Ipad maker Apple has issued a support notice to deal with the “very small number” of iPad owners who have complained to the company about problems with connecting the portable device to wireless networks.
The company says in the statement that it will issue a fix in a future iPad software update for “remaining Wi-Fi connectivity issues”, making it unclear whether the fixes here will be implemented in software or whether there are other issues within the iPad itself.
Unless Apple issues a specific patch, this software fix is likely to be incorporated into the upcoming iPhone OS 4.0, although Apple has yet to confirm this.
Apple’s process for fixing Wi-Fi connection issues involves:
* Checking that your Wi-Fi router has the latest firmware – the key here is if your router supports 802.11n. Apple’s concern is that it may contain only draft firmware as many 802.11n routers were released before the final 802.11n specification was ratified in November 2009.
* Using WPA or WPA2 wireless security instead of WEP – Apple claims that using WEP can cause intermittent disconnects and that using WPA or WPA2 will solve this problem.
* Adjusting the screen brightness – Apple does not say why this should be an issue.
* Renewing the IP (internet protocol) address – this is said to be more of an issue with larger networks rather than home networks.
And finally if none of that works, the catch-all “turn the Wi-Fi off and back on again” is suggested.
You can get more details at Apple’s website and if you’re still having trouble, Apple says to call your local Apple rep.
