WiFi Frequently Asked Questions

Peoria Public Library (PPL) offers high speed wireless connectivity at the Main Library. Getting online is quick and simple. All you need is a wireless enabled laptop computer, tablet PC or PDA. All visitors may use PPL’s network free of charge. No special encryption settings, user names, or passwords required. However, you must abide by the library’s Internet Use Policy to connect.

Are there Limitations and Disclosures?

The library cannot guarantee the safety of your traffic across its wireless network. The library assumes no responsibility for the configurations, security or files on your laptop resulting from connection to the library's network. Information sent to or from your laptop can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and appropriate software, within up to 300 feet.

Does the Peoria Public Library offer Technical Assistance?

The PPL is not able to provide technical assistance to users and cannot guarantee that you will be able to make a wireless connection. If you need assistance, contact the manufacturer of your laptop or software. The library is not responsible for any changes you make to your computer's settings

I can’t get a WiFi signal, but the person next to me can.

Not all wireless cards are the same. Your card may not be the same quality as your neighbor’s.

Do all PDA’s support wireless?

While not all PDA’s support wireless, several manufacturers have adopted the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11b and 802.11g standards.

Will my Macintosh work with the PPL WiFi network?

Yes, as long as it supports 802.11b or 802.11g wireless.

What can I access on the network?

Users can access internet sites (http, https). For security concerns, users cannot access the following internet protocols:
FTP/TFTP: File transfers
POP3/IMAP: Email clients such as Outlook
VPN: Remote network access
Telnet/SSH: Remote client access

Do I need special software or drivers to connect?

You do not need special software, up to date drivers have remedied connection problems. The drivers included in your card may be old; updates are usually available on your vendor’s website.

What are 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, etc.?

802.11a (aka WiFi5) - Theoretical speeds up to 54 Mbps (with a fallback to 48Mbps, 36Mbps, 24Mbps 18Mbps, 12Mbps, 9Mbps, 6Mbps) in the 5 GHz band. Not compatible with 802.11b.

802.11b (aka WiFi) - Theoretical speeds up to 11 Mbps (with a fallback to 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps and 1 Mbps) in the 2.4 GHz band, the most popular standard. The majority of WiFi HotSpot locations and equipment utilize this.

802.11g - Theoretical speeds up to 54 Mbps (with a fallback to 48 Mbps, 36 Mbps, 24 Mbps, 18 Mbps, 12 Mbps, 11 Mbps, 9 Mbps, 6 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 1 Mbps) in the 2.4 GHz band, extremely fast AND compatible with 802.11b.

What do all the acronyms mean?

AP - Access Point
ISP - Internet Service Provider
SSID - Service Set Identifier
VPN - Virtual Private Networking
WEP - Wired Equivalent Privacy
WIFI - Wireless Fidelity
WISP - Wireless Internet Service Provider
WLAN - Wireless Local Area Network