Wi-Fi access is available in nearly all of Preston Library. Because of the structure of the building, there are a few places within the library with a weak or non-existent signal.  The access points and networks are provided for patrons with VMI network accounts as well as guests.  A brief description of the available networks follows.

VMI-Sentinel

VMI-Sentinel is the preferred network for patrons with VMI network accounts because it provides

• access to network shares/mapped drives
• wireless printing
• access to the library's electronic resources

Anyone with a VMI network account is strongly encouraged to use the VMI-Sentinel network. 

In order to use the VMI-Sentinel network, you must install/set up the wireless network prior to connecting to it for the first time rather than simply clicking on VMI-Sentinel from the list of available networks. If you are using an iOS device, please visit http://tsweb.vmi.edu/VMI-Sentinel.mobileconfig before attempting to install the VMI-Sentinel network. (This does not apply to Mac OS X.)  More information on connecting to VMI-Sentinel is available from Information Technology. 

Preston Public

Preston Public is the preferred network for anyone who needs Wi-Fi access but does not have a VMI network account. The Preston Public wireless network is a public, unsecured network that allows access to the Internet and wireless printing. Electronic library resources are available only if you use the proxy server, which requires a VMI account.

VMI-Guest

The VMI-Guest wireless network may appear to be available in the library due to signals emanating from Nichols Engineering Building or Mallory Hall. Signal strength is typically weak or non-existent in most areas of the library. The use of VMI-Guest is valid in other buildings on Post, but its use in Preston Library is strongly discouraged. The Preston Public wireless network provides access to more resources than VMI-Guest.

Other Networks

Other networks may appear in the library, but they are not official Preston Library networks and we do not encourage patrons to use them. Many of these "networks" are private devices broadcasting their presence rather than wireless networks provided by VMI for use in Preston Library.

To map network drives on your personally-owned computer, follow these instructions for Windows7, Windows8, Windows10, and Macs.  In each case, you must first connect to the VMI-Sentinel wireless network OR by plugging directly into a network jack with a cable.

Connect to a Secure VMI Network
 
Use a wired connection or if wireless, connect to the VMI-Sentinel wireless network or Barracks Wireless network.
(Do NOT connect to VMI-Guest or Preston Public as they will not work.)  

NOTE: Although simply clicking on VMI-Sentinel may allow limited access to the internet, it will not be configured properly for mapping the M- and T-drives and for full access to VMI resources.  Use the instructions under the "Wireless Internet Access" section above.

NOTE: VMI-Sentinel will prompt for your VMI username and password.  In the username prompt, enter vmi\<your username>. Example: If your username is  smithfs18, enter vmi\smithfs18 for the username.

Mapping Drives in Windows 7 

1. Click the Start button and then click on My Computer.
2. Click on the "MAP NETWORK DRIVE" button at the top of the window.
3. M: drive
   • In the "DRIVE" box, select the letter "M:"
   • In the "FOLDER" box, type:  \\fileservices\cadets\<your username>
4. T: drive
   • In the "DRIVE" box, select the letter "T:"
   • In the "FOLDER" box, type: \\fileservices\teach
5. Make sure there is a check mark in the box beside "Reconnect at Logon."
6. Click Finish.
7. You will be prompted for your VMI username and password. 
   NOTE:  in the username prompt, enter     vmi\<your username>
   Example:  If your username is smithfs18, enter vmi\smithfs18 for the username.

Mapping the M: Drive in Windows 8

1. Bring your mouse to the bottom of the home screen and right click and select All Apps. Scroll over to the right and click on Computer.
2. Click on the "MAP NETWORK DRIVE" button at the top of the window.
3. M: drive
   • In the "DRIVE" box, select the letter "M:"
   • In the "FOLDER" box, type:  \\fileservices\cadets\<your username>
4. T: drive
   • In the "DRIVE" box, select the letter "T:"
   • In the "FOLDER" box, type:  \\fileservices\teach
5. Make sure there is a check mark in the box beside "Reconnect at Logon."
6. Click Finish.
7. You will be prompted for your VMI username and password.  
   NOTE:  in the username prompt, enter     vmi\<your username>
   Example:  If your username is  smithfs18, enter vmi\smithfs18 for the username.

Mapping Drives in Windows 10  

1. Bring your mouse to the bottom left corner of the home screen and right click.  Click on the "This PC" tile.  Select the "Computer" menu option at the top.
2. Click on the "MAP NETWORK DRIVE" button at the top of the window.
3. M: drive
   • In the "DRIVE" box, select the letter "M:"
   • In the "FOLDER" box, type:  \\fileservices\cadets\<your username>
4. T: drive
   • In the "DRIVE" box, select the letter "T:"
   • In the "FOLDER" box, type:  \\fileservices\teach
5. Make sure there is a check mark in the box beside "Reconnect at Logon."
6. Click Finish.
7. You will be prompted for your VMI username and password. 
   NOTE:  in the username prompt, enter     vmi\<your username>
   Example:  If your username is  smithfs18, enter vmi\smithfs18 for the username.

 
Mapping Drives on a Mac

1. Select Finder.
2. Select Go.
3. Select Connect to server.
4. M: drive
   1. Enter smb://fileservices/cadets/<your username>
5. T: drive
   1. Enter smb://fileservices/teach
6. You may be prompted for your VMI username and password.  
   NOTE:  in the username prompt, enter     vmi\<your username>
   Example:  If your username is  smithfs18, enter vmi\smithfs18 for the username.