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Wireless Hartford frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is Wireless
Hartford?
Wireless Hartford is
an initiative conceived by Mayor Eddie Perez to
close the digital divide in the city of Hartford
where approximately two thirds of households lack a
functioning computer and access to the Internet. The program provides free
wireless broadband access to pilot areas and provides low cost computer
equipment and training.
The SSID is
WirelessHartford.
Call 757-Wifi (9434) for
network status, connection, account, and program
information.
What are the pilot
areas?
The first phase of
the program provided wireless access, training
and low cost computers in the Downtown and Blue
Hills neighborhoods. Approximately 900 low cost WIFI
ready computers were made available to the residents
of the Blue Hills and Downtown neighborhoods who
attend training classes.
Blue Hills and
Downtown wireless coverage maps are at the end of
this FAQ.
When will service be
available in other areas?
The area of wireless
coverage, number of training classes and number of
low cost computers will be increased as the
initiative obtains funding to move into other
neighborhoods in the city.
How does wireless
work?
Wireless access
points (antennas) attached to city buildings and
light poles transmit radio signals to computers in
the surrounding areas equipped with wireless cards
that allow the computers to access the internet via
the city’s fiber optic network.
Though computers
equipped with wireless cards should be able to
access the Internet in most areas of the two pilot
neighborhoods, certain obstructions may cause a weak
signal. This may require the user to move their
computer within the home to an area closer to an
antenna.
In some cases signal
strength in the home may not be sufficient to
connect to the network requiring the purchase of a
more powerful network card or range extending
device. More information on these products is
available at the depot.
What equipment is
required to connect to receive wireless access?
A computer with an
operational wireless network card installed
Your computer’s
operating system must support wireless connectivity.
Internet Explorer
5.5 or higher is recommended.
What operating
systems are supported?
The preferred
operating systems are Windows XP and Mac OS X 10.3
What kind of
wireless network card is required?
There are various
types of wireless network cards. Some are integrated
into the PC or laptop, while others attach through a
USB or PCMCIA slot. While we do not recommend a
specific brand of wireless NIC generally any card
that is 802.11 b or 802.11 g compatible will work.
If you buy a wireless NIC from a store be certain to
follow the manufacturer’s installation directions.
What are the
wireless network configurations?
The SSID is
WirelessHartford. The network is public therefore no
security key is required
Who do residents
call for more assistance?
Wireless questions
will be answered by calling
757-Wifi (9434) for
network status, connection, account, and program
information.
Will the Internet be
available in my home?
Yes, the network is
designed to provide connection in rooms on rooms
that have an exterior wall. The connection may have
interference from sources inside and outside the
home including: 2.4 Ghz cordless phones, walls,
trees, microwave ovens
Pilot Area Service
Downtown
Blue Hills
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