Wireless Internet Access

• Who can access the wireless network and are there any fees?
• What wireless standards do you support?
• How do I connect to the wireless network?
• Where is coverage/strength the best?
• Are there any limits that I should be aware of?
• How can I protect myself on the wireless network?
• Will the library troubleshoot my laptop/PDA?
• Where else can I access a wireless network on campus?

• Any patron of the Vera Bracken Library can access this service at no cost. Patrons include students, faculty, staff, community members, and visitors.

• The Vera Bracken Library currently supports the 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g wireless standards. These three access standards are the most common types currently employed.

• To connect to the network, you only need to turn on your laptop's (or PDA's) wireless card. The wireless network that you will connect to is called: MHC-Public. No user name or password will be requested from this wireless network.

• Coverage and strength of the wireless signal is dependent on a variety of factors, such as:
  • age and standards of your personal equipment - older equipment might not run as fast or be as compatible
  • number of users accessing the system - more users might mean less available bandwidth to share
  • objects such as the book stacks and walls potentially block/slow the signal
  • interference from signals at similar frequencies can potentially nullify the network signal
    
• The following map illustrates the relative coverage of the wireless network in the Library:

• COMPUTER USAGE POLICY. As with any other computer service in Medicine Hat College, use of the wireless network is governed by the Computer Resources Acceptable Use Policy. We strongly recommend that patrons read this document to ensure that they are in compliance with this policy.
  
• COLLEGE FIREWALL. The College employs a network firewall that protects the network from malicious attacks by users off campus. As a result of the firewall, you might not be able to access some websites that you need to consult for educational purposes; if this is the case, see the Library Information Desk.
  
• PRINTING. You will not be able to perform printing functions on the wireless network. Printers are only available via hard line computer terminals such as the Library's Drop-In Computer Stations.
  
• NETWORK FOLDERS. Some programs have access to class folders that are shared on the College's network. Shared class folders will not be accessible via the Library's wireless network.

• The best ways to protect yourself on this (or any other wireless network) are to:
  
  • employ a personal firewall (both Mac and Windows employ built-in firewalls)
    
  • turn file sharing off
    
  • have up-to-date antivirus software
    
  • update all pertinent software packages (Microsoft Office, Windows, etc.).
    
• Be very selective about what type of information you want to access over the wireless network. Do not access secure and confidential information (e.g., bank records, credit card services, etc.) unless absolutely necessary.

• No, neither Library Services nor Information Technology Services provide troubleshooting assistance for your personal equipment, though we can scan the wireless network to verify that it is running. If you cannot access the wireless network with your equipment, consult your owner's manual or the vendor's service centre.

• NOTE: All areas are governed by the same policies as the Vera Bracken Library.
  • CENTENNIAL HALL & STARBUCKS CAFÉ/CAFETERIA. The Cafeteria area and Centennial Hall (at the main entrance of the Medicine Hat Campus) are also wireless hotspots.
  • ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTRE (ARC)/OPEN LEARNING CENTRE (OLC). Located on the third floor of the B-Wing.
  • C-WING. There is wireless connectivity on the second floor of the C-Wing, and some coverage on the lower floor.
    
  • S-WING. The Medicine Hat Campus's S-Wing does have a wireless network, but it is password protected and only accessible to select student groups.