What is Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is short for "wireless fidelity" and is a term used to describe a wireless network based on a technology standard named 802.11 developed by the IEEE. Currently, the protocol has three adopted versions called 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. The Jenkins wireless network supports the 802.11b/g protocols.

How does it work?

A wireless access point (AP) serves as a beacon and broadcasts radio signals at a certain frequency to the surrounding area. Laptops or PDAs equipped with wireless cards configured with the proper settings can then connect to the AP and surf the Internet.

The wireless coverage area encompasses all of the patron areas of the library. Once connected, you can browse the Web, send e-mail, or VPN into your office. You will also be able to use JAC to search the Jenkins collection. The wireless network does not support printing services. Please note that in order to access the Westlaw/Lexis legal databases, you will still need to use the computer workstations in the Reference room.

How do I connect to the wireless network?

You will need an 802.11b/g compliant wireless card. If you do not know if your card is compliant, you can check the documentation or the label on the card itself. Wireless cards come bundled with software that allows the user to configure their card to connect to different wireless networks.

The information you need to get connected to the Jenkins wireless network is below:

SSID: Jenkins Network type: Infrastructure TCP/IP Settings: DHCP Association mode: Open Encryption: WEP Encryption key: Ask the circulation or reference desk (Note: This key changes periodically for security reasons)

What if I don’t have a wireless card?

In addition to wireless Internet access, the library offers several locations that have data ports which you can plug your laptop into with an Ethernet cable. These locations include all library carrels, the tables along the windows in the State area, and the seating counter in the café area.

Ethernet cables are available at the circulation desk.