Wireless Internet Access

The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit now provides wireless access to the Internet "as is" and "as available" to members of the bar free of charge during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on days when oral arguments are scheduled. Those interested in using the Court's system to access the Internet must visit the Clerk's Office, Suite 401 in person to obtain a password and log-in information. Access is available to counsel in argued cases at counsel tables and the lecturn in each courtroom, in the 2nd floor lobby, the 4th floor lobby, and the Circuit Library. Users of the Court's wireless Internet access system must read the Disclaimer and the FAQs before accessing the system.

This is a private, encrypted network, access to which will be password protected. The password will be changed on a monthly basis.

Restrictions:

Users are not permitted to:

• Use computers in the courtrooms except at counsel tables
• Tamper with the system configuration, disrupt its operation, or interfere with the use of the system by others
• Use the system in violation of any federal or local laws
• Use the system without reading and agreeing to the Court's Disclaimer and FAQs

Disclaimers of Warranties and Limitations of Liability
Wireless Internet Access System

Users should be aware that there are security, privacy and confidentiality risks inherent in wireless communications and associated technology, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit does not make any assurances or warranties relating to such risks. No information you consider confidential should be transmitted via this system. By using the system, you agree to be solely responsible for the content of all information you disseminate. Moreover, by using the Court's wireless Internet access system, users agree that the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is not liable for any costs or damages, special, incidental or consequential, arising from the use of this service. The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit is not responsible for any materials, information, products or services on the Internet and does not guarantee the accuracy, integrity or quality of any communication made over the Court's wireless Internet access system.

No technical support of any kind under any circumstances will be provided to any user trying to access the wireless network. The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit does not warrant that wireless access to the Internet over the Court's system will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components. Internet access at designated areas is provided only as a courtesy and may not be available at any requested time. The Court reserves the right to deny or restrict access to any user who abuses the network, such as by excessive bandwidth consumption or by using the network for any type of activity or purpose deemed by the Court to be unlawful, harassing, abusive, criminal or fraudulent. The Court also reserves the right to monitor, intercept and disclose any transmissions over or using our facilities, and to provide user information, or use records, and other related information under certain circumstances (for example, in response to lawful process, orders, subpoenas, or warrants, or to protect the interests of the Court) to appropriate authorities. It is Court policy to respond to notices of alleged infringement that comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

By using the free wireless Internet access service provided by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, you are agreeing to the disclaimer and limitations set forth above.

FAQs

Q: Where is wireless Internet access available?
Wireless Internet access is available in each courtroom, the 2nd floor lobby, the 4th floor lobby, and the Circuit Library. Internet access is available in a wireless medium that is functional with the following standards of 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g. Wireless access is provided on an "as is" basis. Access to the system in the courtrooms is strictly prohibited, except by counsel in argued cases at counsel tables.

Q: When is wireless Internet access available?
Wireless access is provided on an "as available" basis. The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit does not warrant that this service will be uninterrupted. This service normally will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on days when oral arguments are scheduled.

Q: What if I have problems connecting to this service?
Report the problem to the Clerk's office. While we would like to help, for liability and cost reasons, government personnel are strictly prohibited from handling or troubleshooting users' personal computers. If government personnel are contacted, they will only verify the current operational state of the wireless Internet access system. As the Court is not providing security, support, or related services, all questions regarding these topics, and whether and how a user should use the service, should be directed to an "IT" professional familiar with the user's hardware, software and/or use policies.

Q: Why is wireless Internet access being made available?
The Court has provided Internet access for the convenience of members of the bar. Its use is at your own risk.

Q: What can I do with wireless Internet access?
There are restrictions and limits on the wireless network. Feel free to browse the Web and communicate with your colleagues. However, internet activity such as downloading music, watching TV or any other activity that consumes a large amount of bandwidth or has the potential of being disruptive is prohibited. Please remember to consider the security implications of using the wireless network and protect your computer appropriately. The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit provides you with no security protection while using the Internet on this system.

Q: Who runs the wireless network?
The wireless network is owned and operated by the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Q: What computer hardware is required?
You will need a computer or PDA with wireless network card that supports the 802.11a, 802.11b standard or 802.11g compatible.

Q: What settings are needed to use this system?
You may need to set your network card to use a dynamic IP Address (DHCP).

Q: What operating systems can use it?
Any computer with a wireless network card that supports 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g can be configured to use the wireless network. This includes all versions of Microsoft Windows and Macintosh. However, it is up to the user to make any necessary configuration changes to their personal computer. No technical support will be provided.

Q: Is the wireless network secure?
No. Due to the unrestricted nature of this service, the wireless network should not be considered secure. Anyone using the wireless network should take the necessary precautions to ensure that their laptops are protected from network snoops and hackers.