Free WiFi Questions and Answers

Basic information

What is WiFi?

WiFi (short for "Wireless Fidelity") is a term used to describe certain types of wireless local area networks (WLAN) that use high frequency radio signals to transmit and receive data over distances of up to a hundred metres or so. The standards are defined by the IEEE 802.11 family of specifications. Many airports, hotels, and libraries including some Christchurch libraries offer public access to the Internet via WiFi networks. These locations are known as WiFi hot spots.

Which libraries have WiFi?

Please refer to Free WiFi at Christchurch City Libraries.

Where can I use my laptop in the library?

A strong signal and power are available in areas displaying the wireless hotspot sign.

When can I use the service?

The service is available during library opening hours.

How much does it cost?

The service is provided free to customers of Christchurch City Libraries.

What can I do?

Connect to the internet and browse the same websites that are available through the library PCs, including webmail services, the library catalogue and the Source. See What services can I connect to? below for more details.

Getting connected

What do I need to connect?

To access the service, you need a wireless-enabled laptop, PDA or phone (WiFi, 802.11b/g or WLAN). If you use a WLAN in your office or home, your existing hardware will enable you to access the service. Most new laptops and PDAs are now manufactured with internal WiFi facilities. Any device displaying the WiFi logo should work.

How do I connect?

• Switch on your laptop
• Check the wireless network on your laptop is enabled
• Your laptop should detect the Christchurch City Libraries’ wireless network
• Open your web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, etc)
• You should be automatically directed to our WiFi welcome page
• You need to accept our terms and conditions before you proceed with using this service

How long can I stay connected?

There is no time limit on access, but each customer is limited to 200MB of data usage per day. There is a file download limit of 50MB per file. There is a file upload limit of 5MB per file.
At Central Library Peterborough:
1) There is currently no restriction on either download speed or total data usage.
2) There is no restriction on the length of time someone may use the service for each day.

Using my iPod or iPhone to connect to the libraries’ WiFi

• Go to your Settings
• Select WiFi and WiFi networks
• Turn WiFi off to disconnect
• Turn WiFi on — you can now connect to the library’s WiFi network

Conditions and services

What services can I connect to?

The free Wireless (WiFi) network within the libraries offers the following services and protocols;

• Internet access URLs starting with http:// (TCP-IP port 80)
• Secure Internet access URLs starting with https:// (TCP port 443)

The following protocols are NOT available from the free service;

• File Transfer Protocol (FTP) access URLs starting with ftp:// (TCP-IP port 21)
• Simple Mail Transfer Protocol or SMTP (TCP-IP port 25). Most local e-mail clients like Outlook Express use this protocol. Most ISPs have web based e-mail access: this in most cases can be used to get access to your e-mail
• Post Office Protocol 3 or POP3 (TCP-IP port 110) same as above
• Any other IP based protocols that do NOT use either port 80 or port 443

What library services can I use?

You can access the library website, Internet Gateway, on-line catalogue and use all of the Source resources.

Can I check my email?

You can access website- based email services, but access to client-based email (e.g. Outlook, iPhone/iPad Mail app.) is not available.

Is the content filtered?

Yes – the same filtering rules are applied as to our internet access computers.

Do I have a download limit?

Customers are limited to a connection speed of 1MB/s. This is a maximum speed limit, and at busy times the actual connection speed may be lower. Central Library Peterborough does not currently have this speed limit, however it may be implemented in future. There is currently no data limit per day at any of our locations.

How secure is the service?

The service is free and open.
We do not recommend using the service for confidential transactions.
You are responsible for the security of your computer and your data.
You are also responsible for the physical security of your belongings while in the library. Please do not leave your laptop unattended.

Can I print?

No. However, we are investigating how we can offer customers this service.

Troubleshooting

I can’t connect. What should I do?

Make sure you have followed the how-to-connect instructions. Read our Wireless troubleshooting guide [653KB PDF].
Ask a member of staff to check that the service is working.

The service is slow, what is wrong?

The speed of the service can vary depending on the number of users connected. At certain times of the day, the service may appear slow. This is quite normal

What help can I get?

Christchurch City Libraries will only provide limited advice on how to connect to the WiFi service. Any configuration changes needing to be made to your equipment to enable you to use the service are your responsibility and are made at your own risk.