Wireless Access

Log into your Account Buscar en español Web Catalog Home

Wireless Access

If you have a laptop computer, PDA or other device equipped with a wireless card, you can take advantage of high speed (broadband) wireless Internet access while visiting the Central Library and the West Salem Branch. No passwords are required.

The wireless service is made possible by OPEN.ORG, the library's Internet Service Provider. The 802.11b wireless network can support up to 30 wireless users each at between 1 and 5 Mbps.

Printers are not available via the wireless connection. If you need to print, it is possible to save to a floppy and print using one of the library's public workstations.

Wireless Card Settings

Use the software that came with your wireless card or computer to configure the settings and to verify a connection to the library's wireless network.

• Mode: Infrastructure (this matches the connection method)
• SSID: any (lowercase) (This matches any Network name)
• WEP: disabled (Disables Wired Equivalent Privacy)

If you have difficulty establishing a connection

• 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.

Please be advised that

• Due to insurance limitations and warranties, Library staff is not allowed to configure patrons' laptops or install PCMCIA cards.
• The Library assumes no responsibility for any alterations or interference with a laptop's configuration, operation, or data files resulting from connection to the wireless network.
• Virus and security protection is the responsibility of the patron.
• The Library assumes no responsibility for damage, theft, or loss of any kind to a user's equipment, software, data files or other personal property brought into or used at the Library's facilities.
• The Library cannot guarantee that the service will be available at any specific time nor can the Library accept reservations for wireless access.
• The connection shall not be used for illegal or time-consuming commercial purposes. Please restrict your use of the connection to 1 hour, while others are waiting.
• Patrons shall defend, indemnify and hold the City of Salem, its officers, employees, and agents harmless against all claims, actions, and judgments based upon or arising out of the patron's use of Library wireless connections.