house.mi.gov - Michigan House of Representatives

The Michigan House of Representatives
Public Wireless Internet Access

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Windows XP Connection Example

Public Wireless Internet Access - The Basics

If you are new to public wireless networks (WiFi), the following basic information should help get you started. If you have further questions, please contact your wireless hardware vendor for support.

The House of Representatives’ WiFi hotspots are 802.11b-compliant. This means they should work with any 802.11b-compliant device, including but not limited to Macintosh and Windows computers equipped with an 802.11b-compliant wireless networking card. While we cannot guarantee the compatibility of every manufacturer's hardware, we do conduct ongoing tests of our network with various types of hardware and the system is used daily by both Macintosh and Windows computers.
We have chosen not to implement any encryption on our network to make it simpler for you to access and to improve the overall performance.
If you cannot connect to our network, please try following the example listed below and then, if needed, contact your wireless equipment vendor for support.
If you would like suggestions as to where to get started with purchasing wireless networking hardware, we recommend going to a local computer retailer and speaking with a knowledgeable salesperson.

How to Connect to a Public Hotspot Using Windows XP

Connecting your Windows XP device to a public wireless network is very simple, in fact, it's usually automatic.

When you come within range of a wireless network hotspot, the Windows XP icon for a network connection should pop up in the bottom right corner of your screen. The icon looks like a computer with curved lines on one side (on some devices it may look like two computers.) If Windows XP fails to automatically connect, continue on with the remaining steps.
Right-click on the icon, then left-click on "View Available Wireless Networks"
You should see a list of available wireless networks. Select HPUBNET. (If you do not see " HPUBNET " then you need to move to a location that is within the range of a House Wireless Access Point.)
The House WiFi network infrastructure does not implement wireless security, so you may see a warning that the wireless connection is not secure. If you select "Allow me to connect...", and then select Connect, you will be connected to the House's wireless system.
Depending on your device’s hardware and software configuration, a few other status screens may pop up, but eventually an icon in the lower right hand corner of your desktop should appear stating that you are connected.

You are now ready to access the House public wireless network. The first time you open a browser window, you will be presented with the House of Representatives Guest Wireless Access Acceptable Use Policy . You must read and accept the policy to continue. The policy will reappear every two hours while you are connected.