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Free WiFi at Christchurch City Libraries - FAQs

What is WiFi?

Wi-Fi (short for "Wireless Fidelity") is a term used to describe certain types of wireless local area networks (WLAN) that uses high frequency radio signals to transmit and receive data over distances of up to a hundred metres or so. The standards are defined by the IEEE 802.11 family of specifications. Many airports, hotels, and libraries including some Christchurch libraries offer public access to the Internet via Wi-Fi networks, these locations are known as Wi-Fi hot spots.

Which libraries have WiFi?

Central (all floors)
South (from the end of April 2008)
Upper Riccarton (from the end of May)
New Brighton (from the end of June)

How much does it cost?

The service is provided free to customers of Christchurch City Libraries

How do I connect?

Switch on your laptop. Check the wireless network on your laptop is enabled. Your laptop should detect the Christchurch City Libraries wireless network. Open your web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc). You should be automatically directed to our WiFi welcome page. You need to accept our terms and conditions before you proceed with using this service.

What can I do?

Connect to the internet and browse. The same websites are available as through the library pay PCs.
Access webmail
Use the Library catalogue and access the Library’s premium databases

How long can I stay connected?

There is no time limit on access, but each customer is limited to 100MB of data usage per day. There is a file download limit of 50MB per file. There is a file upload limit of 5MB per file.

I can’t connect. What should I do?

Make sure you have followed the how to connect instructions. Ask a member of staff to check that the service is working.

The service is slow, what is wrong?

The speed of the service can vary depending on the number of users connected. At certain times of the day, the service may appear slow. This is quite normal.

What help can I get from the library?

Christchurch City Libraries will only provide limited advice on how to connect to the WiFi service. Any configuration changes needing to be made to your equipment to enable you to use the service are your responsibility and are made at your own risk.

What services can I connect to?

The free Wireless (Wi-Fi) network within the libraries offers the following services & protocols;
Internet access URLs starting with http:// (TCP-IP port 80)
Secure Internet access URLs starting with https:// (TCP port 443)
The following protocols are NOT available from the free service;
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) access URLs starting with ftp:// (TCP-IP port 21)
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol or SMTP (TCP-IP port 25) most local e-mail clients like Outlook Express use this protocol. Most ISPs have web based e-mail access, this in most cases can be used to get access to your e-mail
Post Office Protocol 3 or POP3 (TCP-IP port 110) same as above
Any other IP based protocols that do NOT use either port 80 or port 443.

Is the content filtered?

Yes the same filtering rules are applied as to our pay internet access computers.

Do I have a download limit?

Yes, 100MB per day per customer. A limit of 50MB applies to each individual file.

Where can I use my laptop in the library?

A strong signal and power are available in areas displaying the wireless hotspot sign.

Can I print?

No. Although we are investigating how we can offer customers this service.

What do I need to connect?

To access the service, you need a wireless-enabled laptop, PDA or phone (WiFi, 802.11b/g or WLAN). If you use a WLAN in your office or home, your existing hardware will enable you to access the service. Most new laptops and PDAs are now manufactured with internal WiFi facilities. Any device displaying the WiFi logo should work.

How secure is the service?

The service is free and open. We do not recommend using the service for confidential transactions. You are responsible for the security of your computer and your data. You are also responsible for the physical security of your belongings while in the library. Please do not leave your laptop unattended.

What library services can I use?

You can access the library website, internet gateway, on-line catalogue and use all of the library’s premium databases.

Can I buy more download capacity?

No. Although this is a service we are looking at providing for our customers in the future.

When can I use the service?

The service is available during library opening hours.

Can I check my email?

You can access web based email services, but access to client based email (e.g. Outlook) is not available.