Pierce County Library > Wi-Fi Instructions

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Wi-Fi Instructions

General Instructions for Wireless Access for all Systems

Free Wi-Fi service is on for limited use outside of the buildings in parking lots. Please be sure to social distance – keeping a minimum of six feet away from others when you are in the parking lots and respecting all library instructions. Connectivity issues may arise as Wi-Fi coverage is intended for use inside the library buildings. Staff is not available to assist with connecting with this service. If you need assistance, please contact your mobile service provider or other support.

Note: The following instructions are general guidelines and require that you understand how to configure and restore the settings of your own computer.

More about wireless access at the Library >>

Wireless Settings

SSID or Network Name = "Library WiFi"
WEP or Encryption = none or disabled
Mode or Network Type = Infrastructure or Access Point
Authentication = Open or None
TCP/IP settings = Use DHCP or "obtain IP Address automatically"
Turn Wireless ON
Many laptops with built-in wireless, and some with external cards, have switches, buttons or software that can be used to turn wireless off to save battery life. Make sure that it is turned ON.

Wireless Configuration Tips

Before changing any settings, try using the wireless network. It may already work.
Wireless settings used at home can conflict with settings needed at a library. Please make certain that original settings can be restored before making any changes.
After making changes, it is possible that you may need to reboot.
Windows 98/ME/2000 needs to use a wireless client manager program provided by the manufacturer of the wireless adapter, so please refer to the documentation and software that came with the equipment.
If using a wireless client manager, check the instructions that came with the program regarding the possibility of creating a profile to be used at the library in addition to the profiles used at home or elsewhere.
Windows XP has a built-in configuration tool. Look for icon in system tray at the bottom, right corner. Click on it to see a list of available networks. "library" should be on the list. Select it and click "Connect" or click "Configure" and compare settings to those listed in this brochure. Also click "Advanced" and add checkmark to option for "connect to unsecured".
MAC OS 9 - Use the Airport Setup Assistant program to configure an existing wireless network and "library" network should be detected. Click "Go Ahead" and then "Connect Now".
MAC OS X - Use the Airport Setup Assistant program to join existing Airport network, signal should be detected for "library", and follow steps to conclusion.

Network Settings Tips

Windows 98/ME settings are found through the Network section in the Control Panel. Check the Properties of TCP/IP associated with the wireless adapter.
Windows 2000 settings are found through Network and Dial Up Connections in the Control Panel. Check properties of the Local Area Network associated with the wireless adapter and check properties of TCP/IP.
Windows XP settings are found through the Network Connections in the Control Panel. Select Properties of Wireless Network Connection and check Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) settings.
TCP/IP settings should be set to use DHCP or "obtain IP Address automatically".
DNS settings, if applicable, should be set to use DHCP or to obtain automatically.
MAC OS 9 can adjust settings through "Apple Menu>>Control Panels>>TCP/IP".
MAC OS X can adjust through "Apple Menu>>Location>>Network Preferences".
In the event certain information does not display, try turning off any firewall or pop up blocker software you may have installed on your laptop.

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