Get Connected!

We are pleased to offer our patients and families wireless internet access, so that you may keep in touch with work, family, friends and current events using your personal laptop computer.

Getting Started
Most laptops will pick up the wireless connection as soon as you turn them on.  If yours does not, please follow the instructions below to begin using this service:

To search for and connect to the wireless network:

Windows XP (with Service Pack 2)
1. Verify that wireless communication is enabled on your laptop.
2. Right-click the wireless network connection icon in your taskbar, as shown in Figure 1, and then click View Available Wireless Networks.
3. The Wireless Network Connection dialog box appears. If no networks appear, click Refresh Network List in the upper-left corner.
4. Choose the wireless network Public by clicking on its name, and then click Connect.
5. Windows XP will briefly change the network's connection status to Acquiring Network Address, and then to Connected. You can now close the Wireless Network Connection dialog box.
6. Open your browser, you will be directed to the MLH Home Page, review the MLH Disclaimer page and click on Register if you agree to the terms.
7. You'll be redirected to the MLH Web Site, at which point you can type in the name of any Internet Web site you wish to visit. You may need to refresh your original URL name by hitting the Refresh button on your browser tool bar.

Windows XP (pre-Service Pack 2)
1. Follow Step 1 and 2 for Windows XP (with Service Pack 2).
2. Highlight Public, and check the box next to Allow me to connect to the selected wireless network, even though it is not secure.
3. Click on the Connect button.
4. Follow Steps 6 and 7 for Windows XP (with Service Pack 2).

Windows 2000
1. Click on the icon of the software you loaded that came with your Wi-Fi card. NIC card software may vary. The software will list all available Wi-Fi hot spots in your vicinity.
2. Click on Public (or type Public) and select Product.
3. Follow Steps 6 and 7 for Windows XP (with Service Pack 2).

Macintosh (OS X Only)
1. Select System Preferences.
2. Select Network.
3. Select Airport in the Show menu.
4. Click on TCP/IP tab, and make sure DHCP is selected.
5. Click on the Airport tab and select Public.
6. Click Apply Now.
7. Follow Steps 6 and 7 for Windows XP (with Service Pack 2).

Frequently Asked Questions:
What if my laptop is not wireless compatible?
Many new laptops already come with built-in Wi-Fi capability to allow for a wireless experience on your laptop. If your computer is not Wi-Fi compatible, you may purchase a wireless adapter. Unfortunately, Main Line Health does not provide wireless adapters.

Can I use a hospital computer to access the internet?
Due to the sensitivity of patient information, we are unable to offer computers to our patients.

Can I print?
Printing is not supported from your laptop to a Main Line Health device.

What can I do if I can't get connected to the network?
Verify that your laptop has wireless capabilities and that if it is enabled, and try following the "Getting Started" instructions again. If the wireless networking device does not automatically detect the available wireless networks, manually type Public into the appropriate field within the utility and try connecting to it this way. If you are still unable to connect to the network, please contact our patient internet support line by dialing ext. 59-1771 from the phone in your room. The direct number is 610-560-1771.

What can I access through the wireless network?
You will have access to all public sites available through the internet. Please be aware that internet access at Main Line Health may be monitored.

Do I need to be wireless to connect to CarePages?
No, you can access CarePages from any computer including your one at home. Many patients set up their CarePage prior to their hospital stay. To begin using CarePages, after you have established your internet connection, log onto www.mainlinehealth.org and click the CarePages link or return to this page and CLICK HERE!