My local Library has recently shut down its free WI-FI service due to “abuse.”?

Question by Solo Joe: My local Library has recently shut down its free WI-FI service due to “abuse.”?
Evidently some unknown people, inside or outside the building, were downloading massive files and causing the sysytem to crash. I suggested using a security password created each day to be signed out at the desk, but they insist that wouldn’t stop the culprits who might just check out the password and then go out into the parking lot to download.
The Library now refuses to re-activate free WI-FI Internet for its patrons. Their computers are old and antiquated, not being able to use my own laptop for HW and research is a hardship!
Is there some way a wireless system can be created to prevent massive downloads and crashes? I would think that other libraries must have had to deal with this problem too. Is there a solution?

Best answer:

Answer by John Mahowald
Talk to them about getting a proper public Wi-Fi solution. Fortunately at least one of them, ZoneCD, appears to be open source, free, easy, and very little commitment to try. And with features such as content filter, download limits, and MAC address blocking the abuse can be shut down.

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