Wireless Access

We are pleased to offer free wireless Internet access to customers with appropriately equipped wireless devices. This service is free and is funded by the South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative and the New Jersey State Library, an affiliate of Thomas Edison State College.

How can I use the wireless Internet at the library?

Most users can simply bring their wireless-enabled laptop computer or other wireless device to the Library and turn it on. The computer will automatically recognize the wireless network. If your laptop does not have wireless built-in, you can install a WiFi-compatible network card.

Will I need any special settings or passwords?

There are no passwords required. In many instances, your computer or PDA will automatically detect and connect to the library’s wireless network. If your computer or PDA does not connect right away, make sure that your wireless utility is configured as follows:

  • SSID or Network Name: check with your public library for SSID name.
  • WEP: disabled
  • IP or Network Settings: DHCP enabled or obtain an IP address automatically
  • DNS: obtain DNS address automatically
  • Gateway: no default gateway set – your card should detect it automatically.
  • Save your settings and restart computer if necessary.

What can I do on the wireless network?

Our wireless network offers you a high speed connection to the Internet that lets you:

  • Check your e-mail
  • Surf the Internet
  • Do online research
  • Check the library catalog
  • Access the library's databases

Printing is not currently available from the wireless network. To print you can either save your document and print when you get home, or save your document to a disk or cd-rom and use one of the other computers available to you in the library.

Is the wireless network secure? Is it 100% safe for me to send personal information?

No, but wireless networks are not unique in this respect; on all shared networks, whether wired or wireless, users can potentially eavesdrop on each other's data, though it is not usually likely that they will. If you are transferring confidential information (passwords, credit card numbers, online banking information, health data and so on) you are strongly encouraged to use secure web sites (SSL) or other techniques (SSH, VPN) to safeguard your confidentiality. The library cannot ensure the privacy of information you transfer over the wireless network.

We can assure you that connecting your computer to the Internet via a wireless network does not increase your risk of exposure to viruses and other such risks. Wireless hotspots do not produce viruses, which are most often transmitted as attachments to email. It is strongly recommended that all users install and run a virus protection program.

Can the Library help me configure my computer?

Each computer is unique, and we’re sorry that we are not able to offer personal technical assistance with your configuration. However, we do provide a webpage of technical assistance to help you with the most common issues. The technical assistance webpage is available at: www.sjrlc.org/wireless/tech.htm

Which South Jersey public libraries offer wireless hotspots?

Click here for a complete list of libraries that are offering wireless hotspots.