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Walk-in-wireless logoWalk-In-Wireless Equipment Information

Libraries participating in the Walk In Wireless Connections in Public Libraries Project will receive the following equipment.

Notebook Computer

  • Dell Inspiron 1100,14.1 XGA,Celeron2.4 GHz (221-3911)
  • 256MB, 2DIMM, Inspiron 1100 (311-2117)
  • 20GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive Inspiron (340-7266)
  • No Floppy Drive Option, Inspiron (340-8972)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Inspiron 1100 (420-2195)
  • Dell Resource CD with Application Backup,W/Tool for Abacus 1100/5100 (313-1714)
  • Generic Inspiron Dell Support (412-0408)
  • Inspiron Tools CD (313-2208)
  • Integrated NIC for Inspiron 1100 (430-0399)
  • Internal 56k Modem for Inspiron 1100 (313-1399)
  • Intervideo Software DVD Solution for Inspiron Systems (313-1370)
  • 8X Max DVD Rom,Inspiron 1100 (313-1403)
  • Dell TrueMobile1300 WLAN (802.11b/g) PC Card (430-0582)
  • No Productivity Software requested (412-1397)
  • WHr Lithium Ion Primary Battery for Inspiron 1100 (312-0154)
    Type 7 Contract - Mail-In Service, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year (950-3510)
  • Type 7 Contract - Mail-In Service, 24x7 Technical Support, 2YR Extended (950-3512)
  • No Internet Service Provider Requested (412-0148)
  • Dell/My Way Home Page (412-0625)
  • Real Network RealOne Player Basic,Version 6,US English (412-0380)

Wireless Networking Components

All participating libraries will also be provided with...

1 Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router (WRT54G)

Up to 3 of the site's choice of: Linksys Wireless-G PC Card (WPC54G) or Linksys Wireless-G PCI Adapter (WMP54G)

Where appropriate and necessary, the Linksys Power Over Ethernet Adapter Kit (WAPPOE) will be provided to supply electrical power to an access point otherwise out of the reach of a convenient electrical outlet.

Libraries that wish to allow printing from wireless devices, and can dedicate a compatible printer will be given a Linksys Wireless-G Print Server USB 2.0 (WPS54GU2).

Notes on Equipment Installation, Management and Troubleshooting

Dell 1100 Setup Procedure

  1. Unpack the computer, connect to its AC power adapter, and plug it in.
  2. Hit the space bar to pass through the first two screens, and let the system boot.
  3. Hit Next at Welcome to Microsoft Windows / Dell setup screen, then at dates and currency screen.
  4. Click on "Yes, I Accept" in End User License Agreement page, then click on Next.
  5. Click Nnext on "What's Your Computer's Name?"
  6. Enter "admin" on the What's Your Administrator Password? page, then Next.
  7. Click on Skip when asked "How will this computer connect tot he Internet?"
  8. Click "No" when asked "Ready to Register With Microsoft?", then Next.
  9. Enter "Library Patron" as "Your name" in "Who Will Use This Computer?" page, then click Next, then Finish. The system reboots.
  10. When the system has rebooted, insert Dell TruMobile 1300 CD in drive and wait for the setup program to start.
  11. Click Install Software button when Main Menu appears.
  12. Click Next, then Finish, as prompted. Reboot.
  13. Insert the wireless PC Card when the screen goes blank for the reboot.
  14. Upon restart, the system should report" Wireless Network Connection: One or more wireless networks are available. To see a list of available networks, click here." Click, then click on Connect.
  15. After a moment, the bar graph icon at the lower right of the screen should show green, signifying that you are online wirelessly.
  16. Click on the Automatic Updates Setup Wizard icon, second from the left in the row of icons at the right end of the task bar.
  17. Click Next, then check Keep my computer up to date, then select Notify me before downloading, then click Next, and finally finished.
  18. Open up Internet Explorer and go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. Scan for Updates and install all Critical Updates and Service Packs. Updates are a moving target, so multiple cycles may be necessary before all Critical Updates have been downloaded and installed.
  19. Eject the CD and return it to its sleeve. Turn off the computer. Remove the wireless card and return it to its plastic anti-static pouch. Repackage the notebook, including the wireless card, CD and wireless documentation.

Dell 1100 Tips

Preparation of the notebook computer for use by the public is the responsibility of each library. Anti-virus software and/or desktop management software (Fortres, Deep Freeze) and/or access policy configuration are at least as important for a notebook as for a desktop public access computer. Be sure to check for "Critical Updates" from the http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com site at least once a week, and download and install as they become available.

Linksys Wireless Router (Model WRT54G)

Physical Connections

WiW libraries vary in the nature, extent and complexity of their wired network infrastructure. Here are the most common topologies:

1. MSLN Cisco router (usually series 1600) has a second ethernet port. MSLN activated the port and the Linksys was connected directly to it.

2. Library started out with a single-port router or FRAD at the MSLN entrance and a cable leading to a hardware firewall or a utility router functioning in that role. We added a switch between the MSLN router and the firewall and attached the AP to the switch. Variation: AP was attached to a firewall port on the Internet side of the firewall.

3. Library started with a single port router or FRAD at the MSLN entrance leading to a switch. To add some protection for the wired network a Linksys utility wired router was added above the switch and a small utility switch between it and the MSLN router. The AP was then linked to the new switch. In this configuration the new utility router does Network Address Translation for the wired network segment. It is important that its internal IP is changed from 192.168.1.1 to something else, perhaps 192.168.1.2, so that it does not conflict with the internal IP of the AP.

Admin Settings

The administrative interface to your access point/router (AP) can be reached by pointing a web browser to http://192.168.1.1 from within your wireless network. If your AP has been given a public IP address, you will probably be able to get to the AP administrative menu using that address as well, not only from wireless devices but also from other wired computers in your building.

In nearly all cases, WiW access points were configured in this manner:

  1. Define a new IP address within your site's range using the MSLN NM (Network Management) tool, then go to. Setup... Basic Setup... Internet Connection Type and change DHCP to Static IP. Enter the MSLN IP address, the MSLN gateway address, the standard MSLN DNS servers and the MSLN subnet mask.
  2. Create a non-obvious password and username. Go to Administration... Management... Router Password and change "admin" to a stronger password. Save. Click Continue to log back in. Enter a non-obvious username. This will be remembered as the username from now on. Enter the new password. Reappearance of the admin menu confirms that the password is correct. If you should ever lose the username and password for your AP, you will have to reset the device to default values by pressing and holding down for 15 seconds the small recessed button on the back of the AP.
  3. Set the SSID, the wireless network name seen by users when they connect to the access point, to something meaningful. Northport Public Library is meaningful. Linksys is not. Do this from Wireless... Basic Wireless Settings... Wireless Network Name (SSID). Click Save. Your computer will lose wireless connection because the AP called "linksys" has disappeared. After a moment or two, your system will probably detect the new value and offer the opportunity to connect to it. Do so, then browse again to 192.168.1.1 to be sure all is well.
  4. If testing indicates an unstable or short range connection, interference from a cordless phone or other electronic device, or even another wireless network, may be the issue. Try changing Channel from the Wireless... Basic Wireless Settings menu.