Before I return iPad: Is the WiFi problem software or hardware?

Question

Level 1

4 points

Before I return iPad: Is the WiFi problem software or hardware?

Obviously there is a problem with the iPad Wifi.

Dozens of threads full of unhappy owners here. Many
more on MacRumors.

I am getting ready to give up on the iPad. For $500 the
WiFi shouldn't be **** poor, dropping connections and
giving me low signal coverage.

Just one question. Has anyone figured out if this is a
hardware issue (antenna in bad place) or something that
can be fixed with a software update?

Software update I can wait for. Hardware I return this thing.

Oh, and if someone has a fix, please post it.

And yes, I did all these steps:

1. Reboot your router - just unplug it from the power.
2. Reset your network settings - Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network settings. When your iPad restarts, tap Settings > WiFi > Other and re-enter your network name, security, and password.

Still bad WiFi coverage and losing of password. I have a Verizon Actiontech "G" router.

Message was edited by: NJ Ron

Message was edited by: NJ Ron

iPad, iPhone OS 3.1.3

Posted on Apr 6, 2010 6:04 AM

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Answer 1

Tamara

Level 6

13,738 points

Apr 6, 2010 6:10 AM in response to NJ Ron

The best thing would be to make an appointment at the Genius Bar - http://apple.com/retail/geniusbar and get the iPad checked.

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Answer 2

Apr 6, 2010 6:13 AM in response to NJ Ron

I have no idea if this applies but it fixed my issues. Make sure your router has the latest firmware. I was having fits trying to get pages to load in Safari and updating the router firmware took care of my problem.

Good luck!

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Answer 3

Apr 6, 2010 6:16 AM in response to NJ Ron

Since a number of people have fixed their issues with router firmware updates, configuration changes, restoring their iPad, or even just resetting the network settings on the iPad, my guess is software or home network configuration issue. Probably a combo of both.

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Answer 4

Apr 6, 2010 6:23 AM in response to fjfjfjfjfjfjdksllair

I'm betting it's a software issue. Saw something very similar on a MacBook pro a couple years ago. Apple released a patch that resolved the issue. I disabled wpa2 before even attempting to join it to my network. I've accessed 3 networks so far and no problems, but none have had security enabled.

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Answer 5

dwb

Level 7

32,920 points

Apr 6, 2010 7:57 AM in response to NJ Ron

I'm in the tech field and WiFi connectivity has been a constant battle since WiFi went mainstream. Your problem could be the router's firmware (so check to see that it is up to date). It could be the router's chipset and buying a new router is your only choice. It might be your iPad specifically or it might be a general iPad issue - hardware or software - though I kinda doubt it.

I strongly recommend that you try your iPad elsewhere - MacDonalds, Panera, and your local Library are all good candidates. If your reception is lousy there a trip to the Apple store is in order.

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Answer 6

Apr 6, 2010 8:12 AM in response to NJ Ron

I'm having no problems at all with wifi after 2 days, not one drop. I have an airport extreme. Don't think it's hardware. Could be settings on your router. I'm amazed to hear all these wifi problems. Do not give up on iPad. It can and does work great with wifi under the right circumstances.

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Answer 7

joeuu

Level 5

5,089 points

Apr 6, 2010 8:24 AM in response to NJ Ron

The only issue, if it turns out to be that, I'm experiencing is the seemingly low signal level.

Last night I formulated a theory that I've ALMOST convinced myself has some merit.

I'm wondering if the iPad's software conserves power by supplying the antenna as needed thereby helping to achieve the 10-12hrs of published run time?

In reading these many threads and performing various speed tests, I see my bars increase and decrease from a dot to full as needed a lot of the time.

Joe

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Answer 8

Apr 6, 2010 8:27 AM in response to NJ Ron

NJ,

Try this. (Worked for me)

Login to your router and change the WIFI signal. Try 11 or 1....as they are as far away from the default of 6. This seams to help with network interference from other WIFI Networks.

Kayle

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Answer 9

Apr 6, 2010 8:30 AM in response to Kayle Michael

To add to the previous poster's comment, you can also use NetStumbler to determine which WLANs are using which channel and change yours accordingly. I always set the channel to either 1 or 11 when configuring a router. Where I live, there are about 20 WLANs within range, so in this case, choosing a clear channel is critical.

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Answer 10

cokeicee

Level 1

90 points

Apr 6, 2010 8:34 AM in response to joeuu

Make sense. Would when its receiving information its using less power than when its sending information.

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Answer 11

Apr 6, 2010 8:48 AM in response to NJ Ron

I've got two iPads, 32GB and 64GB, and have not had any wifi problems at all since Saturday. Both work everywhere in my house, including outdoors, on my work wifi network, and even at the gym. Wifi connection hasn't dropped once. My home network is wireless N with the latest firmware. Based on my experience I don't think there is any fundamental problem with the iPad hardware or software.

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Answer 12

cggarrod

Level 1

9 points

Apr 6, 2010 8:53 AM in response to dchousegrooves

I believe it is a sporadic hardware issue - my wife and I both bought iPads this last weekend. The internet on hers was really fast while mine was incredibly - even a simple page such as Google's search page wouldn't load. I took both iPads back to the Apple Store and managed to convince one of the Apple staff to exchange mine, showing him the differences between the two models (both were 64GB iPads).

My new iPad now works fine. My advice for those who are having wi-fi issues is to try to exchange your iPad at an Apple Store.

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Answer 13

Apr 6, 2010 10:55 AM in response to dwb

I actually had an issue connecting to my router, which my iPhone and Macbook access without an issue. I was uable to go somewhere with free WiFi, but I was able to connect the iPad to my Verizon MiFi with no problems. This morning, I tried once again to connect the iPad to my router (I am sort of thick headed and do not like it when something that should work doesn't), and after the third try it worked. I was able to go down two floors and maintain a good signal, and then surfed the net and read the WSJ with no drop of signal. Let's see what happens when I get home tonight and try again!

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Answer 14

tacsat11

Level 1

0 points

Apr 6, 2010 11:15 AM in response to Fotinos Panagakos

I've been having trouble with my Wife's MBA and my iphone on my network. I got an ipad, and was not impressed with the speed. Then I started looking into my network. I have been using my time capsule to extend a network from a linksys router. I took the linksys router out of the picture and now everything is blazing!! Before the MBA couldn't stream netflix without bogging down. Now we can stream with three devices including the ipad. If your routers don't do 802.11n or are extending a network from a device that does not speak 802.11n you may experience problems.

Ipads are cool!!

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Answer 15

Apr 6, 2010 11:29 AM in response to NJ Ron

I was having a similar issue at a friends house. After looking at his wifi setup I discovered that there were at least three neighbors with wifi routers and they were all using the same default channel!

Some people just have no clue about how to setup wifi properly.

Once I moved his wifi to an unused channel everything was fine.

Also note that cheap wireless phones and microwave machines will kill wifi..

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