Wireless laptop, front view

Library Offers Wireless Internet "Hotspot"

In response to the increasing demand for Internet access on its public computers, the library has installed new equipment that will allow patrons with properly equipped laptop computers to wirelessly access the library’s high-speed Internet connection.

Locations with this type of Internet access are commonly known as wireless hotspots, and are becoming increasingly common as wireless networking technology often referred to as WiFi, becomes more mainstream. With this technology in place, library patrons can bring their own laptop computers to the library and use them to access the Internet as well as the familiar programs and personal documents stored on their computers.

Library Director Allison Gray anicipates that this service will alleviate some of the demand for the traditional wired public access computers on the ground floor. The demand typically reaches its peak during the summer season, but remains fairly high year-round. “Hopefully, waiting times for our seven public access stations will decrease as some patrons opt to bring their own laptops and connect wirelessly. Our wired-stations are most commonly used to read e-mail, which requires a connection to the Internet. Now that those with their own computers can connect wirelessly, we are able to provide Internet access to more patrons than ever before,” Gray said.

“The wireless access is only available on the third floor,” said John Jermain’s network administrator, Eric Cohen. “We have installed equipment there that supports the latest technical standard which is known as 802.11g. Our hotspot also supports the older and more common standard known as 802.11b. Continuing to support 802.11b will permit a significantly larger group of wireless laptop owners to utilize the system.” The main difference between the two types of wireless access is the speed at which the transmitting and receiving radios are able to move data. 802.11b peaks at 11Mbs (megabits per second). The 802.11g standard supports speeds up to 54Mbs.

In order to take advantage of this new technology, laptop computers must be equipped with a wireless network adapter supporting either the 802.11b or 802.llg standard. A third standard, 802.11a is not supported by the library’s new equipment. Eventually, the John Jermain Memorial Library may acquire a few wireless network adapters for the purpose of loaning them to laptop owners who do not own this equipment. At the present time, no decision has been made as to whether to offer this service.

Experienced WiFi users will find it quiet simple to configure their systems to connect to the library’s network. Those with less experience will be able to get technical support from the network administrator. For more information contact Eric Cohen at 631-725-0049, ext. 37 or ericohen@suffolk.lib.ny.us.