Wireless Service at VPL

Wireless service is now available in all branches of the Vancouver Public Library. This service is available from the time the library opens to the public until 5 minutes before closing. This service allows you to connect your laptop to the VPL network and the Internet without a network jack. For VPL's access policy, please click here. To view the FAQ click here.

Prerequisites

You will need a VPL card to login. Wireless guest access cards are available. Ask staff about registering.
You must provide your own laptop and, because VPL cannot supply power for all laptop users, a fully charged battery.
Your laptop must have a wireless network card installed that supports 802.11 A, B or G.
The wireless card must be setup and enabled. Click here for hardware and software tips.
Your laptop must have the TCP/IP protocol installed and setup to Obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP).
Double-click on the wireless icon in the lower right corner of your task bar. Click the box to allow you to connect to the vpl network and click the Connect button.
Open up a browser. When you try to access an online page your browser should come to a page entitled "Welcome to the VPL Wireless Network". You must login with the barcode and PIN from a VPL library card. A wireless guess access card is available for visitors.
Enter the requested data and click the "I agree" button to begin your wireless session.
After you agree, you will see a certificate, signed by VPL. Click "Yes" or "OK" to proceed.

Security certificate in Internet Explorer

When you connect to the VPL wireless network in Internet Explorer, you will see the popup window in fig. 1. Click the Yes button.

fig. 1

Security certificate in Mozilla

The first time you connect to the VPL wireless network in Mozilla, you will see the following popup window (fig. 2). Change the selection to Accept this certificate permanently and then click the OK button.

fig. 2

Now you will be able to browse the Internet.

Hardware and Software Tips

The following are general tips only. Since the instructions for enabling or installation for the wireless NIC (Network Interface Card) may be different for each laptop and operating system, for specific instructions please refer to the instruction manual that came with your laptop or NIC.

Hardware Tips

Many laptops and most other wireless devices (PDAs, etc.) come with an integrated wireless network card. Some laptops have a switch that must be turned on while others must be turned on using the Fn key + a Function Key (i.e F4, F5). Make sure that the wireless NIC is turned on.
Some laptops may have a separate NIC card. Before inserting the NIC, make sure that the card is oriented correctly (usually the brand name is on top). If you put the card into the PCMCIA slot upside down, it will not fit into the slot. DO NOT FORCE THE CARD.
Ensure the wireless network card is pushed all the way into the PCMCIA slot (usually located on either side of a laptop) and that the lights are on or blinking.

Software Tips

How to enable your wireless device on a Windows laptop:

On some laptops, turn on a switch on the side or back of your computer. A light will show that the switch is ON.
On some laptops, press a function key combination.
In Windows 2000/XP or Vista, the wireless card may be disabled in the control panel.
Windows XP / 2000:
- Start > Settings > Control Panel > Network Connections
- Right-click on your wireless network connection and choose Enable.
Windows Vista:
- Start >Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Device Manager > Network Adaptors
- Right-click on your wireless network connection and choose Enable.

Connection Instructions for Microsoft XP

To connect to the wireless network with MS Windows XP, follow these steps:

Locate the wireless networking icon in the system tray.
- The system tray is the group of icons in the bottom right corner of you monitor, beside the time.
- The wireless icon looks like one or two monitors.
- Pass the mouse over the icons to bring up a description.
Double click the wireless networking icon.
Highlight the wireless network labeled VPL by clicking it, then click Connect.
Open your browser to see the authentication page and proceed to login.

Connection Instructions for Microsoft Vista

To connect to the wireless network with Windows Vista, follow these steps:

Click Start button, and then click Connect To.
Highlight the wireless network labeled VPL by clicking on it, and then click Connect.
Open your browser to see the authentication page and proceed to login.

For more information about how to connect to wireless networks by using Windows Vista, visit: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb878035.aspx

Instructions for MAC OS X

If the AirPort icon is not enabled in the menu bar:

Select the Apple Button (very upper left corner of the screen) and choose System Preferences from the drop-down list
From there, select Network.
Select the AirPort entry, and click the Configure button.
Make sure the Airport tab is selected from the top menu, and then place a check in the box labelled Show AirPort status in menu bar

Connecting to the wireless network:

Click the AirPort icon in the menu bar, and a list of wireless networks will display
Select VPL.
When connected to a wireless network, the AirPort icon will change from a ‘light grey’ color to a solid black.
The number of solid black lines indicates the signal strength (more black bars = stronger signal).

For more details, visit http://www.simplehelp.net/2007/04/17/how-to-connect-your-os-x-mac-to-a-wireless-network/

To find out your PC's IP address, or to identify your device's MAC address

Windows 95/98/98SE/ME

Click the Start button, and select Run. In the space provided, enter winipcfg and click OK.
Select your network card from the drop down list.
Your MAC address will be displayed in the Adapter Address field and your IP address will be displayed in the IP Address field.

Windows NT/2000/XP

Click the Start button, and select Run. In the space provided, enter cmd and click OK.
At the command line, enter ipconfig /all. Your MAC address will be displayed as the Physical Address and your IP address will be displayed as the IP Address

Windows Vista