Hello Everyone. The following is from PC Magazine. Mark
Apple Confirms iPad Wi-Fi Problems; Try These Fixes thread entitled "Weak Wifi Pages" already has over 10,000 views - remarkable since it's only been 48 hours since the official iPad launch. Here are a couple of user statements: I have also noticed very weak wifi signal in my 16GB iPad. Even when standing in front of the wlan router the signal fluctuates from strong to very weak. The router has very strong signals as every other computer here has full signal strength, even 20-30 meters from the route[r]. and: Let me add my voice to the throng. I'm getting one or two bars on my iPad in rooms where my iPhone, iPod touch, both Macbook Pros, Apple TV and Playstation all get full service. Users are speculating that the weak signal strength may be caused by poor placement of the Wi-Fi antenna; others ponder if the problems are the symptoms of a software issue. The latter appears to be the culprit evidenced by the fact that most users on the forum who are running completely Apple-based networks are not having the same issue: I noticed that this was happening at my mother in law's with the ActionTec Verizon FiOS router. However, here at my house, where Time Capsule and Airport Extreme rule the house, I have 0 problems. No problem here either, my wireless network is run by apple devices too. Yet there are also grumblings about weak signals from those using Apple's Airport Extreme routers. Another issue being reported is the iPad's continuous request for re-authentication to a secured wireless router, even after a successful, initial connection to it. Apple Weighs In: On Monday, Apple posted a Knowledge Base article, pertaining to these issues. Not only does the article make suggestions for a remedy, it gives legitimacy to the fact that Apple considers this a very real issue. The article states that having a third-party Wi-Fi router that supports both the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands may be subject to a connectivity problem. It suggests that users can setup different SSID's for each band's network and to ensure that each network uses the same security type (WEP, WPA or WPA2.) What You Can Do: If you're an early adopter experiencing connectivity issues there are a few things you can do to until Apple comes up with a more definitive explanation and fix for this problem: Update Your Router's Firmware. Before attempting to connect an iPad to a home network, make sure that you have the latest version of the firmware to ensure that the router is functioning at full capability. This is usually done within the router's included software. Change The Router's Location. Do you have your router positioned in close proximity to equipment that could be causing interference? Microwaves, cordless phones, baby monitors, wireless keyboards, and Bluetooth devices can muddy a W-Fi signal. Set Your Router To Operate On One 802.11 Standard. Most current routers support not only 802.11n, but a, b, and g as well. Set your router to operate exclusively on the greatest standard available, and do the same with the wireless devices on your network. The iPad ships with support for 802.11n, so you should have your router match that if possible. Change Your Router's Security Encryption. Typically, security isn't something that should be experimented with, but when attempting to boost network performance, it may be necessary. There's no question that WPA and WPA2 encryption is more secure than WEP, but the jury's still out about which encryption method can slow a network down more (some believe it's WEP and others WPA). If you have either currently deployed in your home network, try changing to a different encryption setting and see if that makes any difference in your connectivity. Apple also recommends that you use the same security settings across the entire network. Rename Your Networks. Apple makes the somewhat odd suggestion that users rename their networks. "Create separate Wi-Fi network names to identify each band. This can be done easily by appending one or more characters to the current network name. Example: Add a G to the 802.11b/g network name and an N to the 802.11n network name." This is surely the so-called pea in the princess' mattress, at least where the iPad's launch is concerned. It's hard to know where the blame lies at this time. While it's understandable that Apple is bearing the brunt of the complaints for their device's perceived connectivity issues, the problems could very well be an issue with third-party router vendors not releasing or pushing out firmware updates in time for the iPad's release. Here's hoping for a true fix from router vendors and/or Apple in the immediate future. In the meanwhile, try the tips above, and let us know if they helped you. ANNOUNCING THE SECRET LIFE OF MARK MARCUS LIVE CALL-IN TALK SHOW!!! In each episode, join Mark, along with invited guests, as he explores the world in which we live and the world which lives within us. As you listen or participate in a family-friendly, no-holds-barred discussion, you will find yourself being drawn deeper and deeper into the mystery, majesty, and wonder that is The Secret Life of Mark Marcus. You can listen and participate via telephone, an Internet-enabled computer, or Smartphone application. 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