You’ll need a wireless network interface card (802.11b, 802.11g or 802.11n) and the appropriate software already installed in your laptop or portable device. Just launch your browser, accept the library’s Internet Policy, and you’re online.

Basic Settings

Since each person’s computer can be different, you are responsible for knowing how to configure your equipment. Here are the basic settings you’ll need:

• Network name: Champaign Public Library
• Disable WEP encryption
• Mode/Network Type: Infrastructure Mode or Access Point (not ad hoc)
• TCP/IP properties: “Obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP)”

Plugging In

Need power? You’ll find outlets under the square power access doors in the floor at our Main Library, along with wall and study carrel locations. There are no outlets on our patio — but there is Wi-Fi!

Printing

To print, save your work to a flash drive, or e-mail your files to an online e-mail account, then print from one of the library’s public computers. You’ll need a library card (or computer guest card) number to use a library computer. Printing costs 10 cents per page, or $1 per page for color.

Limitations and Security

Our Wi-Fi service is not secure; please be aware of the risks. Even if firewalls are running on laptops, we recommend that sensitive information not be sent through our network. The library is not responsible for the safety of equipment or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to its wireless network. Review the library’s Internet Policy for details.

Other CU Wi-Fi Hotspots

Check out our handy list and map of all the Wi-Fi hotspots in Champaign-Urbana (that we know of).