Wireless Access

Free Wireless Internet Access at the Library!

The Berlin Public Library is now offering wireless connections to the library's Internet service. Bring in your laptop and take advantage of this free service.

  • Internet access is provided via 802.11g wireless access points.
  • Compatable with 802.11b and 802.11g network cards.
  • Your laptop must be configured to use DHCP; see instructions below.
  • Beyond providing basic instructions, library staff cannot assist you with configuring your laptop or to troubleshoot individual problems. Ask at our circulation desk to receive instructions.

Users are expected to follow the library's Internet Access Policy, especially as it pertains to acceptable use in a public setting.

We also offer free Internet access at a number of publicly-accessible PCs in the library.

CONNECTIVITY
Internet access is provided via 802.11b wireless access points, which are compatible with 802.11b and 802.11g network cards.  If  your laptop uses an 802.11a only network card, it will not function.

Most laptops are configured to connect to any available wireless connection using DHCP.  In those cases you can simply turn on your laptop, let it automatically find and connect to one of  the access points, and begin surfing the web.

The most common problems occur when the laptop isn’t configured to use DHCP, the laptop is configured to only connect to an incompatible wireless network, or both.  If  your laptop is not
configured to use DHCP, see instructions below.

If  your laptop is configured to only connect to an incompatible wireless network, you will need to know how to change that yourself or consult the documentation appropriate for your equipment. Connect to access point BERLIN-Belkin. Again, you may need to consult your documentation for specific instructions with your particular wireless network card.

Beyond providing the instructions below, library staff  cannot assist you with configuring your laptop.  The library cannot accept the liability of  handling your equipment.  Given the vast array of  laptops, wireless NICs, software configurations and operating systems available on the market, the library also cannot provide the level of  staff training necessary to troubleshoot individual problems.

Resetting your laptop to use DHCP:
Follow the instructions appropriate to your operating system.

Windows XP
      Start —>  Control Panel —>  Network Connections.
Right-click on your wireless Network Connection and choose Properties. Under the General tab, highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties.  Make sure that “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” radio buttons are selected. Click OK.  If  prompted to reboot, do so.

Windows 2000
      Start —>  Settings —>  Control Panel.
Open Network Connections.  Right click on your wireless Network Connection and choose Properties.  Under the General tab, highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties.  Make sure that “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” radio buttons are selected.  Click OK.  If  prompted to reboot, do so.

Windows ME/Windows 98
      Start —>  Settings —>  Control Panel.
Open Network.  Under the configuration tab, find the TCP/IP -> for your wireless NIC, highlight, then click Properties.  Under the IP Address tab, make sure the radio button next to “Obtain an IP address automatically” is selected.  Under the DNS Configuration tab, make sure the radio button next to “Disable DNS” is selected.  Under the Gateway tab, remove any installed gateways if  present.  Under the WINS Configuration tab, make sure the radio button next to “Use DHCP for WINS Resolution” is selected.  Click OK.  Reboot if prompted to do so.