Set-up Guide

Welcome to ParkWiFi your city sponsored High Speed internet service.

We are pleased to begin providing internet and email account services (complete with Spam and Virus protection) to residents and businesses in St Louis Park. Bookmark and visit us online at www.parkwifi.com to get the latest updates about this exciting new service. With ParkWiFi, you will experience upload and download speeds from 128 Kbs for Dial-up buster users to 1 Mbs - 3Mbs (1000 Kbs to 3000 Kbps) for broadband users which is 5 to 20 times faster than dialup.

What you'll need to get started.

The ParkWiFi network is compatible with most of today's operating systems. Minimum requirements are at least Windows 2000 or Windows XP for PC users and OS 9 or greater for Macintosh users.

Desktop computers must be equipped with a network interface card (NIC), a piece of hardware designed to allow communication over a network. Today, most new computers come with a NIC built into the motherboard, thus eliminating the need to purchase additional hardware. Older machines not equipped with a built-in NIC can have this card installed at a nominal fee.

You can access a 24/7 technical support representative by simply calling
(952)-928-2859.


A. FIRST THINGS FIRST... CHECKING YOUR SETTINGS
Installation Highlights

Make sure that you have installed and run a current version of Anti-Virus and Spyware protection software. If you do not have Anti-Virus or Spyware protection software, ParkWiFi has shareware versions included with your installation CD, or at the ParkWiFi.com website for no cost. This should be completed using your current internet connection prior to starting the set up process. If you have not had an internet service before, complete this step as soon as you are able to visit the ParkWiFi website. Do this before logging in or establishing an Email account. Do not visit any other websites prior to completing the step.


To insure your computer's operating system is set up to connect with ParkWiFi, complete either the Windows or Macintosh Operating Systems sections to properly configure your settings for ParkWiFi.

Click the appropriate link for your Operating System.
Goto Windows XP
Goto Windows 2000

MACINTOSH SYSTEMS (OS 9)

1. Go to Apple Menu.

2. Highlight Control Panel.

3. Click on TCP/IP.



4. Set Connect via to Ethernet, then set Configure to Using DHCP Server.




MACINTOSH SYSTEMS (OS 10 or Higher)

I. Go to Apple Menu, and then click System Preferences.



2. In System Preferences click the Network icon.



3. From the Show drop-down menu, select Built-In Ethernet.



4. Select TCP/IP then set Configure IPv4 to Using DHCP, select Apply New to close.


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Windows XP

1. Highlight or click Start, then click Control Panel (left picture), if you don't see Control panel, click Settings, then Control panel, (right picture).



  A. If your next screen's header reads Pick A Category, click Network and Internet Connections       (left picture), or click on the Network Connections icon, (right picture).



  B. Or your screen shows a series of icons, double click Network Connections.



2. Right click on the Local Area Connection, left click on Properties.



3. Under the General header, click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then click the Properties button     below.



4. If not already activated, click on the circles adjacent to Obtain an IP address Automatically and Obtain DNS server addresses automatically (a green dot inside the circle indicates this feature is enabled). Click OK to return to the Properties menu, and then click OK again at the bottom of the screen to return to Network Connections.



5. On the Network Connections screen, click the Back or arrow button to return to Control Panel.

6. Click on the Internet Options icon.

    OR    

7. Select the Connections tab then Remove any existing listings to title Dialup and Virtual Private Network settings box.





8. Click LAN Setting button, make sure no boxes are selected then click OK.



9. Click OK to close Internet Properties to exit Network and Internet Connections.
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Windows 2000

1. Click Start, highlight Settings, then click Control Panel.



2. Double click Network and Dial-up Connections.



3. Right click Local Area Connection, then click Properties.



4. Click Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), then click Properties button below.



5. If not already activated, click on the circles adjacent to Obtain an IP address automatically and Obtain DNS server addresses automatically (a green dot inside the circle indicates this feature is enabled). Then click OK several times until all windows are closed.



6. Click Start, highlight Settings, then click Control Panel.



7. Double click Internet Options, then click on the Connections tab. Remove any existing listing(s) in the Dialup and Virtual Private Network settings box.





8. Click LAN Setting button. Ensure no boxes are selected, then click OK.



9. Click OK again to close Internet Options


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B. Wireless Reception

Installation Highlights

Positioning of the ParkWiFi gateway is critical.

1. Place gateway near a window that is facing the ParkWiFi access point (a map of the access points is available on-line and at City Hall).

2. If you need your computer set-up in your basement, consider installing a router (wired or wireless) to allow the ParkWiFi gateway to be placed upstairs near a window facing the Park WiFi access point.

Before you begin setting up your ParkWiFi connection, consider the placement of your wireless gateway. Just like all cell phones or radios, reception can improve or weaken when devices are repositioned. It's best to place the gateway on a main or upper floor, preferably near an exterior wall or window and if at all possible, not in a basement. Very seldom does the gateway work well in a basement. You may find that your ParkWiFi signal strength may be enhanced by adjusting the location of your wireless gateway.

Installing Your Wireless gateway

Step 1: Verify the Contents
Open the package carefully, and make sure that all of the items listed below are included. Keep the packaging materials, since; in case of return or malfunction, the unit must be shipped in its original package.

A. Your ParkWiFi wireless gateway with attached a dipole antenna (EnGeniusTM Client gateway: 200mW 802.11b compliant)
B. RJ-45 Ethernet Connector - Orange Cross-Connect Cable (NOTE: Never substitute a CAT-5 or any other non-approved cable for the enclosed Orange Cross-Connect Cable)
C. Power Supply Pack (in box)

Step 2: Connect the Power '' and Orange Cross-Over Cable

Connect the small end of the enclosed power Supply Pack to the connection marked "DC IN" on the back of

Installation Highlights

No service? It is likely that your signal is not being received well. The gateway placement may need adjustment.

1. Is the gateway near a window? Longer cross-connect cables are available at City Hall for no charge.

2. Next, replace the antenna on the ParkWiFi gateway with a high gain antenna that is available at City Hall.

If the above two steps do not bring the reception up to an adequate level, you will need a professional installation (for a fee). The installation will involve connecting the gateway to an outdoor antenna, or placement of the ParkWiFi gateway outdoors. Please call the help desk for arranging this service.

the gateway, then connect the other end to a power outlet. Connect the enclosed Orange Ethernet Cable, looks similar to a telephone or modem connection port cable but it is slightly wider, to the slot in the back of the gateway. Next, connect the other end of the Orange-Cross Connect Cable to the Network Adaptor Ethernet port to your computer. (NOTE: if you have more than one Network Adaptor Ethernet port on your computer. for example, "Net 1" or 'Net 2." select the lowest numbered port available.)


Step 3: Connect to ParkWiFi

ParkWiFi Wireless gateways are pre-programmed to connect with the ParkWiFi Network. No additional software is necessary.

For laptop users, you will need to configure your system to recognize the ParkWiFi Network.

For Windows users, locate and then right click the wireless icon on the lower right hand corner of your screen, then select Search for Available Wireless Networks. Locate and double click ParkWiFi.

For Macintosh users, in the Menu bar, click the AirPort Status icon, locate ParkWiFi, and join.

Open any web browser like Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari or Netscape Navigator, which should automatically take you to the ParkWiFi login screen. Note: Make sure you have installed or updated your Anti-Virus and Spyware protection software. Then, fill in the requested information, using your pre-authorized user name and password, Click Connect to begin navigating the Internet through the ParkWiFi Network.

C. Connect to your Multiple Computers Through One Account.

By installing a Broadband Router/Firewall, you can share your Parkwifi.com connection with another computer in your home. This type of router also provides protection between your personal computer and the Internet. These devices generally sell at most electronics stores for about $40 and up. Please Note: Although many routers are virtually "plug-and-play" devices, it is important to protect your router by following the directions to ensure that these devices provide a secure connection.

For assistance with configuring your Parkwifi.com system to function in conjunction with a router, see the diagrams below.

"Hard-wired" Configuration with Router



Configuration with Wireless Router


Other important information

For security purposes, you will be prompted to log in on a daily basis. Once completed, you should experience an "always on" connection; however after a two hour lapse in usage, you will again be prompted to reenter their username and password.

ParkWiFi has implemented and will enforce all of its polices and agreements including Acceptable Use Policy, Privacy Policy and Service Agreement for all ParkWiFi customers, which can be accessed online at www.parkwifi.com.

ParkWiFi strongly recommends all internet users have some sort of anti-virus and firewall protection program installed on their computer systems. The links to free versions of these programs are accessible on your installation CC and at www.parkwifi.com.

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