Public Wireless Access

Pella Regional Health Center has wireless Internet access system for patients and visitors. It enables guests of the hospital to use their own hand-held device or laptop computer equipped with a wireless network card to access a high-speed Internet connection.

To access the network, you …

  • Must have a wireless card (i.e., 802.11b, 802.11g ) installed on your computer or hand-held device
  • Need to be located within range of a PRHC Guest access point
  • Do not need an account

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an account to access the wireless network?
No.

Where is wireless connectivity available? 
There are many locations throughout the hospital.

Is this a secure wireless network? 
No. Like other wireless networks, information sent to and from your laptop can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software.

Will PRHC help me configure my computer? 
Sorry, support for the wireless network is limited to verifying whether the guest wireless network is working, which can be done by calling 621-2393.

What do I need to access the Pella Regional Health Center wireless network? 
You need a wireless device. If you are using a laptop computer, you need a wireless network card. Some laptops come with an internal card already configured. If you need to install a card, follow the manufacturer’s directions.

What type of network?  
The Pella Regional Health Center network is an 802.11b standard. You will need atleast an 802.11b compatible device. Wireless devices with 802.11g standard are backwards compatible and should work with the Pella Regional Health Center network.

What are the minimum requirements for my laptop (PC and Apple)?
You are limited only by the your wireless network card. The drivers and software to operate the card must be compatible with your system. See the card’s packaging and documentation for compatibility and minimum requirements. Pella Regional Health Center cannot assist you with determining if your device meets minimum requirements nor the settings to use with your wireless network card.

What settings do I use?

  • SSID or Network Name: The word "guest"
  • WEP: disabled IP or Network Settings: DHCP enabled or obtain an IP address automatically
  • DNS: Obtain DNS address automatically
  • Gateway: No default gateway set – your card should detect it automatically
  • Close settings and restart computer if necessary

What speed is the Internet connection? 
PRHC has a DSL (1.5Mbps) line. However, as with any Internet connection, your speed may fluctuate greatly due to heavy traffic on the Internet at different times of day.

Can I download large files?
The bandwidth available for the wireless Internet connection is shared with all others using the connection. To show consideration for others’ needs, we ask that you not download excessively large files, use peer-to-peer file sharing programs, or access streaming audio/video.

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