Home < Courtroom Technology < Frequently Asked Questions - Wireless Internet

Q: Where will wireless Internet access be available?
Wireless Internet access is now available in all seven courtrooms, Jury Assembly Room, Clerk's Office Public Area and two shared conference rooms on the fourth floor. While spill over from the wireless signal may allow for access in all areas of the third floor, wired access is available in all third floor and first floor Attorney Conference Rooms. Internet access is being made available in a wireless medium that is functional with the following standards of 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g. Wireless access is provided on an "as is" basis.

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Q: When will wireless Internet access be available?
Wireless access is provided on an "as available" basis. The United States District Court does not warrant that this service will be uninterrupted. This service should be available from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM Monday thru Friday unless arrangements for extended service are made well in advance.

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Q: What if I have problems connecting to this service?
Report the problem to the Clerk's office IT staff. While we will like to help, for liability and cost reasons, government personnel are strictly prohibited from handling or troubleshooting users' personal computers. If government personnel are contacted, they will only verify the current operational state of the Wireless Internet connection. As the Court is not providing security,support, or related services, all questions regarding these topics, and whether and how a user should use the service, should be directed to an "IT" professional familiar with the user's hardware,software and/or use policies.

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Q: Why is wireless Internet access being made available?
We have provided Internet access as an additional tool to members of the bar, for the limited purpose of facilitating their participation in mediation sessions and providing legal representation. Its use is at your own risk. In an effort to stay abreast with current technologies, we have provided this service as an additional benefit to our courtroom technology. Additionally our official Court Reporter will now be able to forward electronic copies of purchased transcripts to requesting parties,as this service is not allowed on the government's secure network.

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Q: What can I do with wireless Internet access?
There are restrictions and limits on the wireless network. Feel free to browse the Web and communicate with your colleagues. However, internet activity such as downloading music, watching TV or any other activity that consumes a large amount of bandwidth is prohibited. Please remember to consider the security implications of using the wireless network and protect your computer appropriately. The US District Court provides you with NO security protection while using the Internet at our location.

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Q: Who runs the wireless network?
The wireless network is owned and operated by the United States District Court's Library Fund,which receives its funding from a portion of the attorney admission fee.

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Q: What computer hardware is required?
You will need a computer or PDA with wireless network card that supports the 802.11a, 802.11b standard or 802.11g compatible.

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Q: What operating systems can use it?
Any computer with a wireless network card that supports 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g can be configured to use the wireless network. This includes all versions of Microsoft Windows and Macintosh. However, it is up to the user to make any necessary configuration changes to their personal computer. No technical support will be provided.

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Q: Is the wireless network secure?
No. Due to the unrestricted nature of this service, the wireless network should not be considered secure. Anyone using the wireless network should take the necessary precautions to ensure that their laptops are protected from network snoops and hackers.

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