1.
What is the Public Wi-Fi Project?
2.
What do I need to access the service?
3.
Where can I purchase a wireless Ethernet card?
4.
How fast is the Public Wi-Fi Project service?
6.
Can I access my corporate network using Public Wi-Fi Project?
7.
How do I secure my connection to the Internet through Public Wi-Fi Project?
8.
Do you offer dial-up services?
9.
What operating systems are currently compatible with the service?
10.
How do I install the software drivers for my wireless network card?
11.
How do I know if my wireless network card is supported by the Public Wi-Fi
Project?
12.
Can I access my personal email account through the Public Wi-Fi Project?
13.
Can I connect using a Macintosh computer?
14.
Can I connect using a Palm handheld device?
Public Wi-Fi Project provides FREE Wi-Fi wireless broadband Internet service in public locations such as coffeehouses, restaurants, hotels, and airports. Using either a laptop or handheld that is Wi-Fi 802.11b wirelessly-enabled, you can access the Internet or your corporate intranet at speeds up to 50 times faster than dial-up.
You will need two things to begin using Public Wi-Fi Project. First you will need a laptop or handheld with Wi-Fi 802.11b wireless capability. Your existing device may already have this capability built-in. If not, you can purchase a Wi-Fi 802.11b wireless networking card for most laptops and many handhelds from major electronics retailers or direct from the manufacturer. When your device is wireless-enabled, you will need to set your SSID (or network identifier) to 'Free PublicWiFiProject.org'. Capital letters are important. Refer to your wireless network card documentation for specific instructions on how to make this change.
Second, you will need a standard Internet-ready browser on any operating system. No additional software is required.
You can purchase a Wi-Fi 802.11b wireless networking card for most laptops and many handhelds from major electronics retailers or direct from the manufacturer.
Each has T1 level or faster connection rates, which provides users with speeds 2.2 Mbps. The Wi-Fi 802.11b technology allows for speeds up to 11 Mbps, but throughput is governed by the speed at which the device is connected.
The Public Wi-Fi Project works with the local merchant, and installs access points throughout each service location, which transmit a radio signal wirelessly to a user's Wi-Fi 802.11b wireless network card. With a properly installed wireless network card, a customer launches their browser from within a location and receives an advertisement banner at the top of the window. It is through these advertisements that the Public Wi-Fi Project can offer this service free to the user. With full connectivity to the Internet, customers can access most Internet resources, as well as any corporate networks to which they have access from the Internet.
If your employer has provided you with a virtual private network (VPN) client and a firewall, you can seamlessly access your corporate network. We strongly recommend that the customer takes measures to ensure the security of their wireless connections, such as virtual private networks (VPNs), encryption and firewalls. As with any wireless communication, the Public Wi-Fi Project service is not inherently secure and you should ensure you have adequate security safeguards in place.
The Public Wi-Fi Project strongly recommends that its customers take additional measures such as virtual private networks (VPNs), encryption and personal firewalls. As with any high-speed wireless service, the Public Wi-Fi Project network is not inherently secure. Furthermore, wireless communications can be intercepted by equipment and software designed for that purpose. Notwithstanding our efforts to enhance security with respect to the service, we cannot guarantee the effectiveness of these efforts and will not be liable to you or any other party for any lack of security that may result from your use of the service or your device. You are responsible for taking such precautions and providing such security measures best suited for your situation and intended use of the service.
Our goal is to provide FREE wireless broadband Internet access in public locations.
The Public Wi-Fi Project is not OS-specific, and will work with any operating systems as long as there is a compatible, Internet-ready browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
Software drivers differ depending on the specific wireless network card you purchase. Refer to the documentation that came with your wireless network card for specific instructions.
The Public Wi-Fi Project is a Wi-Fi 802.11b network; therefore, any Wi-Fi certified wireless network card will work. Look for the Wi-Fi certification on the wireless network card before purchasing it.
You can access any web-based email account such as Yahoo.com or Hotmail.com. You can also access corporate email accounts if your employer provides you with a virtual private network (VPN) client and a firewall. The Public Wi-Fi Project strongly recommends that its users take measures to ensure the security of their wireless connections, such as virtual private networks (VPNs), encryption and firewalls. As with any wireless communication, the Public Wi-Fi Project service is not inherently secure and you should ensure you have adequate security safeguards in place.
Yes, the public Wi-Fi Project supports Macintosh users. Macs with AirPort cards installed usually require little or no configuration. You will need to set your AirPort card to select the Public Wi-Fi Project network. See the AirPort card documentation for specific instructions.
Yes, Palm handhelds that support Wi-Fi 802.11b wireless technology and utilize a standard Internet-ready browser, such as the Tungsten C, are compatible with the Public Wi-Fi Project network. Other Palm devices use a web browser that is incompatible with the Public Wi-Fi Project network.