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Wifi for 50 ipads

I have an event in a parking lot and need to connect 50 iPads to the internet to download apps. They don't have phone plans. How can I get wifi with good download speed in an empty parking lot? Thanks!

Posted on Aug 22, 2015 2:21 PM

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15 replies

Aug 23, 2015 10:24 AM in response to lvalesko

How far away is the nearest building with internet access?


Could you perhaps snake an ethernet cable out to the parking lot, and then connect a Wifi router to it?


I really don't think you'll find 1 day Wifi rentals.


The best bet is to use the internet access of a nearby building if you can. You'll also need a pretty hefty bandwidth to service 50 iPads downloading and using the App at the same time.

Aug 23, 2015 11:42 AM in response to lvalesko

lvalesko wrote:


Out in a parking lot - nothing nearby, otherwise I would not be asking this question.


Anyone use Cradle Point?


No experts out here??

To the previous question, unless the parking lot is out in the middle of nowhere, in which case, it seems like a rather pointless parking lot, usually parking lots serve something nearby to them . There must be something the parking lot is meant for. A few 100 feet counts as nearby.


Also, you may need to take into account whether the parking lot has good LTE reception. Cradlepoint offers Cellular based Wifi that uses LTE. If their's poor reception, internet access will also be poor.


If budget is no object, talk directly to Cradlepoint, and have them give you a quote. They might also need to visit the location, to offer proper solutions.

Aug 23, 2015 12:03 PM in response to Phil0124

Look into satellite. Great download speed. Slow upload.

http://www.hughesnet.com/

http://www.bestsatelliteproviders.com/satellite-internet-providers/


Mac server has an app caching facility. That way you only need to download app once. Get mac mini. Cool looking forum factor.

So:

You will need to turn on wifi sharing from mac mini to ipad.


You may need a second wifi access point to connect via cable to get to the internet. Something like.


Ethernet Bridge Solutions


  1. Ethernet Bridge
    "The versatile Wireless-G Ethernet Bridge can make any wired Ethernet-equipped device a part of your wireless network." from linksys. The supports both web browser based or program configuration. For the program, you need mac os x 10.5 or greater or windows xp to configure. Once configured, you can use it on any ethernet port.
    http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-RE1000-Wireless-N-Range-Extender/dp/B005FDXMJS/ref =sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1314563758&sr=8-1
    (examples include Netgear WNCE2001 and Linksys WET610N)
  2. Airport Express
    Airport Express is an external unit and you can configure it as a bridge. 802.11n ( You will need a more modern version of Mac OS X to configure. Sadly, Apple uses a configuration program to configure, not a web browser. ) Please note this requires mac os x 10.5??? or greater to configure or windows xp to configure. Please verify requirements before buying. Once configured, you can use it on any ethernet port.
    https://www.apple.com/airportexpress/
  3. Netgear WNCE2001
  4. Linksys WET610N are only two bridge examples.


OS X Server: Content types supported by the Caching service - Apple Support


http://www.apple.com/mac-mini/


Have a backup plan in case of poor wife.


Even camp grounds have wifi these days.


R

Aug 24, 2015 5:15 PM in response to imobl

I put the product name so it can be searched for, (or you can add a .com if you're feeling lucky!) Also don't want to look like I'm promoting this product.


Thanks for the info about points. Explains some of the ridiculous replies I get when I post a question - nothing more frustrating than someone answering after clearly not reading your question or clearly not knowing an answer but just wanting to type SOMETHING. 🙂

Wifi for 50 ipads

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