Can the iPad save different network locations like my MacBook can?

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Can the iPad save different network locations like my MacBook can?

At my workplace, for security reasons of some sort, the only way anyone can use the wireless internet is if their device's IP address (and maybe some of those other thingies I don't understand, like "subnet mask") has been set to one on a list kept by an IT person; you just give your computer to him and he enters the right numbers. Furthermore, the configuration that works there doesn't work at any other Wi-Fi spot I've been to. No problem, of course, because I've got the different configurations saved as locations, and I can just click the AirPort icon in the menu to switch from "Home" to "Work".

I'm considering getting an iPad, mainly for web-browsing and movie-watching, and my question is twofold. First, is it straightforward to change the same networky numbers like you can on a MacBook's Network Preferences? Second, assuming it is, can different configurations be saved for easy switching back and forth — or would I have to write down the numbers somewhere in the iPad's note-keeping apps, then copy and paste them every single time I go to work? (Oh, wait, threefold — can you paste into that box in the iPad's Wi-Fi settings?) Finally, are the answers to my questions different depending on whether we're talking about iPad 1 or 2?

Posted on Apr 17, 2011 7:21 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 17, 2011 7:35 PM in response to Lenoxus

i dont know if i get this correctly, you see the wifi connection at work but you cant connect to it and the IT guy has to take your computer so he can connect you to the network.

I believe what they do is called, mac filtering .. every wifi device has a unique mac address that identify that specific unit.. your IT dept is trying to protect its network by doing filtering so nobody can just connect to their network unless that device's mac address is setup in their wifi's settings.

so to answer your questions, any apple product can switch to different network easily as long as you have connected the device to that network at least once... they save the settings so when they find that same connection again, they will connect to it easily.

i hope this give you some clarification and if not please let me know..

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Answer 2

Apr 17, 2011 7:39 PM in response to Lenoxus

Hi Lenoxus,

Yes, you can save multiple networks configuration on an iPad, Go to Setting > Wi-fi, there you can setup multiple closed Wifi network, let say wifi network A, network B, etc., and assign a static IP address for EACH network you have. I'm not sure if you can have multiple static IP addresses stored in one network, though. But usually we are content with one static IP address for one WiFi network. The iPad will try to automatically connect to any available network in the location, so in most cases you don't need to manually select the available network. In my case, I have two network configurations, one in my lab and one in my home. Whenever I reach my lab, the device automatically switch to lab network because it is available, and when I got home, the device automatically switch my home network configuration.

Finally, there is no difference in this case for iPad 1 or 2, because it is mainly a matter of OS not the hardware.

Have fun,

Lukman

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Answer 3

Apr 17, 2011 7:41 PM in response to Lenoxus

Ok good questions hope I can help.

The iPad should remember all of the network locations you have been to. So if you go to say an apple store and connect to their wifi the iPad remembers that wifi network so next time you pop, and turn your iPad on it recognises the network and connects automatically. It can do this for countless wireless networks so if the fancy settings have been put in by work the iPad should still recognise the network and remember your manual settings and connect without any worries. Same for any home network. It remembers the network and connects automatically.

2. Is kinda a negated point but the multitasking bar ( enacted by double clicking the home button ) makes jumping back and forth between apps

3. Just so i've answered all questions. Yes you can paste but only one line at a time of course

Hope it all helps

Chibihobo

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Answer 4

Lenoxus Author

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Apr 17, 2011 8:00 PM in response to lukman_chemist

Okay, I think lukman_chemist's answer covers it. Thanks!

To clarify my original question, based on some of the answers here: By "location", I mean something different than "network". At my workplace, there are 4 networks, and my MacBook (usually) has no trouble switching from one to the other, remembering each network's password as I move through the building. I already figured that the iPad did the samet thing.

But in addition to having the right password, you need a special IP address (unlike with most Wi-Fi systems; eg, if you sit down to a Dunkin Donuts you won't need to change your IP address to use their internet, but I would have to change it if I got to there from work). With different "locations", a MacBook can remember to switch that IP (and other numbers) every time you tell it which location you want, so you don't have to type in the numbers manually.

If I'm understanding lukman_chemist correctly, I can tell an iPad that IF its network is "Library", then it should use IP address 10.0.X and Router 10.0.Y and Subnet Mask 255.Z, but otherwise, it should use A and B and C. If that's correct, than that's even better than how it works on my MacBook!

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Answer 5

Apr 17, 2011 8:11 PM in response to Lenoxus

Hi Lenoxus,

Glad to help.

>> At my workplace, there are 4 networks

You can save those 4 networks information on your iPad, each can have a static IP address along with router and DNS setting. iPad will look which one is available in your current location. If you stay in one room where all of 4 networks can be reached, iPad will choose one among them. If you don't like what iPad choose, you can switch to other manually.

Regards,

Lukman

PS. A network that does not require you to specify a static IP address and DSN setting is called DHCP. The server will assign them for you.

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