Wireless Internet at the Grand Prairie Libraries

Wireless internet access is provided by the City of Grand Prairie, centered at the Main Library and the Betty Warmack Branch Library. There is no charge for wireless access, and no registration or ISP account is required.  Users must supply their own notebook computer or handheld device, with wireless capability.

What do I need for this to work?
You will need a notebook computer or PDA that can accommodate a wireless network card that conforms to 802.11b or 802.11g standards. All manufacturers label their products accordingly so finding one should be easy.

Can I access my email from home through this hotspot?
If your internet provider allows you to access your email through the web, then you will be able to access your email. Your home internet provider will be better able to explain any instructions needed to access your email.

Are there any restrictions to what kind of website I can access?
Websites with words that could be explicit or offensive are being blocked.

Where can I access the hotspot within the library?
Most areas of the two libraries (internally and externally) will have access to the internet through the wireless hotspot. The best way to find the hotspot is to walk around with your device and see if it can make an internet connection. Our main Library page has maps to the Libraries.

Get Wireless Enabled
To go wireless with an existing notebook, first check to see if it is wireless LAN enabled. You can have wireless through either a PC Card or an integrated solution. If wireless isn’t built in, you’ll need to purchase a wireless LAN Card (either PCMCIA or a mini-PCI). This card fits neatly in the PC Card slot of your notebook. Most wireless PCMCIA cards will work as long as it conforms to 802.11b or 802.11g standards.

Make the Connection
Most wireless network cards use Microsoft’s wireless networking services. These instructions will focus on Microsoft’s software. If you are using another manufacturer’s wireless networking software it will still work but the configuration and look will be slightly different.

Are you connected?
Once you have inserted your wireless network card into your wireless device, Microsoft will show an icon on the taskbar in the lower right corner of your screen. The following icons tell you if it has found a network connection or not.

Not connected

Connected

If you can’t connect:
If you have any wireless security enabled on your system you may have problems connecting. The hotspot is setup for public use, so there is no security on it. To disable your security with Microsoft’s wireless network services follow these steps.
1) Double click

2) On the window that appears, click the PROPERTIES button
3) On the properties window, click the WIRELESS NETWORKS tab
4) In the Wireless Networks window, click MAINLIB under PREFERRED NETWORKS to highlight it and click the properties button.
5) Uncheck the box labeled “Data encryption”. Uncheck the box labeled “Network authentication”. That should unlock any security on the system

.

Still not connected?
If you are still unable to access the internet and have verified that you have no security enabled on the wireless network settings, try these tips;
1) Verify that you have an IP address:
Double Click

then click the Support tab.
2. The numbers next to the IP Address should look something like 10.3.255.XXX (X could be any number). The line that says Address Type should say “Assigned by DHCP”. If not, you will need to set your system to DHCP.
3. Click the “General” tab. Click the “Properties” button. In the new properties window that opens, click to highlight the service titled Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Click the “Properties” button on this new window.
4. In the new window that appears, make sure that “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” are both selected. Select OK, and reboot your system. Attempt to reconnect. If you still cannot connect, you will need to determine if your network card is working. Check your card documentation or contact the card’s manufacturer for details.

All of these instructions will work for a Windows XP system. Other Windows platforms will be similar in appearance and function. For MAC OS, Linux, UNIX or any other OS please refer to any documentation you might have regarding these tips. Any questions regarding email access or logging into a web page will need to be referred to that website.