[Web4lib] [lita-l] Wireless Network Security

[Sarah Washburn]

Hi Trista,

 

There are numerous options when it comes to wireless security and
authentication. We discuss many of these options in the first Chapter of
our second MaintainIT Cookbook, which you can download from
http://www.techsoupforlibraries.org/files/CB2_Meal%20Plan%20One.pdf.  A
captive portal <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captive_portal>  (sometimes
called a wireless gateway) gives you lots of flexibility and control
when managing your wireless network. However, it's one more device to
install and maintain, so many libraries have decided to pay for two
separate Internet connections, one for the public, and one for staff. 

 

I hope this helps!

 

-sarah

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sarah Washburn

Library Program Manager, TechSoup Global
<http://www.techsoup.org/index.cfm> 

Twitter: TechSoup4Libs <http://twitter.com/TechSoup4Libs> 

  --> learn how TechSoup supports libraries:
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________________________________

From: Trista Lumpkin [mailto:tristanl13 at hotmail.com] 
Sent: Saturday, June 12, 2010 11:16 AM
To: web4lib at webjunction.org; lita-l at ala.org
Subject: [lita-l] Wireless Network Security

 

Hi,
I am the director of a very small, very rural library. We have a wifi
signal that we currently have password protected. In lieu of the wifi,
we give laptop users an ethernet cable to plug into outlets that are
throughout the library. Unfortunately, I have found that many laptops
have security that blocks this network from access the internet
therefore making it useless. I would like to open up our wifi signal for
public use. The reason that it is not currently open is because
previously (before I worked here) they had someone logging onto the
network and using up all the bandwidth and shutting the system down. I
would like suggestions and/or advice on how to open the wireless network
up and maintain the security of our system. We have two modems, so I
believe we can keep our staff computers unavailable (they are on their
own modem), but I don't want to compromise our public system either. Any
and all response are appreciated!! Please email me off line
tristanl13 at hotmail.com
Thank you for your time,
Trista Smith
Director
Darby Public Library

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