The Royal Oak Public Library is pleased to announce that wireless access to the Internet is now available in and around the Library! The wireless signal is accessible in all public areas of the Library and even outside in the courtyard, lawn and public seating to the Southwest of the library building. In addition, if you bring a laptop and Ethernet cable to the library, you may connect via one of the many Ethernet floor ports in the public areas of the Library.

Access Requirements

You will be asked to agree to abide by the terms of the Royal Oak Public Library Internet Access Policy; you do so by entering the username and password that is supplied above the Internet Access Policy. You will also be asked to accept the security certificate.

Connecting with your laptop or portable device at ROPL

Windows XP and Mac OS X can automatically detect wireless networks. Make sure that your wireless network card is turned on and enabled, then connect to the "ROPL" network, open a browser window and go to any website. You will be directed to the Library gateway.

If you do not connect, several settings may need changing - the IP Address and DNS server need to be obtained automatically. If you have high-speed Internet at home, these settings should already be set.

To change the settings in Windows 2000/XP

Right click "My Network Places" select Properties. Right click "Wireless Connection" select Properties. Select "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" from the scroll listing, click the Properties button. Click on the "Obtain IP Address Automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically" buttons and accept the changes. A restart may be required.

Older versions of Windows: The settings are the same, but their locations may differ. Look for "Network Connections" or for the control panel installed with your wireless card. Refer to your manual for details.

To change the settings in MacOS X

In System Preferences select Network > Select AirPort from the popup menu > Click the "AirPort" tab and select "automatic" > Click the "TCP/IP" tab select "Using DHCP" > Click "Apply Now."

Questions and Answers about Wireless Access at the Royal Oak Public Library

Who can access the library's wireless and Ethernet networks?

Wireless and Ethernet access to the Internet is available to Library visitors and to card holders. All that is required is that you type in the username and password provided as you connect.

When is wireless access available?

Wireless access is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Where is wireless access available?

The wireless signal is accessible in all public areas of the Library and even outside in the courtyard, lawn and public seating to the Southwest of the Library building.

What type of wireless access is available (what type of equipment do I need)?

The network supports 802.11 a/b/g network cards. Most WiFi equipment will be compatible. However, the Library makes no guarantee as to the compatibility of the Library network with your equipment.

Does the Library provide laptop computers or wireless adapters?

The library does not provide laptops or wireless adapters. Laptops and wireless adapters are available at any local computer store.

How do I configure my laptop, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or other portable device to use the Library wireless access?

The library may develop a set of online and printed instructions but, unfortunately, Library staff are not able to actually assist individual wireless users. Configuration information may include information about the SSID (Service Set IDentifier), how to change TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) settings, WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) or other encryption settings, etc.  Many of the Q&A's listed below give more detailed examples of this.

Are there limitations on the wireless access?

Printing, to a library printer, is not available while on our wireless or Ethernet networks. There are no content filters, there is no waiting, there are no time limits. Please see the ROPL Internet Access Policy for more information.

Is the Royal Oak Public Library network secure?

When using wireless or wired Internet access with patron-owned computers or devices, patrons should ensure that their equipment is adequately protected against viruses, spyware and intrusion by other patrons on the network. Using personally-owned computers or devices in the Library to access the Internet places those computers or devices on a local-area network shared with other patrons engaged in similar use. The Library is not responsible for the actions of those other patrons, and therefore patrons should protect their computers and devices to prevent undesired access from other patrons, or from other Internet users in other locations. Please see the ROPL Internet Access Policy for more information.