The City of Norwalk provides free wireless internet service, as an extension of the Norwalk Library Internet service, at both the South Norwalk Train Station and the public cafe at the Maritime Aquarium for properly equipped and configured laptops and hand held computers. By choosing to use this free wireless service you agree to accept and abide by the Wi-Fi Internet Use Policy .
What if I don't have a library card?
If you do not have a valid library card go to either The Norwalk Public Library or The South Norwalk Branch and they will assist you in getting a card.
Any Connecticut public library card number will allow access to the free wireless internet service.
Click here to see how to use your local library card in any library in the state.
How to log in:
Turn on your computer's wireless access card.
Open your wireless networks utility and click on "view wireless networks"
Browse for available wireless access points.
Select and connect to either the "Norwalk Train Station" or the "Maritime Aquarium" Wi-Fi wireless network.
Close the wireless networks utility and open you internet browser (we recommend using Internet Explorer).
On the left side of the screen enter your Library card number (which can be from any Connecticut public library).
and check the box to accept "Norwalk's wireless internet access use policy"
Can anyone use the service?
If you have a properly equipped and configured laptop computer and a valid library card, you can use the Norwalk Wi-Fi wireless system.
You will be asked to login using your library card number. Just open your Internet browser (i.e., Internet Explorer), and the City of Norwalk Wi-Fi home page will come up and you are ready to use our wireless system.
What do I need to access the Norwalk Wi-Fi wireless network?
You will need your personal laptop computer or handheld device and it will need to have built-in wireless capability or you will need to install a wireless network card. The City of Norwalk does not provide wireless cards or technical support for accessing the wireless system.
What laptop/network settings are needed and how do I set them so I can access the wireless network?
Click here to view detailed instructions on laptop/network settings
Hardware Requirements
You will need a a laptop with built-in Wi-Fi capability or Wi-Fi compliant 802.11b wireless Ethernet device installed in your laptop.
Software Requirements
Use a web browser, we recommend using Internet Explorer.
Set your TCP client software to obtain addresses automatically from a server.
Install and configure TCP/IP software by opening the Network icon in the Control Panel. Under Protocol settings, add TCP/IP. Set the IP address to obtain an IP address automatically. Leave all other fields blank. Restart the laptop for the changes to take effect. (For specific instructions for your operating system, click here)Troubleshooting - Still cannot log on?
Troubleshooting Windows NT, XP, and Windows 2000 Systems:
Go to Start, Run and type: CMD. Click OK. A command prompt window will appear.
Type the following in the command prompt window:
ipconfig/all: Displays the full configuration information
ipconfig/release: Releases the IP address
ipconfig/renew: Renews the IP address
Troubleshooting Windows 95 and Windows 98 Systems
Go to Start, Run and type: WINIPCFG. Click OK. The IP configuration window will appear.
Click on the More Info button.
If you are having an IP conflict, click on the "Release All" button to release the current IP and then click on the "Renew All" button.
Troubleshooting Apple Macintosh Powerbooks or iBooks
Your laptop must have the MacTCP Control Panel installed. This control panel comes with recent versions of the system software and should be pre-installed.
If you have other MacTCP configurations that you would like to save, MacTCP Switcher is a useful utility for storing several set-ups.
To configure your MacTCP, choose to Connect via Ethernet.The most common log on issues are as follows:
Check that your wireless network settings are not requiring any type of security, such as a WEP Key.
Make sure that you are using the correct Network Name or SSID. However, leaving the name of the network blank or set to "any" may also solve the problem.
Ensure that your TCP/IP settings are configured to use DHCP (this may sound quite technical but it really just requires that one small box be checked.
Click here to review settings for your laptop.Lastly, check that your Wi-Fi card is correctly installed and that it is turned on.
Other resources:
Using Wi-Fi right now? Try FREE Wi-Fi security test
