The phone and broadband connection is provided by KSM Telecom who also pick up the cost of our calls and internet use. Please remember them if you hear of a firm or organisation wanting to get connected!
It's difficult to provide step-by-step instructions for connecting your device to the internet because there are so many variations even within a single operating system. If, however, you are used to connecting to public networks, ours is no different.
Click any of these headings to find out more...
Security
As with any public WiFi network, you should be aware that anyone can listen in to your online conversation. That being said, the metal frame of our shed acts as a Faraday cage so our network has a very limited range outside the shed. Also most sites - including ours - force an encrypted connection (indicated by https) which is managed independently from our network.
We provide two WiFi networks:
- HIMS Visitor - is not password connected or encrypted.
- Mens Shed Assoc HI - is password protected and encrypted.
See below for more information.
Visitor access
We provide a low speed connection for casual use by visitors. It is not password protected, so is the simplest way to connect. The connection's id (SSID) is "HIMS Visitor".
If a visitor wants access to the internet, direct them to this connection. Similarly any members who need casual, occasional internet access to non-sensitive sites (such as online banking or shopping).
Full access
We provide a full-speed, password-protected, encrypted connection called "Mens Shed Assoc HI". The password is on display on the shed noticeboard.
You need to be in the members' area to see the password. Log in to see it now.
Connecting from outside the shed
The shed's metal frame makes access from outside difficult.
If you want to use the internet from the area out the front, you can improve access by leaving the doors open.
Connecting without WiFi
You can connect directly to the router using a network cable if your device has an ethernet port. The ethernet ports are at the rear of the router. This method of connection might be useful if there is a problem with the WiFi network.
You should not, however, use this method for regular access because it risks disrupting the network if cables become dislodged.
Connecting with a shed laptop
You shouldn't need to do anything special. The laptops connect to the internet, with full-speed access, automatically.
Connect with an Android phone or tablet
Click here to see Google's explanation of how to connect an Android phone or tablet to WiFi.
Connect using a Windows 10 laptop
Click here to see Microsoft's explanation of how to connect a Windows 10 device to WiFi.
Connect using an Apple phone
Click here to see Apple's explanation of how to connect an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch to Wifi.
Connect using an Apple laptop
Click here to see Apple's explanation of how to connect an Apple Mac to WiFi.
Troubleshooting
If you have a problem connecting - and you are using the password-protected connection - first check the password (shown here or on the Shed noticeboard). We might have had to change it for security purposes.
Next, take a look at the router - it's the box labelled Zyxel connected to the BT access box. It shows the following lights:
If the first light - the power light - is dark, the router is not plugged in to the mains; you'll need to plug it in. If it is flashing, the router is starting up, wait until it goes solid green and try again to connect.
If the third light - the internet light - is dark or red, there is no connection to the internet from the router (note it will show red for a short time while the router is starting up). Check the cable connecting the router to the BT access box is firmly connected at both ends. If it is, we have a problem with the KSM service you can contact KSM at 023 9229 0500 (but note that, without an internet connection the phone in the shed won't work).
If the light is green (either solid or flashing), the router is connected to the internet; the problem is most likely with the laptop.
You shouldn't need to do anything with the router but, for completeness, the user guide is here
.