Library Laptop Ports

The University Libraries offer internet connections for patrons using laptops at all University Park subject libraries.

There are 800 active ports available for public use at University Park. For specific locations, please ask at the reference or service desk in your subject library. In order to use these ports you MUST have an Access account--this means you must be a Penn State student, faculty or staff member. Your laptop must have a network card and cable (10base-T cable; it should come with the card). For more information, see System Requirements below.

Once connected, you will have full access to all Libraries databases and the Internet. There is an automatic timeout after 10 minutes; however, there is an invisible auto-reconnect if the same user wants to get back on the Internet using that port. 

HOW TO MAKE A PUBLIC OPEN PORT INTERNET CONNECTION

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The laptop ports in the University Libraries use the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to assign IP addresses. Most current operating systems such as Windows 95, Windows XP, and MacOS (version 7.6 and above) support DHCP.

You will need:

• Computer: A laptop computer running an operating system that will support DHCP with an Ethernet card.
• Cable: A standard 10bT Ethernet cable.
• Authorization: A current Penn State Access Account.
• URL connect: https://clc.its.psu.edu/PortLogin.aspx
• URL disconnect: http://clc.its.psu.edu/PortLogin.aspx

  Note: The only difference between the login and logout URLs is the "s" in the "https" of the login URL.

Need help making the connection?
You may need to change the configuration of your TCP/IP software to work with the DHCP server. Note that you will be setting up an Ethernet connection.

To configure TCP/IP:
 (Be sure to make a note of your original settings before making this change.)

Select instructions for:

Windows 98
Windows 95
Windows ME
Windows XP
Mac OS 8-9
Mac OS X

If you experience difficulties configuring your connection, contact the ITS Help Desk for assistance at http://cac.psu.edu/consulting/consult.html#hd or 863-1035.

PORT LOCATIONS
If you have questions about the locations of active laptop ports, ask at the reference desk locations below.

Paterno Library
    2nd Floor - Social Sciences
    3rd Floor - Business
    4th Floor - Life Sciences
    5th Floor - Education and Behavioral Sciences

Pattee Library
    Ground Floor West - Microforms
    1st Floor West - Reserve Reading Room
    2nd Floor West - Arts and Humanities Current Periodicals
    Paterno Humanities Reading Room
    W202 - W206 - Arts and Humanities Service Desk and Reading Rooms

Note: PATERNO LIBRARY ONLY: If you use an AC adapter with your laptop, use the orange outlets located in the vicinity of the open ports. These receptacles provide conditioned power to protect your computer's internal circuitry. Currently, conditioned power is available at U.P. only in the new Paterno Library.

General Laptop Information
Laptop Configuration

4/02 Public Services (dgh)

The Pennsylvania State University ©2003
Last updated July 26, 2004.
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