Every network has some common components. They include a computer with a network card, network hardware that connects the building to the Internet, and a way for the computer to talk to the network equipment.

In most libraries, computers are ‘hard wired’ to the network. In the back of the computer there is a TCP/IP network card. A network cable plugs in to the back of the computer. The other end of the cable plugs into equipment which is attached to the network.

In a wireless setting, there are a few changes. First, instead of a TCP/IP network card, the computer will have a wireless network card. Most laptops today come with one built in. However, external cards can be purchased for both laptops as well as for stand-alone computers.

The library also purchases a wireless access point. The wireless access point can be mounted on a high location of a wall. The wireless access point plugs in to the network.

The computer with the wireless access card uses radio waves to communicate with the network. The patron turns on the laptop, and brings up a web page. The wireless card transmits a signal, using radio waves, to the wireless access point. The access point sends the request via the hard wired network, and retransmits the results, via the radio waves, back to the laptop. While the patron is on the library’s network, they are using a temporary DHCP network address.

In the image below, the laptop’s wireless card communicates with the network through the access point which is positioned high on the wall. The access point is connected to the wired network, communicating with the Router for Internet traffic. Since the laptop has been given a temporary library address, the access point can sends the web pages back to the laptop.