The Indianapolis Public Library has Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) points to allow patrons the opportunity to connect to the internet using their own equipment in the library. Wireless access points are available at all IndyPL locations.
Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) is a wireless technology similar to what cellular telephones use to communicate. Wireless-enabled computers, laptops, and mobile devices use radio frequencies to send and receive data indoors and out; anywhere within range of a wireless signal.
For wireless internet access, your device must have 802.11 (g, n, or ac) compliant wireless capability, a charged battery and/or a power cord, and an internet browser such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge (formerly Internet Explorer), or Apple's Safari.
Please note that this service is offered as a courtesy to patrons who have their own equipment.
Because of the vast array of wireless cards and mobile devices on the market, library staff will not be able to answer technical questions about your specific card configuration. The Library cannot guarantee that your equipment will work with the library's network and is not responsible for any changes you make to your computer's settings.
Follow these steps to connect to the internet through the IndyPL Wireless Network:
In most cases you will not need to change the settings on your browser to connect. However, if you are unable to connect immediately, see the tips below.
Please note that:
The library's wireless network is not secure and information sent from or to your device could be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software.
We recommend your device have the latest operating system service packs and anti-virus software before connecting to the internet.
The tips provided assume a laptop running Windows or Mac OS X is being used.
Check that your wireless connection is enabled and that it has a strong connection to the WLAN access point.
Enable the connection if needed. If the signal is poor, try moving to another location in the library to improve signal strength and quality.
Check your wireless card configuration.
The network name (SSID) that your laptop should connect to at IndyPL is "Public Library." Check your wireless card properties and ensure the card is active and pointing to an available network called public. WEP encryption should be disabled. The mode or network type should be "infrastructure mode" or "access point."
Check your laptop's network TCP/IP settings.
In Windows, these settings can generally be accessed from the Control Panel under Network and/or Internet Connections > Wireless Network Connection. Find the properties for TCP/IP and ensure that Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain a DNS server automatically are selected.
If using Mac OS X, go to the Apple menu and click System Preferences > Network. Find the TCP/IP settings. Configure IPv4 should be Using DHCP. Leave the DNS Servers and Search Domains boxes blank.
Check that your laptop has a valid IP address for the public network (10.4.x.x or 10.44.x.x).
To verify the IP address using Windows:
If the IP address is different, try to reestablish a network connection:
For Mac OS X users:
From the Apple menu click System Preferences > Network > TCP/IP. If there are no numbers next to the IP address, subnet mask, and router or the IP address is not 10.4.x.x or 10.44.x.x, check the DHCP settings and verify that the SSID is public. You could also try clicking Renew DHCP Lease in Network Preferences.
Ensure your browser is not set to run through a proxy.
For example, the proxy settings in Internet Explorer are under Tools > Internet Options > Connections > LAN Settings.
If using Mac OS X, go to the Apple menu and click System Preferences > Network > Proxies.
Wireless printing is available here.