Apple announces future update for Wi-Fi issues...

Question

+From Apple's support site+
Symptoms
A very small number of iPad users have experienced issues with Wi-Fi connectivity. This article outlines workarounds for these issues. *Apple will also address remaining Wi-Fi connectivity issues with a future iPad software update.*
Note: For general information on troubleshooting Wi-Fi connections with iPad, refer to this article.
Products Affected
iPad
Resolution
If you consistently encounter issues connecting to a specific Wi-Fi network, try the following steps to resolve your issue:
Update Wi-Fi router firmware
Verify that your Wi-Fi router firmware is up-to-date.
Note: This is important if your Wi-Fi router supports 802.11n, as it may still be using the draft specification of the 802.11n standard.
For AirPort Base Stations, refer to this article for information about firmware updates. For third-party Wi- Fi routers, check the manufacturer's website for details on updating your firmware.
Use WPA or WPA2 wireless security
Check the wireless security option of your Wi-Fi router. If WEP is being used, try using WPA or WPA2.
Some Wi-Fi routers using WEP wireless security may cause intermittent disconnects to iPad which requires re-typing a password. Using WPA or WPA2 wireless security on your network will correct this issue.
Note: WPA and WPA2 encryption protocols are newer, more effective security options for wireless networks than the older WEP protocol.
Adjust screen brightness
Check to see if your screen brightness is set to the lowest level by going to Settings > Brightness & Wallpaper. If brightness is at lowest level, increase it by moving the slider to the right and set auto brightness to off.
Note: Brightness control in the iBooks application can also be used to adjust brightness. 
Renew IP address
In some larger wireless networks it may be necessary to renew your IP address. Renew your IP address using the following steps:
Tap Settings > Wi-Fi
Locate the Wi-Fi network you are currently using and tap 
Tap Renew Lease
If the issue persists, try turning Wi-Fi to Off and then to On. 
If after attempting the troubleshooting tips provided above you are still having difficulty connecting to a network please contact Apple.
Message was edited by: FrankPalmer
Message was edited by: FrankPalmer
Message was edited by: FrankPalmer

Answer 1

jbhmacpro wrote:
My experience on a recent trip without my MBP (a mistake I won't make again)? DoubleTree, McDonalds, Starbucks = Fail, fail, fail. Poor signal strength = fail.
Marriott, 2 different airports = success, success, success. Your "poor signal strength" is just a symptom of an incompatible network.
Define "old".
Any router that was not tested with an iPad before it was sold - all of them. Many of those routers were well made and comply with standards that were not written or finalized when they were sold. Those routers work well with devices such as the iPad that comply to those now-official standards.
Enlighten me, how is a router "misconfigured"?
It's been hacked up by every assistant store manager at McDonalds so it can run an array of peer-to-peer and gaming servers, as an example. There are literally an infinite number of ways for routers to be misconfigured.
You are saying that 20% of iPads are failing to connect and it's the router to blame.
I have no idea how many iPads fail to connect. If you added all of the replies to the "WiFi failure" threads here on Apple Discussions, it would be 0.2%. I think a more accurate number is somewhere in between. It isn't always the router to blame. Sometimes it is the user.
While I don't doubt router vagaries and the rube-ness of the general public being contributing factors, I'm certainly not a rube. Even know how to read and understand both my router instruction books.
But I gather you aren't a field IT support person for DoubleTree, McDonalds, or Starbucks.
I experienced the same kinds of problems when I first got my iBook and MacBook. Routers are cheap, break frequently, and get replaced on a regular basis. The next time you go back to those places, your iPad will probably work just fine.