Why does my iPad 3 fail to connect to the Internet via a MiFi 4510L?

Question

On Sunday, I ran many tests under the guidance of a senior Verizon engineer to try to determine why the Verizon MiFi4510L mobile hotspot will not connect to the network on a third-generation iPad.
In the course of our tests, we:
1. Updated the firmware on the MiFi to the latest Novatel release: 2.23
2. Tested the MiFi4510L with an iPad2, an iPhone 4 and the latest generation iTouch. In each case, they connected flawlessly to the network and held the connection.
3. Removed the MiFi4510L from the new iPad(3) and re-installed to make sure the password was correctly set.
4. Confirmed that the MiFi4510L unit was running the latest encryption software that the Apple iPad in fact supports. The Verizon security setting is WPA2 Personal/PSK (AES).
5. Reset the MiFi4510L unit.
6. Simultaneously power re-started the iPad and the MiFi4510L.
The IPad(3) finds and marks the MiFi4510L in the network queue. It then toggles between connected and not connected every couple of seconds or so in the setting panel. One never encounters a check mark to indicate that there is a solid signal. The MiFi4510L “sees” the iPad3 (confirmed by a bottom dot.) It can handle as many as 5 “dots” simultaneously.
I have tested the new iPad(3) with my home network, which runs on two bridged Apple Extreme routers connected to a Verizon FiOS base unit. It works fine. 
So … Everything points to the conclusion that the iPad(3) has broken the connection to the MiFi4510L for some still unknown reason. Verizon is emphatic is its view that their unit is OK. If they are right it would mean that every buyer of the new iPad who attempts to connect wirelessly to the Internet through a MiFi4510L – and there would lots of them -- is going to encounter the same problem that I have encountered.

Answer 1

ajglass wrote:
The IPad(3) finds and marks the MiFi4510L in the network queue. It then toggles between connected and not connected every couple of seconds or so in the setting panel. One never encounters a check mark to indicate that there is a solid signal. The MiFi4510L “sees” the iPad3 (confirmed by a bottom dot.) It can handle as many as 5 “dots” simultaneously.
I have tested the new iPad(3) with my home network, which runs on two bridged Apple Extreme routers connected to a Verizon FiOS base unit. It works fine. 
So … Everything points to the conclusion that the iPad(3) has broken the connection to the MiFi4510L for some still unknown reason. Verizon is emphatic is its view that their unit is OK. If they are right it would mean that every buyer of the new iPad who attempts to connect wirelessly to the Internet through a MiFi4510L – and there would lots of them -- is going to encounter the same problem that I have encountered.
I am having the same exact issue.  I just purchased the new ipad yesterday.  I can get the iPad to connect to my home Comcast network.  I can get my iPhone and computer to connect to the MiFi4510L but not the new iPad.  I know it works because my son's works on his MiFi4510L. 
I've also "forgot the network" on the iPad.  Turned everything off and reinstalled the network after restarting both units.
I called Verizon which said it's the iPad because I can get to the iPhone and my computer.  I then called Apple who said it's the Mifi because I can get on my home network. 
Allansch, did you ever find the answer to the problem?  Anyone else have any ideas???? 
I have an iHeadach!