What now?

Wait at least 5 minutes for your machine to finish booting up. If there is still no sign of our network, try moving closer to the wireless access point. Ask the librarian where it is, if necessary.

Also:

• If you have a wireless on/off toggle key (usually one of the function keys-it will have a wireless icon on it), be sure it is toggled ON.
• Make sure your wireless card is inserted.
• Check the manual for your wireless card.
• Check that the network settings for your card are set to " obtain an IP address automatically ."
• Try to stop/start the card or even reboot your computer.

I just can’t make my machine work on your wireless network. Is there anywhere else I can go?

Use the Wisconsin State Journal's Wi-Fi spots in Madison database to find a recent list of all spots and businesses that offer free wireless access in Madison.

Other spots in Madison and Wisconsin can be found on the Wi-Fi FreeSpot Directory or find out about coverage in the downtown area at MADCity Broadband (there's a fee). UW-Madison also offers wireless access to UW-Madison students, faculty, staff and guests.

I can’t get my laptop connected—can you fix it so it will work?

We can’t troubleshoot machines that don’t belong to Madison Public Library. In fact, we won’t touch your machine at all. (We don’t want to damage your machines or documents, and can’t be responsible for your machine in any way.)

My battery is running low—where can I plug in?

Please charge your battery before coming to the library, as we can’t guarantee there will be an outlet available for you. Here’s a map of electrical outlets at the Central Library. Check with staff at branch libraries for the closest electrical outlet.

Do you have headphones I can use?

We only have headphones for use with Madison Public Library’s own machines. If you plan to listen to any audio on your device, you must use your own headphones.

How secure is the library's wireless?

People with the right software using their own laptop in the library may be able to capture your keystrokes. Please be aware of this, and consider whether you want to use your laptop for critical personal information. Refer to your personal computer's documentation for information about taking protective measures when using an unsecured wireless network.

The wireless network connection went down and my document was lost. What can I do?

There may be times when the network goes down unexpectedly. We suggest saving your work often to prevent the loss of your work. The library assumes no responsibility for your equipment, settings, data, or files.

I've used wireless at Madison Public Library before, and I can see your access point with my wireless software, but can't connect. What's wrong?

If you have been to another Madison Public Library branch in the last few days, check to see if your connection settings have given you an IP address number and a DNS number. (You'll need to know how to do this yourself.) If it has not, at your wireless window, try to refresh and reconnect to the Madison Public Library access point. It may take 2-3 times and up to 2-5 minutes to renew the settings.

In March 2009 we went to a WEP-code free system. If you're having trouble connecting, try deleting the access point and searching for the network again.

Can I print from my laptop to the Library's printers?

Only if you have a Macintosh laptop or one with Microsoft VISTA, and only if you are at Hawthorne Branch or Central Library.

If you do choose to print, you'll need to pay 10 cents per page of printing (even if it is a 'junk' page) and be sure to choose the right printer.

The IP address  for the printer at Hawthorne branch is 192.168.200.21
The IP address for the printer at Central Library is 192.168.200.20

Outlets for Laptops: RED STARS indicate tables or carrels with electrical outlets.

Central Library:

First Floor

Second Floor