• Wireless Internet access uses radio frequency signals to exchange data between your computer and network without the need for cables.
• L.A. Harbor College offers free wireless access to registered students using the WiFi standard, IEEE 802.11b and 802.11g.

Why wireless?

• Wireless allows people to bring their own portable computers to the library and get Internet access.
• With wireless, users can sit anywhere they like and not just in designated computer areas.

• Users need to bring their own portable computers to the library with either built-in WiFi or an installed adapter card.
• Most WiFi or 802.11b/g compatible units should work at the library. Apple calls their system Airport.
• The Library's wireless network is open to all registered students and requires logins and password.
  Login name is the first 3 letters of your last name, the first letter of your first name, and the last 4 digits of your
  student ID number. Password is the month and day of your birth (must be 4 digits).
• Due to the variety of computer systems, library staff cannot help visitors to configure their own equipment. Please see tips and settings provided here and/or contact the manufacturer of your hardware/software.
• Connecting to the LAHC wireless network .

Wireless Card Settings:

• SSID or Network Name = “LAHC Wireless"
• 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:

• IE7 browser setup instructions .
• Before changing any settings, try using the wireless network. It may already work.
• Wireless settings used at home can conflict with settings needed at the library. Please make certain that original settings can be restored before making any changes.
• After making changes, 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. LAHC Wireless " 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 "LAHC Wireless" should be detected. Click "Go Ahead" and then "Connect Now". See IE7 browser setup instructions if using Firefox.
  
• MAC OS X - Use the Airport Setup Assistant program to join existing AirPort network, signal should be detected for “LAHC Wireless”, and follow steps to conclusion. See IE7 browser setup instructions if using Firefox.

Network Settings Tips:

• 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.
  
• Windows Vista In I.E. 7, turn off the phishing filter. Turn off the User Account Control in Vista. Leaving these on may hinder the use of our wireless network. The campus IT department is still working on how to configure Vista to our wireless network. There may be some connection problems until this has been fixed.
  
• 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.
  
• MAC OS 9 can adjust settings through "Apple Menu>>Control Panels>>TCP/IP".
  
• MAC OS X can adjust through "Apple Menu>>Location>>Network Preferences".

Security Issues:

• By their very nature, public WiFi networks are not secure.
  
• If security is important to you, the best way to achieve this is to connect to a VPN. Many companies offer a VPN to their employees. If you do not have access to a VPN, you may want to limit your wireless network use to non-critical e-mail and basic Internet surfing.
  
• Other recommendations: use firewall and antivirus software, keep OS up to date, turn file sharing off, and encrypt sensitive files.

Sound:

• So that you do not disturb others in the Library, please wear headphones or turn off (mute) the volume on your laptop.

Power Outlets :

• You can use any available power outlet to plug in your laptop. Please do not unplug any Library equipment to access a power outlet.

Printing:

• Printing over the wireless network is not yet available. In order to print, users need to save to a floppy or USB flash drive and then login to a library computer.