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Wireless Internet Access

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana provides free Internet access via a WiFi connection to benefit the bench, the bar, and the public for the purpose of aiding in the administration of justice. Court WiFi is available in the following locations:

     E. Ross Adair Courthouse, Fort Wayne - all District Court courtrooms and attorney conference rooms

     Robert A. Grant Courthouse, South Bend - all District Court courtrooms and attorney conference rooms

Note: Please be aware Wireless Internet Access is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. This is an unsecured wireless network. Information sent over this network may be visible to others. By using the wireless internet access system, users agree that the court will not be liable for any costs or damages arising from the use of the system. Users also agree to the “terms of use” detailed below.

Requirements
To connect to the wireless network, devices must have a WiFi-compatible network card installed (802.11a/b/g/n). 

Accessing wireless
Contact the case manager for login information.

Terms of Use

  1. Users must make sure that they use the Wireless Internet safely and productively and not in any way that could compromise the interests of the judiciary.
  2. Users should be aware that this is a public WiFi connection and there are security, privacy, and confidentiality risks inherent in wireless communications and associated technology. The court does not make any assurances or warranties relating to such risks. Information considered confidential should not be transmitted via this system.
  3. The court does not guarantee that wireless access to the internet over the Court WiFi network will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components.
  4. Court personnel are prohibited from providing technical support for using the system beyond providing access information and verifying the current operational status of the system. In the event Court WiFi is unavailable, alternate arrangements must be made by the user.
  5. By using the wireless internet access system, users agree that the court will not be liable for any costs or damages, special, incidental, consequential, or otherwise, arising from the use of the system.
  6. The court is not responsible for any materials, information, products, or services on the internet. The court does not guarantee the accuracy, integrity, or quality of any communication made over the Court WiFi. Users agree to be solely responsible for the content of all information they access, display, disseminate, or receive.
  7. Use of the Court WiFi for malicious, fraudulent, misrepresentative, or otherwise criminal purposes is prohibited. Illegal use of the system will be reported to law enforcement.
  8. Broadcasting or recording judicial proceedings is prohibited.
  9. Users should bring fully charged batteries for their wireless devices because electrical outlets may not be readily available in all areas. Users of courthouse electrical power do so at their own risk.
  10. The court will automatically assign users with an IP address each time a user accesses Court WiFi. This IP address is subject to constant change and should NOT be programmed into any device for the purpose of accessing Court WiFi.
  11. The court reserves the right to monitor traffic volume and security. Users understand and agree that the United States District Court may monitor, access, preserve, and disclose Court WiFi information if required to do so by law or in a good faith belief that such preservation or disclosure is reasonably necessary to comply with legal process or to protect the rights and property of the United States District Court or the public.
  12. The court reserves the right to deny or restrict access to any user who appears to have abused the network, such as by excessive bandwidth consumption or by using the network for any type of activity or purpose the court deems to be unauthorized, unlawful, harassing, abusive, or fraudulent.
  13. To ensure the integrity of the network, the court reserves the right to maintain, monitor, alter, manage, or terminate Court WiFi and to modify the Terms of Use for any reason without notice; to restrict use to litigants appearing before the court when necessary; and to block data transmissions to protect the United States District Court, Court WiFi, or the public.

Frequently asked questions:

What if I have problems connecting to this service?
For liability reasons court personnel are strictly prohibited from handling or troubleshooting non-government computers or mobile devices.  The US District Court Information Technology department will only verify the current operational state of the wireless internet connection.

Who runs the wireless network?
The wireless network is owned and operated by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana.

What computer hardware is re
 Any device that supports 802.11 a/b/g/n wireless networking.

What settings are needed to use this system?
The SSID (wireless network identifier) of the wireless network is INND-Guest.  You will not need to enable (wireless encryption). You may need to set your network card to use a dynamic IP Address (DHCP).

What operating systems can use it?
Any computer with a wireless network card that supports 802.11 wifi can be configured to use the wireless network.  This includes all versions of Microsoft Windows & Macintosh.  However it is up to the user to make any necessary configuration changes to their personal computer.  Technical support will not be provided.

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 devices are protected from network snoops and hackers. Users should be aware that there are security, privacy, and confidentiality risks inherent in wireless communications.

Some precautionary measures recommended include:

  • Installing the latest software patches for your device
  • Using updated anti-virus software
  • Using a personal firewall
  • Using VPN software to securely communicate sensitive information