On set, iPad network dropouts and laggy Capture Viewer sessions are usually blamed on the router. But 9 times out of 10, it’s not the hardware—it’s the placement.
We’ve seen routers zip-tied to carts, buried behind Pelican cases, or sitting on the floor under the DIT table. That kills your signal. If you want stable coverage across multiple rooms, monitors, and clients with iPads, you’ve got to treat your antenna like it matters.
1. Router Placement Is Everything
Antennas need line-of-sight. WiFi is light—if your router can't “see” your devices, the signal suffers. Keep it high, centered, and clear of obstructions. That means not hidden behind aluminum carts and not under a desk.
Even moving your router from a bottom shelf to a C-stand at eye level can double your effective range.
2. Understand Frequency & Congestion
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2.4 GHz gives you more range and wall penetration, but it’s super congested—every walkie, smart device, and wireless tool competes here.
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5 GHz and 6 GHz give you more bandwidth and cleaner channels, but with slightly shorter reach.
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WiFi 7? Doesn’t matter yet—iPads don’t support it. Stick to 5GHz or 6GHz when you can.
3. Don’t Leave It on Auto—Scan Your Spectrum
Use apps like WiFi Man to scan your environment. See what channels are slammed and pick a quieter one. If you let your router auto-select, it might land on a nightmare frequency already overloaded by other crew.
4. Don’t Expect Your Video Transmitter to Be a Router
Yes, some Hollyland and Teradek units broadcast WiFi, but they’re designed to serve video—not act as full-fledged networks for Capture Pilot or iPad Viewer apps. Trying to piggyback a full iPad network off your transmitter is asking for trouble, especially with more than one client connected.
So What’s the Move?
- Use a proper router, like a GL.iNet Beryl AX or Slate 7.
2. Scan the spectrum before you start shooting.
3. Mount the router high and central, ideally in line-of-sight between iPad and laptop.
4. Use repeaters for long sets or multiple floors (but don't expect lightning fast speeds)
5. Get it off the cart and into open air.
