More info:

Getting Connected

Wireless FAQs

Questions

• What is the wireless network?
• I don't have a laptop computer. How can I use the network?
• I have a laptop computer. How can I use the wireless network?
• Can I use my own wireless network card?
• What equipment can I buy to use the wireless network on my own?
• How fast is the wireless network?
• How long does it take to register my laptop on the network?
• Does the network have a limit as to the number of users that may sign on?
• What platforms are supported?
• What about security?
• Does the wireless network pose a health hazard?

Answers

What is the Wireless Network?
The wireless network allows you to access library resources and the Internet using a laptop computer from any location in Paul V Galvin Library. You can do your research where it's convenient for you. With the wireless network, you can get up and move as you need to!

I don't have a laptop computer. How can I use the network?
 We have a limited number of laptop computers available for use, on a first-come, first-served basis. Come to the Circulation desk on the first floor of Paul V Galvin Library to check out an laptop for two hours. Laptops are only available to current IIT students, faculty, and staff with valid library borrowing privileges. You must sign a Laptop Borrowing Agreement in order to borrow one of these machines.



I have a laptop computer. How can I use the wireless network?
You'll need a wireless network (802.11b or 11g) card. This card plugs in to your computer, and communicates between it and the network. Your laptop may also come with an embedded network card.  You will be able to use such a network card as long as it is 802.11b (also known as Wi-Fi) compliant.  Before you will gain access to the network you will need to register your laptop with the network - 3 easy steps for wireless registration.

What equipment can I buy to use the wireless network on my own? Over the last few months, 802.11b & g network cards have become very affordable.  Although you might be tempted to purchase a $20 card, you may be disappointed with the results.  Network cards from well known manufacturers (such as Cisco, Lucent, Linksys and many others) may be a bit more expensive but are less likely to give you problems.

How fast is the wireless network?  The Paul V. Galvin Library provides a wireless Ethernet connection comparable to what you might expect on a traditional, wired network.  The maximum speed of the network is 11Mbs, although factors like network congestion and signal strength will influence actual performance.

How long does it take to register my laptop on the network? It takes a few seconds to do online automated registration. 

Does the network have a limit as to the number of users that may sign on?  The wireless network will be able to accommodate foreseeable demand without any significant drop in performance.  As many as a few hundred users may be signed on to the network without overburdening the connection.

What platforms are supported? Although the laptop user is responsible for setting up drivers and making sure the network card is functioning, library staff will be happy to help with connection problems.  Aid to users of operating systems will be very limited.  Only web access is supported on the network, other programs are not supported but may function. 

What about security? Galvin library takes computer security very seriously. This is the main reason that we require users who access the wireless network with their own laptops to sign up for usage.  In order to provide an open and accessible environment, however, the library does not provide encrypted connections.  While using  any radio based network connection, the information you send is "sniffable" by malicious users.  To ensure the security of your data use SSL enabled pages (such as the Paul V. Galvin Library Request Forms or secure IIT email). Sensitive information, such as usernames and passwords or credit card numbers may be sent securely if the website features SSL encryption.  Also, keep in mind that regular telnet and ftp connections are not encrypted.  In these environments you should use ssh and scp which feature a high degree of security.  Additionally, as with any computing environment, we advise using common sense on the network.  Do not leave your laptop logged on to secure sites such as your IIT student financial account and keep credit card and other financial  transactions to a minimum.

Does the wireless network pose a health hazard?  No, the wireless network does not pose any health risk.  It uses radio signals well within the spectrum of safety.  The technology used to send signals is well established, and has been in use for some time before being employed in the network environment.  While there will always be controversy over the safety of exposure to radio signals, it is something we are exposed to whether we have a wireless network or not.  Concerns over safety of cell phones do not apply to wireless network.