NCompass Live - February 7, 2024 http://nlc.nebraska.gov/ncompasslive/ Do you have WiFi questions? Sherm has the answers! On this episode on NCompass Live, the Nebraska Library Commission's Library Technology Support Specialist, Andrew 'Sherm' Sherman, will cover: The current standards of WiFi technology What WiFi standards and equipment libraries should be utilizing The pros and cons of the different WiFi configurations in a library environment The assistance Sherm can provide to libraries with their WiFi and other technology needs

1. WiFi In The Library

2. WiFi Standards
• The current generation of WiFi devices
support WiFi 6 and 6E/WAP3 security.
• Routers are now being certified for the new
WiFi 7 standard. They will command premium
“first-mover” prices. Is it worth the expense
to “future-proof” the library’s WiFi?
• Better security and faster networking tends
to be adopted by large offices and consumer
gamers first.
• The NLC can provided funding for libraries to
upgrade their network equipment (Wired &
WiFi).

3. • The libraries current WiFi network should at least support the WiFi 5/802.11ac standard and provide
connection options to the 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz frequencies.
• The wired Ethernet network should be at least CAT5E cabling with a 1000Mbps Switch.
• 2.4Ghz provides better range and barrier (wall) penetration. 5Ghz & 6Ghz are faster.
• The SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the WiFi network broadcast name you see on the device. The 2.4 and 5ghz
frequencies have been assigned separate SSIDs with past standards. New Routers have the ability to “blend”
the frequencies as a single SSID and let devices switch to the “best” WiFi network connection as needed.
• 6ghz connections require the new WAP3 security standard. WAP3 also provides secure open (no password)
network connections. The Router needs to support a “mixed” WAP2/3 mode for older devices.
• Newer Routers with multiple MIMOs (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output transmitters) can serve more devices at
faster speeds.
WiFi Standards

4. • You can’t view the frequency or link speed info on iPhones.
• There are WiFi analyzer apps you can get from the App Store.
• On an Android phone:
1. Go to Settings.
2. Choose “Network & Internet”.
3. Scroll down to “Network Details” .
4. Look for the Frequency and Link speeds.
• On a Windows PC:
1. Right click on the network icon on the bottom right of the screen on the
taskbar.
2. Click on “Open Network & Internet settings”.
3. Click on “Properties” box.
4. Scroll down to the “Properties” section and look for Protocol and Link speeds.
• If you want to see the speed of the library’s Internet connection, google
“speed test” and select Speedtest by Ookla. This should be done on a PC
with a wired network connection.
How good is the WiFi radio signal?

5. • It depends on the size and floor plan of the library.
• The location of WiFi Router is the usual suspect for a poor
signal. It’s likely to be in a closet where the Internet/Phone
DMARC (Demarcation point) is.
• Additions, basements, and meeting rooms can have poor
signal strength.
• Brick, Concrete, and Plaster walls block signals more than
Drywall.
• Fire Walls/Barriers will definitely block the signal.
• Walk through the library with your smart phone!
• Watch the signal strength indicator.
• Do you lose the library’s WiFi SSIDs on the list of available
WiFi networks?
• Does the WiFi signal reach the library’s parking spots?
• Does the library have an outdoor area?
How good is the WiFi radio signal?

6. • Can the WiFi Router be placed in the center of the library?
• Replace an out-of-date Router!
• How large is the library?
• Are there “dead” areas?
• How many devices are regularly connected via WiFi?
• Utilize a WAP (Wireless Access Point) for a dedicated WiFi
sever. The WAP may need POE (Power Over Ethernet).
• Upgrade to a WiFi “Mesh” Kit. (Router with satellites).
• Wired “backhaul” is best.
• Wireless “backhaul” needs good signal strength.
• Satellites can be placed to act as wireless “repeaters”.
• The Router is also a small Switch!
• Add/upgrade WiFi in Desktop PCs? (Cabling poles are ugly!)
• E-rate Category 2 will cover the discount percentage for
network gear and cabling.
How to improve the WiFi

7. How to improve the WiFi Network
New
WiFi
Router
Mesh
WiFi
Kit
WAP
POE
Switch
POE
Injector

8. • Set a WiFi password?
• Encrypts the network connection for security.
• Hinders/limits use!
• Websites now use HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) encryption. Is a password necessary?
• Secured WiFi just for Staff use?
• Change the password regularly?
• Enable the “Guest” WiFi?
• No password so not encrypted.
• Utilize the “Isolation” feature for security. (It will block printer and screen-casting connections.)
• WAP3 provides a secure open (no password) network connection.
• Use the WiFi Router’s schedule feature to limit availability by weekday and time?
• Look at the “attached” devices or DHCP leases via the Router to see when/what/who is using the
network. You can block devices that are causing issues.
• The library needs to have the Admin access/login for all their technology and have it documented!
Accessing the WiFi Network

9. My contact info: Andrew “Sherm” Sherman
Library Technology Support Specialist
Nebraska Library Commission
402-471-4559
andrew.sherman@nebraska.gov
• I’m here to help!
• Contact me for assistance with your library’s technology.
• Check out my other NCompass technology presentations.
• Secure Computers For Public Use
• Running at least Windows 10. Windows 11 by October, 2025!
• Reboot/Restore software installed (Faronic’s DeepFreeze).
• BIOS secured with an Admin password.
• Internet Filtering For E-Rate CIPA Compliance And Cybersecurity
• The NLC provides DNSFilter for free to NE public libraries!
• Required for E-Rate and other federal grant funds.
• I can assist with the implementation of DNSFilter.
• Provides excellent first level cybersecurity!
Questions?