Supported iPad devices and printers can use either a Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet connection in order to connect to the internet.

In this article, you’ll learn about the two types of networks that supported iPad and Printers can connect to, as well as some tips on how to improve wireless signal strength and expand an iPad’s ports.

Wireless network

A wireless network uses your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) router to transmit a Wi-Fi signal that connects your devices to the internet. Wi-Fi eliminates the need for physical cables between your devices and your router, offering greater flexibility.

To ensure a stable wireless connection, it’s recommended to have the following specifications:

• A router that supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 ac)
• An internet speed with at least 10 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload speeds
• Sufficient Wi-Fi coverage for the entire restaurant
  Note: Depending on the size of your restaurant, you may also need Wi-Fi extenders for multi-story or multi-room establishments to ensure a stable signal strength.

Wi-Fi signal strength

Several factors can weaken your router’s Wi-Fi signal and impact device connectivity. Optimize your router placement by considering:

Restaurant Size

The number of floors, and the floor area size can affect the Wi-Fi signal. If a router is placed in one corner of the restaurant, the Wi-Fi signal will be weaker on the opposite side of the room or the succeeding floors.

Restaurant layout

Physical barriers like walls, windows, or other objects can inhibit the Wi-Fi signal strength.

Interference

Appliances and other electronic devices may emit signals or frequencies that can interfere with your router and restaurant-related devices

Wireless networks may be subject to interference that can cause issues for both hardware and software operations. For example, it’s crucial for Kitchen Stations to receive print jobs from all POS devices. A poor network signal may cause the POS to repeat print jobs or not create print jobs entirely. To help minimize interference, move the router to a centralized location or use a wireless extender to boost the Wi-Fi signal strength.

Wired network

A wired network uses physical Ethernet cables to connect your devices to the router.

By default, iPad devices only have Lightning or USB-C ports. To connect an Ethernet cable, you must use adapters to expand your iPad's port options.

• For iPad devices with a Lightning port, you can use a Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter and connect it with an Apple USB Ethernet Adapter, which you can then connect to your Network Switch.
• For iPad devices with a USB-C port, you can use a Belkin Ethernet + Power Adapter with Lightning Connector or Belkin USB-C to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter.