Wi-Fi
Court technology
Wireless Internet Access from Court
Free broadband Internet access using wireless technology is now available in over 120 courtrooms throughout Queensland.
Called Wi-Fi, the technology makes it possible for you to access the Internet without having to be connected to a hard-wired computer. It is also faster and more reliable than using a mobile phone to connect. Importantly, this service is provided free of charge to improve access to the law for all those appearing before the Court - there are No Strings with Courts Wi-Fi.
If you have a wireless device such as a notebook computer or Personal Digital Assistant, you can browse the Internet or send and receive messages at any time. Selected courtrooms in the following courthouses provide wireless Internet access. Click the plus sign next to courthouse to see which courtrooms provide this service.
What can be accessed through the Wi-Fi service?
The Wi-Fi service supports most types of Internet traffic. For example, when using the service you will be able to browse Internet pages, send and receive e-mails or instant messages. The system will also support remote access clients such as Citrix Metaframe ™ which allows secure connections from court rooms to remote systems.
The purpose of the Wi-Fi service is to improve the business that Court users conduct when they are appearing before the Court. Certain categories of web site can not be accessed via the Courts Wi-Fi service, including objectionable material, file download/sharing or .mp3 streaming. Connecting to a blocked site will cause an error message to display in your browser window.
The site filter used to prevent access to blocked sites will sometimes result in an additional delay the first time that a site is accessed. After a web site has been authorised the site filter will not cause any additional delay.
When can I use the service?
The Wi-Fi service is intended to be used in Courtrooms by parties appearing in Court. Check the list to see a complete listing of Wi-Fi enabled courtrooms. If you propose to use the service during a hearing permission should always be sought from the presiding judicial officer. It is also recommended that you check if any Practice Directions related to using the service have been released - see Practice Directions
The Wi-Fi service can be used in any public or waiting area of the Courthouse to enhance the way you conduct business with the Court. Certain public areas provide the Courts Wi-Fi service - check the list of serviced areas to see if there is a public access area in your location.
Getting Connected
To use the Wi-Fi service, your laptop or Personal Digital Assistant needs to have a wireless adapter card. These cards are available at computer retailers. Installation of the adapter card and the configuration of wireless devices should be carried out by your IT provider.
The Wi-Fi service does not require any form of authentication or sign on. Once your device connects to the service it is effectively connected to the Internet.
Court staff are unable to provide technical assistance. Contact your service provider if you have any difficulties connecting your wireless device to the service. Some technical information about the service is provided below which may be useful when connecting devices to the service.
Printing in a Courtroom
If you wish to print documents in court you will need to bring a portable printer, as well as a notebook computer. If you wish to share a printer with other devices in the Courtroom you should seek advice from your IT supplier.
Peer-to-Peer Networking
Peer-to-Peer networking is possible within a courtroom. It is possible to connect multiple devices, such as PCs or printers, together to form a small network so that they may be shared. It is recommended that if you do not wish to share your device with others in the courtroom that sharing be disabled.
Protecting your devices
The Wi-Fi service has been deliberately configured to be open and as flexible as possible. As a result, firewalls or filters for malicious content are not a part of the service. It is recommended that devices using the service have effective, and up-to-date, security and anti-virus applications installed.
Technical Information
- Protocols supported include 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g.
- Typical bandwidth is 512k ADSL shared between courtrooms. Larger sites have higher bandwidth connections
- The service SID is QLD Courts Wi-Fi.
Last updated Tuesday, 5 February 2008 8:04
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