Silver Spring Wi-Fi
Frequently Asked Questions

• Where can I find Silver Spring Wi-Fi?
• How can I use wireless Internet in Silver Spring?
• Are there any restrictions on my use of the Internet?
• Will I need any special settings or passwords to connect?
• Can the SS Wi-Fi sponsors help me configure my computer?
• Is my information safe while using wireless?
• Can I print while using wireless?
• Can I search the Internet and world-wide web using wireless?
• My email doesn't work!
• What is the SSID for Silver Spring Wi-Fi?

Q1. Where can I find Silver Spring Wi-Fi?
A. SS Wi-Fi is available in Downtown Silver Spring in an area roughly bounded by Colesville Road to the North and West, Fenton Street to the North and East, Wayne Avenue to the South, and perhaps Ramsey Avenue to the West. The service area is at street level. See service area map below. 

Q2. How can I use wireless Internet in Silver Spring.
A. Wireless access uses the Wi-Fi standard (also known as IEEE 802.11b or g). Your laptop may have wireless built-in, or you can add a Wi-Fi compatible network card to it. Most users can simply bring their wireless-enabled laptop computer or other wireless device to the Downtown region and turn it on. The computer will automatically recognize the wireless network. If there are multiple wireless networks detected, you will need to select the SS Wi-Fi network to connect to the appropriate access point.  Only the SS Wi-Fi name will work for public Wi-Fi access.

Q3. Are there any restrictions on my use of the Internet?
A. Use of the SS Wi-Fi network implies that you agree to abide by the Internet User Policy . 
Accessing the Internet over SS Wi-Fi implies your acceptance of the Internet User Policy. 

Q4. Will I need any special settings or passwords to connect?
A. The service is open to all users. No special encryption settings, user names, or passwords are required. There is no guarantee of reliability, performance, or privacy. 

Q5. Can the SS Wi-Fi sponsors help me configure my computer?
A. No, you are responsible for your own equipment. The SS Wi-Fi sponsors (MCG, AOI) do not take responsibility for any changes you make to your computer's settings and cannot make any guarantee about the compatibility of your equipment with the SS Wi-Fi network. 

Q6. Is my information safe while using wireless?
A. The SS Wi-Fi network is not secure. Anyone with a wireless card may attach to the network. SS Wi-Fi does not provide security or confidentiality for your computer or data.  Connecting your computer to the Internet via SS Wi-Fi exposes it to the same viruses and other security risks as any Internet connection. You are responsible for ensuring that your computer is protected against such threats. You use SS Wi-Fi at your own risk.

Q7. Can I print while using wireless?
A. No. 

Q8. Can I search the Internet and world-wide web using wireless?
A. Yes. Go to the SS Wi-Fi Welcome page, Log-on, and select your favorite Internet browser. 

Q9. My email doesn’t work! I can’t send email!
A. SS Wi-Fi operates with a limited set of IP protocols.  SS Wi-Fi permits POP3 (110) but it does not permit SMTP (25).  Your email, e.g. Outlook, may use POP3 to retrieve email and SMTP to send email.  If this is the case you will be able to “get” your email but not “send” email.  SS Wi-Fi recommends using WEB email instead of Outlook or other POP3 email clients

Q10. What is the SSID for Silver Spring Wi-Fi?
A.  The SSID for Silver Spring Wi-Fi is SSWIFI.

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