What equipment do I need? You can use any device that supports wireless connectivity and is capable of Internet functions. Typical devices include a laptop computer or a personal digital assistant (PDA). A wireless network card is required, though some new devices come with built-in wireless capability. If your laptop computer or PDA does not have a wireless network adapter installed, you must obtain one and properly install it before you can access the Internet through the wireless access points. What is an Access Point? An access point lets wireless devices use the resources of a wired local area network (LAN). Where are the wireless access points? Wireless access points are conveniently placed along Five Points, Council Chambers and the Committee Room and broadcast signals as far as 300 feet. Keep in mind that the signal from the access points travels in a straight line and you could possibly encounter "dead" areas in places where the street slopes sharply up or down relative to the transmitter. Note: the specific range within which wireless access is available can be influenced by several things. A lot of metal , lead in glass, and reinforced concrete may reduce signal strength. What kind of wireless network adapter should I get? Many brands of wireless network adapters are available. Though we do not specify a brand, the adapter you choose must be 802.11b compliant. That is to say it must support the 802.11b wireless network standard. Check packaging carefully if you are buying a new device. Otherwise, check the documentation that came with your current device to be sure it complies. What is the IEEE 802.11 standard? The IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN standard is a protocol established by the Wireless LAN Standards Committee that enables different brands of wireless LAN hardware to communicate on the same network. How do I configure my equipment? There are several things you'll need to check, and a few settings you'll need to change. Please see our configuration page for this additional information. What about security? As with any Internet access you should take appropriate security precautions. Whom do I contact if I have trouble? The City of Durham provides free wireless access to the Internet along Five Points, inside the Council Chambers and the Committee Room. However, the City does not provide direct support to users of this service. Our configuration document or a knowledgeable friend or network administrator from your company may help if you have problems connecting. How long can I stay connected? You can stay connected as long as you want. There is no time limit on your connection.