iPad wi-fi configuration challenge

[davisn456]

What I'm trying to do may just be impossible, but I'd like to see if anyone has any ideas about how to make this setup work.

I'm trying to set up my iPad as a point-of-sale system for processing credit cards at a convention. I have a receipt printer and cash drawer, and the receipt printer connects via ethernet to a wireless router. The iPad, when connected to the router via wi-fi works beautifully to print receipts and open the cash drawer (using the SquareUp app). However, at a trade show/convention, I will not likely be able to use that wi-fi router to access an internet connection. So, tethering to my iPhone seems like a good option, and I am able to do that to process credit cards. However, I am unable to connect my iPad to both the tethered connection and my wi-fi router at the same time. I assume this is a limitation of the iPad, but I'm hoping there's a setting that could possibly fix that.

Does anyone know of any other options, other than purchasing an iPad with cellular data options? Even then, I'm not 100% sure that it could be on the wi-fi network while also on the cellular data.

 

[twerppoet]

The iPad can only connect to one wi-fi network at a time. You're phone's hotspot is just a wi-fi network created by the phone.

You are also right that getting a cellular model won't solve this. The iPad will connect to either a wi-if or cellular network. It can't do both. At least not under user control. There are some background things like AirDrop that do this, but the user can't control any of it.

If Square has a user forum or support contact, I'd try contacting them directly. They probably have a solution for this scenario.

 

[dhewson777]

With the right wireless router, you can actually plug in a USB 3G/4G dongle to give an Internet connection to the devices on said wireless network.

 

[davisn456]

With the right wireless router, you can actually plug in a USB 3G/4G dongle to give an Internet connection to the devices on said wireless network.

I wondered if this actually was possible. I saw some board posts suggesting this idea, but didn't actually see any routers that could do this. Ideally, what I'd like to do is use my iPhone lightning cable to plug it into this router.

Thanks for the idea. I'll do some more research on this and see what I can find.

 

[davisn456]

The iPad can only connect to one wi-fi network at a time. You're phone's hotspot is just a wi-fi network created by the phone.

I was under the assumption that tethering activated the connection via Bluetooth, which why I thought it might work to have it connected to a Bluetooth internet source while still on Wi-Fi, but I guess that isn't the case.

If Square has a user forum or support contact, I'd try contacting them directly. They probably have a solution for this scenario.

I sent a message to Square's support address this morning. Hopefully they've dealt with this before and have an idea.

 

[scifan57]

I was under the assumption that tethering activated the connection via Bluetooth, which why I thought it might work to have it connected to a Bluetooth internet source while still on Wi-Fi, but I guess that isn't the case.



I sent a message to Square's support address this morning. Hopefully they've dealt with this before and have an idea.

Tethering can connect your iPhone to your iPad via WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB. In any case, you can't have multiple internet connections active at the same time.

 

[Donnydark]

If off-topic, apologies. My IPad Air has wi-fi; but it does not have cellular facility. ( big mistake, I know). I'm about to buy a smart phone with an android OS. Will the iPad tether to an android smart phone? I live in Thailand - should I be asking this question of my cellular service provider? Or is it a hardware question. Thanks in advance. Newboy.

 

[twerppoet]

If your Android phone has the hotspot feature (almost all of them do), and it is included in your carrier contract (you should ask), then the iPad will work with it.

The hotspot feature is basically a small wi-fi network. Almost any wi-fi device (laptop, tablet, etc.) will work with it.

Tethering is a kind of general description, and can refer to hotspots (small portable cellular to wi-fi routers and/or phones), bluetooth wireless teathering, or connecting a cable between your phone and device.

The last two are rarely used these days, and will not work with your iPad. Or, at least not without considerably more effort and less efficiency.

 

[Donnydark]

If your Android phone has the hotspot feature (almost all of them do), and it is included in your carrier contract (you should ask), then the iPad will work with it.

The hotspot feature is basically a small wi-fi network. Almost any wi-fi device (laptop, tablet, etc.) will work with it.

Tethering is a kind of general description, and can refer to hotspots (small portable cellular to wi-fi routers and/or phones), bluetooth wireless teathering, or connecting a cable between your phone and device.

The last two are rarely used these days, and will not work with your iPad. Or, at least not without considerably more effort and less efficiency.

Brilliant - that is exactly the info I need to go ask the cellular service provider. Love living in Thailand. But the Thai way to answer a question where the person doesn't understand what you are talking about is to say "yes". Of course, it would help if I spoke Thai. Thank you, oh legendary one. May the sun shine on you, thru' 2016.

 

[twerppoet]

No problem.

I hope the new year treats you well too. Since it's Thiland, no need to wish you sunshine.