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 Catherine Creedon says that this service alleviates 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. “Waiting times for our seven public access stations have decreased as more and more 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,” Creedon said.

“The wireless access is available on all three floors,” said John Jermain’s Coordinator of Technology and Media, Eric Cohen. “On the first and third floors we installed equipment that supports the technical standard known as 802.11g. Our hotspots on these floors also support the older and more common standard known as 802.11b. Continuing to support 802.11b permits a significantly larger group of wireless laptop owners to utilize the system.” The main difference between the various 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. On the second floor, newer technology also supports the 802.11n standard, which is even faster than 802.11b. Of course, the b & g standards are also supported on the second floor.

In order to take advantage of this new technology, laptop computers must be equipped with a wireless network adapter supporting the 802.11b, 802.llg or 802.11n standards. Another standard, 802.11a, much less common than the others, is supported on the library's second floor as well. The John Jermain Memorial Library has also acquired a few wireless network adapters for the purpose of loaning them to library patrons who own laptop comptuers which are not equipped for wireless Internet access. In addition, the library has two laptops computers (one PC, one Macintosh) equipped with wireless technology that are available for loan to library patrons. The wireless adaptors and laptop computers are available to library cardholders for in-library use only.

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 ericc@johnjermain.org.