Apple iPad owners report Wi-Fi connection issues
Some who purchased their iPad on launch day have experienced wireless connectivity issues with their new device, with reports of weak Wi-Fi reception, dropped signals and difficulty connecting to a network.
Already there are a number of threads with dozens of posts about Wi-Fi connection issues, ranging from a weak signal to an inability to connect to a router. Issues have been reported with a variety of routers, including Apple's own AirPort Extreme.
"I have also noticed very weak wifi signal in my 16GB iPad," user tdbc wrote. "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 router. So there is definitely a wifi signal issue here with the iPad."
Another user, Dr. JB, said their iPad is getting just one bar of Wi-Fi signal, while a nearby MacBook Pro has strong, full reception. They said their iPad was also experiencing slow downloads due to the weak signal.
A post from powerguru revealed bandwidth data from the Speedtest.net application, which showed an iPad with 1.83 megabits per second download, compared to 14.77 megabits on the iPhone 3GS. The user also noted that the iPad uses 802.11n while the iPhone 3GS is 802.11g.
Others said their signal sometimes fluctuated, and some said resetting the network settings or restarting the iPad would temporarily fix the issue. But others who commented said they have experienced no Wi-Fi issues, suggesting the problems are not universal.
In response to some issues, Apple has set up a support document for users who have problems getting their iPad to rejoin known Wi-Fi networks after a restart or waking from sleep. The issue is known to occur with some third-party Wi-Fi routers that are dual-band capable.
To resolve the issue, Apple recommends creating separate Wi-Fi network names to identify each band, such as adding G to the 802.11g network name, and N to the 802.11n network name. It is also recommended that both networks use the same security type, such as WPA. If the issue persists, users can reset their network settings under Settings, General, Reset.
Apple sold more than 300,000 iPads on its first day of availability. Currently, only models that utilize Wi-Fi for Internet connectivity are available for purchase. The hardware starts at $499 for 16GB.
iPad models with 3G connectivity are set to arrive later this month, and will carry a $130 premium. The added wireless radio will offer 3G connectivity with the AT&T cellular network in the U.S. The carrier will offer no-contract data plans starting at $15 per month for 250MB of data, and $30 a month for unlimited access.
Already there are a number of threads with dozens of posts about Wi-Fi connection issues, ranging from a weak signal to an inability to connect to a router. Issues have been reported with a variety of routers, including Apple's own AirPort Extreme.
"I have also noticed very weak wifi signal in my 16GB iPad," user tdbc wrote. "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 router. So there is definitely a wifi signal issue here with the iPad."
Another user, Dr. JB, said their iPad is getting just one bar of Wi-Fi signal, while a nearby MacBook Pro has strong, full reception. They said their iPad was also experiencing slow downloads due to the weak signal.
A post from powerguru revealed bandwidth data from the Speedtest.net application, which showed an iPad with 1.83 megabits per second download, compared to 14.77 megabits on the iPhone 3GS. The user also noted that the iPad uses 802.11n while the iPhone 3GS is 802.11g.
Others said their signal sometimes fluctuated, and some said resetting the network settings or restarting the iPad would temporarily fix the issue. But others who commented said they have experienced no Wi-Fi issues, suggesting the problems are not universal.
In response to some issues, Apple has set up a support document for users who have problems getting their iPad to rejoin known Wi-Fi networks after a restart or waking from sleep. The issue is known to occur with some third-party Wi-Fi routers that are dual-band capable.
To resolve the issue, Apple recommends creating separate Wi-Fi network names to identify each band, such as adding G to the 802.11g network name, and N to the 802.11n network name. It is also recommended that both networks use the same security type, such as WPA. If the issue persists, users can reset their network settings under Settings, General, Reset.
Apple sold more than 300,000 iPads on its first day of availability. Currently, only models that utilize Wi-Fi for Internet connectivity are available for purchase. The hardware starts at $499 for 16GB.
iPad models with 3G connectivity are set to arrive later this month, and will carry a $130 premium. The added wireless radio will offer 3G connectivity with the AT&T cellular network in the U.S. The carrier will offer no-contract data plans starting at $15 per month for 250MB of data, and $30 a month for unlimited access.
Comments
That seems to be the way of things. I've used the iPad on three different WiFi locations. Two private 802.11n with security, one public on 802.11g. No issues so far.
"I have also noticed very weak wifi signal in my 16GB iPad," user tdbc wrote. "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 router. So there is definitely a wifi signal issue here with the iPad."
If this is a hardware issue, it is a major blunder. If it is a software issue, it is a major blunder, but fixable.
"Apple <insert_product_name> owners report Wi-Fi connection issues"
That seems to be the way of things. I've used the iPad on three different WiFi locations. Two private 802.11n with security, one public on 802.11g. No issues so far.
Do you think that the orientation of the iPad with respect to the Wi-Fi unit may be a factor?
"Apple <insert_product_name> owners report Wi-Fi connection issues"
That seems to be the way of things. I've used the iPad on three different WiFi locations. Two private 802.11n with security, one public on 802.11g. No issues so far.
Do you believe that the problem is nonexistent, or that it is restricted to certain iPads, with others (like yours) working properly?
Everything is working smoothly on my end and with my iPad.
Also, the google maps application wouldn't load map data; I just got to smoothly zoom in and out on a grid of gray squares.
If this is a hardware issue, it is a major blunder. If it is a software issue, it is a major blunder, but fixable.
If it is something as simple as a loose WiFi Antenna connection that is a hardware problem with an easy fix.
Good to see they've released yet another product without doing adequate testing...
this is consumer electronics not geek ville product.. Go to an apple store and listen to the consumers over and over saying they can't get the wifi to work.. Then, of course, it is a matter of training the pilot to get in the air an then land again.
if the big problem is getting a wifi connection (can we all guess their componentry is off the shelf here?) then we are not with an unusual problem for the average consumer electronics appliance buyer.
I have a 32 and my signal never goes over 2 bars - and it is lightening fast!!! the single most amazing thing is the speed as compared to my laptop, iphone etc etc..
Good to see they've released yet another product without doing adequate testing...
agreed... i hope they release an updated iPad within 6 months with a hardware update just to screw with their early adopters.
Do you think that the orientation of the iPad with respect to the Wi-Fi unit may be a factor?
I'm sure. The space for the WiFi antenna isn't great and I have to assume putting your hand over the center back or placing it flat on a metal tablet on a coffee shop* would impair it, which is something I purposely choose not to do at the public WiFi location I was at on Saturday.
* I won't be going back there. Even with headphones in people are interrupting me to ask questions about it. Oddly, the most common question is "what is that?" I thought most people were at least aware of it.
Do you believe that the problem is nonexistent, or that it is restricted to certain iPads, with others (like yours) working properly?
I'm sure it exists. WiFi issues exist with all products. From this limited information it sounds like a driver or OS issue, not HW. I'd curious about the 3G version with the plastic stripe. I stated last week that I would expect a little better WiFI with that model.
Good to see they've released yet another product without doing adequate testing...
They batch test condoms before they are sold, there are still known cases of leaky condoms.
Unless there is a universal observation of the problem, which does not seem to be the case, then your statement has no basis.
CGC
this is consumer electronics not geek ville product.. Go to an apple store and listen to the consumers over and over saying they can't get the wifi to work.. Then, of course, it is a matter of training the pilot to get in the air an then land again.
if the big problem is getting a wifi connection (can we all guess their componentry is off the shelf here?) then we are not with an unusual problem for the average consumer electronics appliance buyer.
I have a 32 and my signal never goes over 2 bars - and it is lightening fast!!! the single most amazing thing is the speed as compared to my laptop, iphone etc etc..
How do you people get different speed on devices? My broadband is 50Mbit/s and whatever is connected to wifi router will receive the full 50 unless any other device is downloading anything in this case the speed splits equally between devices that need connection. As my wifi rout isnt capable of more than 54Mbit/s and i only have 50 broadband (which is a lot faster than country's average) i just dont understand how speed can wary
Not a big deal for me... I will just use the G router with the iPad until apple figures out what is wrong.
The G router is a netgear. The N router is a buffalo router.