THE FCC WIRELESS HOTSPOT NETWORK
GENERAL INFORMATION
The FCC Public Use Wireless “HotSpot” network (WHSN) is a service provided by the 
FCC for visitors to the FCC Headquarters, Portals II building.  The wireless network 
provides limited wireless Internet access for an FCC visitor who has a Wi-Fi (802.11a or 
802.11b) complaint network card installed on their personally owned portable device 
such as a laptop or table PC.  This service is limited to specific service areas also known 
as “HotSpots” within the Portals II building on the Courtyard (CY), the Twelfth Street 
(TW), and Eighth (8) floors.
Prior to connecting to the WHSN, the FCC suggests that you read the Policy and 
Disclaimer provided on the back of this handout.  Your use of the wireless network 
implies agreement with the policy.
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
Connecting to the WHSN is very simple.  The WHSN is designed to allow users to 
connect with minimal installation and configuration effort.
In order to connect to the WHSN, you should use the default settings which are included 
in your Wi-Fi complaint network card.  Below is some general configuration information 
in case you need to adjust your current Wi-Fi settings.
1. Ensure that you network protocol, specifically TCP/IP, is configured to:
“Obtain an IP address automatically” and
“Obtain DNS server automatically.
2. Your Wi-Fi network card should be configured with the following settings:
Service Set Identifier (SSID)
None (default)
Network Type
Infrastructure (default)
Channel
6 (default)
THE FCC WIRELESS HOTSPOT NETWORK
USER SUPPORT
The FCC does not offer technical support to the WHSN users.  You may, however, obtain 
information on the operational status of the WHSN or report an outage by calling 202-
418-WIFI (9434).
Q&A
Q1. Will I need a username and password to access the WHSN?
A. No.  The WHSN is designed to provide Internet access without a username and 
password.
Q2. Can I access the FCC network using the WHSN?
A. No.  The WHSN is completely separated from the FCC network.  As a result, you 
will not be provided access to the FCC network
Q3. On which floors are the WHSN services available?
A. The Courtyard (CY), and the Twelfth Street (TW), and Eighth (8) floors.
Q4. When is the WHSN service available?
A. WHSN services are available Monday thru Friday between 8AM through 5PM.
Q5. Is the WHSN compatible with 802.11a complaint network cards?
A. Yes.  The WHSN is compatible with 802.11a and 802.11b complaint network 
cards.
Q6. Will I be able to access the WHSN if I move to another room or floor?
A. As long as you are within the WHSN service areas or “Hotspots,” there will be no 
break in service.
THE FCC WIRELESS HOTSPOT NETWORK
POLICY
The FCC Wireless HotSpot Network (WHSN) is an FCC provided service.  In order to 
use this service, the user must accept the following:
1) Limited HotSpot coverage when visiting the Portals II FCC headquarters.
2) No connection to the FCC “wired” network.
3) The WHSN firewall will block all inbound Internet traffic to minimize any 
negative impact on the WHSN user.
4) The FCC will provide audit log information to agencies that are investigating 
improper Internet usage.
RECOMMENDED USE
It is highly recommended that all WHSN users use personal firewall software on their 
wireless devices.
DISCLAIMER
Any use of this service is acknowledgement that the user accepts all risks associated with 
this service.  While using this service, it is user’s sole responsibility to manage and 
monitor the use of this service at all times.