• VU Wireless SSID Changed on August 4th 2004

• Laptop Network Connections

• Public Network Port Locations (for User supplied laptops)

• Electrical Outlets in the Central Library

• Wireless Access in the Central Library
  
  
• Configuring a laptop to print to the Central Library public printer
  
  
  VU Wireless SSID
  

  On August 4 at approximately 7 a.m., the Vanderbilt wireless SSID (Service Set Identifier) changed. You must change your SSID to maintain wireless access to all areas of the Vanderbilt network including the VUMC wireless network.

  To obtain the new SSID, login to the following web page with your VUnet ID and password: https://www3.vanderbilt.edu/its/ssid/.

  This page also includes SSID configuration instructions.

  If you need additional assistance please contact either the ITS at 343-1631 or VUMC help desk at 343-4357.

   Laptop Network Connections

Wireless network access is available at several locations in the Central Library. Click here for details.

In order to to implement recommendations of the wireless security taskforce, patrons who want to use their own wireless devices in the library and who are VU faculty, staff or students must go to the following web pages for instructions on reconfiguring their devices (they will have to use one of the public workstations to get there). Please note patrons will need a VUNetID and password to get to these pages. If they don't have one, they will have to go the ITS helpdesk.

URL for instructions to reconfigure wireless devices for new SSID:https://www3.vanderbilt.edu/its/ssid/ssid.php

ITS helpdesk number: 343-1631

A number of network ports have been installed in the General Library Building, which will allow patrons to bring their own network-ready laptops and connect them to the network. These ports allow users to have access to TCP/IP based resources on the network (Web services, E-mail and VUSpace) as well as access to any of the library databases available via the web, all with your own laptop based software as well.

If you have a laptop which is already configured for ResNet access from your dorm room, you are READY to go!  All you need is your laptop with your network card and RJ45 cable to plug into one of the ports.  Using one of these network ports (click for locations)  should be just like the connection from your dorm room.

Remember, if your laptop can work in Resnet it will work in the library. The ResNet webpage has links under "what to bring" for "data" networking that can take you to a description of what is needed, with links to recommendations about ethernet cards and the Networked Computing Support office.

If you do NOT already have a ResNet configured laptop, or live off campus, the instructions to configure your machine can be found here.

There are minimum standards for hardware to be compatible on the network.

It is strongly recommended that you use a 3Com network card to provide best network performance network.  The ResNet webpage has recommended models.

ResNet Guidelines for Network Cards  

Please remember the library can provide access to the network, but we are not able to provide technical support for your laptop or network card.

Public Network Ports (for User supplied laptops) in the General Library Building

Central Library

• 4th Floor - Reference Room: six ports are available at the East end of the room (just beyond Index Stand 4).  Electrical supply and network connectors are on the floor under the study tables.  Four network connectors also exist under tables at West End of Reference Room.
• 6th Floor - Eight carrels in the alcove outside of the southeast end of the Periodicals reading room closest to
  21st Avenue). Electrical and network connections are on the desktop of each carrel.  
• 6th Floor - Microform-Media Room: Four Carrels at the East end of the room.  Electrical and network connectors are on the desktop of each carrel.
• 6th Floor- Lounge area:  Two network ports on each wall near the red upholstered chairs.
• 6th Floor - Two carrels at end of the South corridor behind the main elevators.
• 6th Floor - Faculty carrels: Please inquire at Room 412 to reserve a carrel.

Electrical Outlets in the Central Library

On Floors 4-8 of the Central Library, the carrels along the walls in the stacks are the best places to use laptops because they have electrical outlets nearby. Many carrels on Floors 4-8 along the windows have electrical outlets, and all of the large old wing carrels on Floors 4-8 have outlets. Patrons can check with Circulation for specific carrel numbers. Use your laptop computer in these areas and there is no need for an extension cord.

Divinity Library

2nd Floor - Reference Room:  two network ports on the floor under the long work table immediately in front of you as you enter the Reference Room. Also there are four connectors at carrels along the west wall of Reference Room.

Wireless Access in the Central Library

Wireless network access is now available at several locations in the Central Library. Patrons at these locations with wireless-ready laptops and the appropriate network interface card are able to use Acorn and all web-based library databases, electronic journals, electronic books, and other research tools. Access to CD-ROM research tools is available at library workstations in the lobby or Reference area.

LOCATIONS. Wireless access is available in the Reserve Room (level 2), Reference Room (level 4), Current Periodicals (level 6), Microform-Media (level 6), and on level 8 (21st Avenue side of building only). Wireless access is also available in faculty carrels on level 8. Please inquire at Room 412 to reserve a carrel.

EQUIPMENT. Windows users should have a wireless-ready laptop with a network interface card. Network interface cards can be obtained from Network Computing Support.

PRINTING. Persons with Vumail accounts or other web-based email utilities can print documents saved on wireless-ready laptops by emailing the documents to themselves. They can then receive their emailed messages on library workstations in the lobby or Reference area and print to networked printers at these locations.

ASSISTANCE. Support for on-campus use of wireless technology is available at the ITS (formerly ACIS) Help Desk.

The Library can provide network access, we can not provide technical support for making your laptop compatible with the network.