haupt garden

In late August 2006, the Smithsonian's first public Wi-Fi service was working well and Haupt Garden is inviting. Benches are conveniently placed throughout the four acre grounds and much of the lawn is shaded -- a big plus for reading laptop displays. The Smithsonian has also attached freshly painted signs to the fence around the Garden advertising the new service as WiFi@SI. Click here for photos. This is a bit misleading, however. To log on, your wireless card must actually be associated with the SSID named "public".

And don't confuse this ID with the "siguide" network SSID which is also broadcast in Haupt Garden. The "siguide" ID is associated with a closed network dedicated to the Smithsonian's new Wi-Fi equipped museum guides.

The logon or "splash" page for the Garden hotspot also disclaims any Smithsonian responsibility for the service. The splash page coyly says that the service is "provided through third party carriers in association with Gulf Coast...." Call +1 800 644 6618. Or contact: support@gulfcoastrealestate.org .

Disclaimers aside, we found the signal to be fairly strong throughout most of the Garden and it should be even better when there is less foliage on the surrounding trees. Local commuters will also be happy to know that the Wi-Fi signal bleeds across the adjacent sidewalk and bus stop along Independence Avenue on the south side of the Garden.

So, perhaps it's time for a small celebration. Bring a picnic. Stake out a bench. Marvel at the lush plantings. And while away a pleasant late Summer afternoon catching up on your email and favorite web sites in Haupt Garden. And rejoice! For there is Wi-Fi on the Mall. And it is free.


Copyright © 2006 The Open Park Project. All Rights Reserved.