Fios wifi weak/drops connection on iPad2
alisenv
Enthusiast - Level 2

About two weeks ago, my iPad2 suddenly stopped getting wifi signal when it was upstairs.  It gets full signal when i sit next to the modem, loses a bar at about 15 feet, another at 25 feet, then it drops completely.   This is a sudden thing, as it worked fine for 2 years.  My husband's iPad3 mini still gets strong signal all over the house, as do our laptops.

I took the iPad to Apple who state that there is no trouble with the antenna in the iPad, updated it to ios 7.  (the issue began with ios 6)

Same issue.

I called Verizon and got a new Actiontec M1424WR Rev 1 modem, which I installed today.

Same issue.

Took the iPad2 back to Apple who decided to restore it to factory settings as they say there is no hardware issue at all.  

Same issue

So I checked online for other ideas, and tried the following:

I tried switching from WPA2 to WPA security.  Same issue.  

I tried switching to WEP security.  Same issue.

I tried switching from auto channel selection to channel 1, 6, 11.  Same issue.

Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

Alisen

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Re: Fios wifi weak/drops connection on iPad2
beetlejuice2
Specialist - Level 1

Never put the Rev. i router on anything but wpa2 or you will sacrifice a lot including speeds.

Since you already tried changing the channels with no sucess, have you tried changing the router to performance mode? It comes default as compatibility mode. If you haven't try changing it to performance mode and see if you get any better results from that.

Re: Fios wifi weak/drops connection on iPad2
smith6612
Community Leader
Community Leader

Try relocating the router, and consider any extra devices you might have brought into your home which are wireless. It sounds like you have a really nasty interference issue if your signal disappears when you head out of the room or upstairs. It's been well documented, for example, that Smart Meters installed by power companies have caused problems if the routers are too close to the meters.

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Re: Fios wifi weak/drops connection on iPad2
viafax999
Community Leader
Community Leader

Does it connect ok at other locations?

Try borrowing another router and connecting it to your network and see if you get the same issue?

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Re: Fios wifi weak/drops connection on iPad2
alisenv
Enthusiast - Level 2

Thanks for your response, beetlejuice.   I switched back to WPA2 because it doesn't seem to help to change it anyhow.

I see I am on compatibility, but don't see where I can change that.  Can you give me some guidance?

thx

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Re: Fios wifi weak/drops connection on iPad2
alisenv
Enthusiast - Level 2

viafax999, yes, it was a beautiful strong signal at the Apple store.  The guy there seemed to think it was an issue with the settings, or the security.

I just installed a brand new router yesterday and no change at all.

thx

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Re: Fios wifi weak/drops connection on iPad2
alisenv
Enthusiast - Level 2

Smith6612, I will give that a shot.  The thing that is killing me is nothing has changed in the last couple of months - no new devices, nothing.  Could it be a neighbor got something?

What do you think of getting an omnidirectional antenna with a higher gain?

thx

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Re: Fios wifi weak/drops connection on iPad2
beetlejuice2
Specialist - Level 1

Sure.

When you sign into the router click on wireless settings, then advanced security settings. Click on where it says 802.11b/g/n Mode under level 3 then choose performance mode in the drop down menu.

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Re: Fios wifi weak/drops connection on iPad2
alisenv
Enthusiast - Level 2

Found the performance setting, thanks.  Didn't help the wifi issue for the iPad, but my laptop seems to be going faster!

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Re: Fios wifi weak/drops connection on iPad2
bmclark9798
Enthusiast - Level 2

some verizon routers have issues with wireless and STB connectivity errors with default WPA2 encryption keys. 

Just try changing that key, which you can do in the same menu you use to change to wpa or wep. (wireless>advanced>wpa2>changed pre shared key) keep in mind you'll have to re connect with all wireless devices...

it's a strange, verizon specific change, but fingers crossed

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