Free Wireless Computing at CPL

Welcome to the Chicago Public Library's High Speed Wireless Internet System. All locations of the Chicago Public Library offer free wireless access to the Library's network.  Getting online is quick and simple. All you need is a wireless enabled laptop computer, tablet PC or PDA. The Library's WIFI network is open to all visitors free of charge and without filters. No special encryption settings, user names or passwords are required.

Hardware Requirements
A laptop computer with a WiFi Internet card that supports the WiFi standard (also known as IEEE 802.11b or g).

Quick Setup Settings:
SSID (network name) = CPLWiFi
Test your connection. If connection fails, you may need to adjust the following settings:
WEP = disable WEP encryption
Mode or Network Type = Infrastructure mode or Access Point
DHCP = Obtain an IP address automatically
DNS = Obtain DNS server address automatically

Troubleshooting
Windows XP & 2000
Network Settings:

1. From Control Panel, select "Network and Dial- up Connections" or "Network and Internet Connections."
2. Right-click on "Wireless Network Connection" or "Local Area Connection" and click "Properties."
3. Locate the internet TCP/IP protocol and get into its Properties. If more than one TCP/IP protocol is listed, look for the one associated with your wireless adapter.
4. Select "Obtain an IP address automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address automatically."
5. For XP, right-click on "Wireless Network Connection" and select "View Available Wireless Networks." Select the name of the wireless network available (CPLWiFi) at the library and click "Connect."

Windows NT
Network Settings:

1. From Control Panel, double click on "Network."
2. Locate the TCP/IP protocol and double click on "Properties." If more than one TCP/IP protocol is listed, look for the one associated with your wireless adapter.
3. Select "Obtain an IP address from a DHCP server" and click "OK."
4. From the Control Panel, select "Internet Options" then click on the "Connections" tab. If you also have a dial-up connection, it should not be set to "Always dial my default connection." LAN Settings should be "Automatically detect settings." And leave the Proxy server settings blank.

Macintosh
Network Settings (OS X):

1. Select Apple Menu, then System Preference, then Network button.
2. Select TCP/IP tab and configure "Using DHCP."
3. Above the TCP/IP tab, you may need to configure via "AirPort" or other wireless (WiFi) Ethernet.
4. Leave Domain Name Servers and Search Domains blank.

Limitations and Disclosures

The Library's wireless network is not secure, and the Library cannot guarantee the safety of your traffic across its wireless network. The Library assumes no responsibility for the configurations, security or files on your laptop resulting from connection to the Library's network. Information sent to or from your laptop can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and appropriate software, within up to three hundred feet.

The Library is not able to provide technical assistance to you, and there is no guarantee that you will be able to make a wireless connection. If you need assistance, contact the manufacturer of your laptop or software. The Library is not responsible for any changes you make to your computer's settings.

You must click the I AGREE button to connect to the Library's wireless network. If you successfully connect, you will be taken to the Chicago Public Library's website.

For more information see our WiFi FAQ page.