I wouldn't have expected this: Piles of reports have appeared from users who can't get reliable connections from an Apple iPad to their Wi-Fi networks. The main problem appears to be that in a place where other devices see a strong Wi-Fi network signal, the iPad apparently only receives a weak one. This isn't just an artifact of the interface: those who run speed tests find the speed highly variable, especially compared to other devices (including iPhones) on the same network in the vicinity. Some users are also getting network disconnections and reconnections.
It's very odd for a new device with Wi-Fi from any firm to have these problems. The Wi-Fi Alliance's certification program has seemingly kept at bay major issues with new devices, by ensuring that interoperability and standards testing occurs before a product goes to market. (Apple is marketing the iPad with a Wi-Fi label, but the Wi-Fi Alliance's products database doesn't yet show a certification on file.)
Apple has posted a support note about an issue with an iPad not rejoining a network that it's already connected to which seems to involve only non-Apple simultaneous dual-band routers in which the same network name is used for both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands with different security methods (WPA on one and WPA2 on the other, for instance).
I expect given the volume of complaints that we'll see a 3.2.1 release of the iPad firmware post haste.
I cannot get our new ipad to even pick up a signal at all. Major problem that needs quick atention. Otherwise other than reading a book if you can download it, what good is this new sensation.
I've had a great time with my iPad. It obviously has better connections using 2.4GHz when further away from AP.
My post about detailed analysis comparing iPad, iPhone, and MacBookPro via packet-analysis and RF spectrum analysis at http://wlanpros.com/iPad2
And my first reactions to using iPad on Wifi at http://wlanpros.com/iPad1
Keith Parsons
I saw a video of an iPad teardown on another site and I'm surprised that more attention wasn't paid to the Wi-Fi. It's wedged behind the (plastic) Apple logo on the back, and it looks like a pretty minimal "antenna" - almost an afterthought. It's easy to imagine situations where very little RF would escape - horizontal in one's lap, for example - almost all the RF would be radiating "down", and thus directly into large amounts of tissue, where it would be absorbed. Especially with the inclusion of 5 GHz, I would have expected slots on the sides of the case for multiple antennas for MIMO and diversity.
SISO, not MIMO, sorry! One stream.