So I have finally (after 1 year of replacing iPads and trying to fix the issues) FINALLY resolve my connectivity issues. Seems to be related to both Apple and how it handles some of the new network connections -- those with dual band.
Ever since getting a dual band router (DLink), which comes with both 2.4GHz and 5 GHz bands I gave both of these the same names and passwords. These worked fine for ALL of my devices except my iPad Mini 2 and iPad Mini 3. I took my devices to the genius bar and replaced them several times but none of these fixed the ultimate issue - that I was not able to connect (and remain connected) to my wifi network despite the fact that it works for all of my other devices, including my Macbook, iPhones (5, 5S, 6, 6S), iPad Air and iPad Air 2 and all other connected devices.
So tonight I contacted DLink and the kind support technician had me rename the 5GHz band on my route to another name (same network name + 5GHz) and VOILA!!!! My iPad began to work. The issue appears to be with the iPad's ability to filter between the same network name on two bands, which causes it to bounce back and forth repeatedly but not actually supply a proper connect to the iPad.
I've read plenty of posts on this thread on how to resolve but this was the only one which worked for me.
If you have dual bands on your router:
- make sure they don't have the same names
- Change the names to be different
- reset your router (unplug and plug back in)
- connect back to the router and ensure you connect to both bands
I hope that resolves your issues as it did mine.