iPad iPad WiFi - Page 2

Spiffy · 06-02-2010, 08:25 PM

It would help to know more about the original poster's Wifi setup. Is it 802.11b? 802.11g? 802.11n? Not only are there speed differences but also signal strength differences.

I don't know about what Apple is saying about WEAK signals overall, but they did release a statement about connectivity problems:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3304

tyche · 06-02-2010, 09:00 PM

I was using the wifi off my dsl modem (speedtouch 585) located in the basement of my house. It was 802.11g and I usually got 1 bar on the second floor and couldn't get reception outside my house. The same signal strength for any wifi device I ever attached but the signal never dropped and the speed was ok. The iPad had the same connection strength and distance issues - inside the house ok, step outside no go.

I finally decided to get an N modem (dlink dir-655) and put on my main floor as an access point. Huge difference. Full strength anywhere in the house and I can go in my back yard and have wifi access and very fast downloads. Definitely impressed with the speed difference and strength over g and with no drops with my iPad.

Tony Szmuk · 06-03-2010, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badgoodDeb

I read somewhere (?) that Apple acknowledged some problems with WiFi and hopes to make some corrections in software. (is that vague enough for ya?)

Right. Probably the'll solve the problem with the new iPhone OS 4 supposed to come up this summer. I haven't noticed any WiFi problems so far though.

Sischa · 06-03-2010, 05:01 AM

But there are already workarounds to keep the problems at a min. .

dmaul1114 · 06-03-2010, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spiffy

It would help to know more about the original poster's Wifi setup. Is it 802.11b? 802.11g? 802.11n? Not only are there speed differences but also signal strength differences.

I don't know about what Apple is saying about WEAK signals overall, but they did release a statement about connectivity problems:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3304

Thanks for that link. I have a feeling my girlfriend's crappy old router is on WEP. Next time I'm over there I'll see if it supports WPA and if so switch it and see if that helps the near constant dropouts she gets.

Neil · 06-03-2010, 03:28 PM

Using an Apple Airport Extreme router I have excellent reception. In fact, in the basement family room the iPad is receiving signals a lot better than the PS3 or XBOX 360. Might be some Apple-to-Apple benefit going on.

HarryT · 06-03-2010, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spiffy

It would help to know more about the original poster's Wifi setup. Is it 802.11b? 802.11g? 802.11n? Not only are there speed differences but also signal strength differences.

I don't know about what Apple is saying about WEAK signals overall, but they did release a statement about connectivity problems:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3304

I have a Belkin ADSL wireless "G" router, using WPA encryption, if that makes any difference. Good signal with my laptop; lousy with both my iPod Touch and iPad.

Tony Szmuk · 06-03-2010, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

I have a Belkin ADSL wireless "G" router, using WPA encryption, if that makes any difference. Good signal with my laptop; lousy with both my iPod Touch and iPad.

The 'G' part might be the problem. I have a dual band D-Link wireless 'N' and I can't see any connectivity problems...

dmaul1114 · 06-03-2010, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Szmuk

The 'G' part might be the problem. I have a dual band D-Link wireless 'N' and I can't see any connectivity problems...

That would be pretty sloppy on Apples part of that's the case as most people I know are still on B or G routers. The vast majority of people only upgrade if their router breaks.

Fotoman · 06-03-2010, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmaul1114

That would be pretty sloppy on Apples part of that's the case as most people I know are still on B or G routers. The vast majority of people only upgrade if their router breaks.

I'm not defending Apple here but anyone still using B or G owes it to themselves to spend the $50 (I've seen them at Costco for as little as $39) for an N before the old one breaks. Signal strength and penetration are much, much better.

N is a significant upgrade. Mine goes through 3 floors and covers the whole house + backyard through exterior walls.

stustaff · 06-03-2010, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fotoman

I'm not defending Apple here but anyone still using B or G owes it to themselves to spend the $50 (I've seen them at Costco for as little as $39) for an N before the old one breaks. Signal strength and penetration are much, much better.

N is a significant upgrade. Mine goes through 3 floors and covers the whole house + backyard through exterior walls.

Mine is G and is fine for my house can get a signal on ipad same places as my dell laptop.

dmaul1114 · 06-03-2010, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fotoman

I'm not defending Apple here but anyone still using B or G owes it to themselves to spend the $50 (I've seen them at Costco for as little as $39) for an N before the old one breaks. Signal strength and penetration are much, much better.

N is a significant upgrade. Mine goes through 3 floors and covers the whole house + backyard through exterior walls.

I live in a one bedroom condo. My wireless G router gives me full signal everywhere in my place, so I have no need to upgrade. For what it's worth, my girlfriend's iPad works great at my place--full reception and no dropouts.

So I'm hoping it's the WEP issue with her router (also in a small condo) as noted above--mines on WPA so that could be it.

Extra N strength would be a negative in a condo setting I'd think--just that many more people in other units who can see your network and possibly try to hack through your security.

But yeah, for a big house it may be worth upgrading.

Tony Szmuk · 06-03-2010, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmaul1114

That would be pretty sloppy on Apples part of that's the case as most people I know are still on B or G routers. The vast majority of people only upgrade if their router breaks.

You're right but It's not the case with Apple iPad only. If you want better reception, you need a better router. How do you expect them ( the industry) to make money, anyway?

dmaul1114 · 06-03-2010, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Szmuk

You're right but It's not the case with Apple iPad only. If you want better reception, you need a better router. How do you expect them ( the industry) to make money, anyway?

Like I said, my girlfriend's iPad gets fantastic reception at my place, and I only have a G router. So I don't think it requires N by any means.

So I'm hoping she just has her router on WEP and switching to WPA will solve the problem like the Apple support link suggests, as at her place it doesn't drop out and often ask for the WEP key just like the link stated.

dmaul1114 · 06-05-2010, 04:48 PM

Changing the security on my girlfriend's router from WEP to WPA seems to have stopped the dropouts. *knocks on wood*

Haven't used it long enough since changing to be sure yet though.

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06-02-2010, 08:25 PM	#16
Spiffy Groupie Posts: 160 Karma: 416 Join Date: Apr 2010 Device: Astak EZ Reader Pro AND Sony PRS-505	It would help to know more about the original poster's Wifi setup. Is it 802.11b? 802.11g? 802.11n? Not only are there speed differences but also signal strength differences. I don't know about what Apple is saying about WEAK signals overall, but they did release a statement about connectivity problems: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3304

06-02-2010, 09:00 PM	#17
tyche Addict Posts: 227 Karma: 2530 Join Date: Dec 2009 Device: PRS-505, iPad	I was using the wifi off my dsl modem (speedtouch 585) located in the basement of my house. It was 802.11g and I usually got 1 bar on the second floor and couldn't get reception outside my house. The same signal strength for any wifi device I ever attached but the signal never dropped and the speed was ok. The iPad had the same connection strength and distance issues - inside the house ok, step outside no go. I finally decided to get an N modem (dlink dir-655) and put on my main floor as an access point. Huge difference. Full strength anywhere in the house and I can go in my back yard and have wifi access and very fast downloads. Definitely impressed with the speed difference and strength over g and with no drops with my iPad.

06-03-2010, 05:01 AM	#19
Sischa Evangelist Posts: 428 Karma: 2370 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Germany Device: Nokia 770, Ilead, Cybook G3, Kindle DX, Kindle 2, iPad, Kindle 3, PW	But there are already workarounds to keep the problems at a min. .

06-03-2010, 03:28 PM	#21
Neil Addict Posts: 242 Karma: 10932816 Join Date: Mar 2009 Device: iPad Mini 6, iPad Air, Kindles HD 8, HD 10, Oasis 3, Scribe, Colorsoft	Using an Apple Airport Extreme router I have excellent reception. In fact, in the basement family room the iPad is receiving signals a lot better than the PS3 or XBOX 360. Might be some Apple-to-Apple benefit going on.

06-05-2010, 04:48 PM	#30
dmaul1114 Wizard Posts: 2,300 Karma: 1121709 Join Date: Feb 2009 Device: Amazon Kindle 1	Changing the security on my girlfriend's router from WEP to WPA seems to have stopped the dropouts. knocks on wood Haven't used it long enough since changing to be sure yet though.