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Wireless Access in the Community

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Scenario: Getting wireless access in a local library, coffeehouse, or bookstore

Many community businesses now offer wireless access to their patrons; some charge a fee or require a purchase of a beverage or meal in order to gain access, while others are free. The Champaign-Urbana Community Wireless Network (CUWiN) maintains a partial list of free and fee-based wireless hotspots in the area. CUWiN also provides free-access coverage in the adult section of the Urbana Free Library.

This page explains the types of questions to ask the staff at a location with advertised wireless access. It also describes the extra security precautions you'll need to take to keep your laptop secure on a wireless network.

Getting connected to the wireless network

In some places, you may simply be able to start your laptop, open a browser window, and immediately use the strongest available wireless network. However, because the network is so open to access, you should take extra security precautions to protect your computer and data.

If you're in an area where more than one wireless network is available, you may need to select which one to connect to. Just as UIUCnet Wireless has a distinct network name and particular configuration instructions for connecting, community wireless networks will also have distinct names and configuration requirements.

Questions to ask the staff at the business or library you're visiting:

• What is the name (or SSID) of your wireless network?
  
  
• Are there any configuration steps I should take to let my wireless network card connect to your network?
  
  
• Will I need a username and password to connect?
  
  
• Are there any fees for using the wireless network?

The wireless network may require DHCP (which is an automatic way to assign network addresses), or you may need to use a specific IP address that the location staff assigns you. For more information about configuring DHCP and SSIDs, see Configuring your computer to work in a temporary location.

Extra security for laptops

Because laptops connect to more networks from more locations than desktops, you may need to take extra precautions to keep them secure.

• Personal firewall

Having a personal firewall installed on your computer is particularly important when you're working on open, unsecured wireless networks. It prevents other wireless network users from being able to access your computer's hard drive.

Many modern operating systems offer built-in firewalls that are easy to enable and use. For more information, see Personal Firewalls.

• Patches, antivirus software, and anti-spyware software

It's always important to keep your system patched and up to date. See the security scenario on Laptop Security for more information on the University's antivirus and anti-spyware software, available at no charge to campus users.

• VPN

As a campus user, you can connect to the campus VPN from anywhere in the world in order to improve your networking privacy over unfamiliar wireless networks. For more information, see VPN for Wireless Users and the Wireless security scenario.

For additional information, including ways to physically protect your laptop during travel, see the security scenario on Traveling with a Laptop.