Libraries
Arlington Wireless At The Library
Good news!
Free high-speed Internet access is available all library locations. More Arlington Wireless locations
How do I connect to the county’s wireless network?
The county's public access network is called ArlingtonWireless; no username or password is required. If your equipment is properly configured, Arlington Wireless will appear in your device's list of available networks; you may need to select the library's network to connect. Note:This network was previously called ACG-Public.
What equipment do I need?
Arlington County's network conforms to Wi-Fi® standards. You need a portable computing device with an 802.11 (a, b, or g) compliant wireless interface. If you have any questions about the compatibility of your equipment, please consult the product guide, the equipment manufacturer, or the place of purchase.
Is the county's wireless network secure?
The county's public access wireless network is not secure. The county's wireless network does not offer firewall protection, anti-virus protection, or data encryption. Data sent to or from your device can potentially be captured by someone else, and data you download (email or other files) could contain viruses, malicious code, or spyware, among other security risks. The library assumes no responsibility for the safety of your equipment or data while using the library's network (wired or wireless). We recommend that you not transmit sensitive information (credit card data, passwords, etc.) using the library's wireless network and that you have firewall and anti-virus software installed on your equipment. For more information about security:
Will library staff help me configure my computer for wireless access?
We are unable to provide technical support for customer equipment. If you are having trouble accessing the library's wireless network from your laptop, please consult the product guide for your equipment, the equipment manufacturer, or the place of purchase. Or try some of our tips below.
Can I access the library's pay-to-print system from the wireless network?
No. The library's wireless network provides Internet access only. Software programs and public printers are only accessible from the library's public PCs. Waiting periods and time limits may apply to public PC use.
Having trouble with wireless connection? Some things to try:
- If other patrons are using the wireless network successfully in the library then the problem is with your own laptop or connection. Try connecting in various areas of the library. Or try restarting the laptop.
- Have you connected to the library wireless network before with this laptop? You may need to adjust preferences and security settings on your laptop.
- Signal or no signal? Does your laptop say that it “sees” our wireless network in the list of available wireless networks? Some laptops disable the wireless network adapter when it is on battery power. Be sure you have tried connecting when the laptop is plugged in to a power outlet. (Note: You may not unplug other equipment or create a tripping hazard.)
- Do you get any error messages? Connected but cannot access the Internet? Try to connect to a reliable (in terms of uptime) site, such as Yahoo! or Google. It may be you cannot get to your personal start page in their browser, but the wireless connection is really working.
- Don't forget, as an alternative, the library also has Internet-connected computers available for use.
