Below can be found a series of tips and information bites on how to ensure your Wi-Fi will be there to support you throughout your Photo Party Event.
Common Questions:
- Can I use my Phone or Mobile Device as a hotspot?
- Yes, you can! Keep in mind that every hotspot functions a little differently, so be sure to test any and all connections using the hotspot in advance of your event(s).
- What Wifi/Hotspot source does LAPP use at events?
- We use the Verizon 4g LTE Jetpack at all of our LA Photo Party events, on the unlimited data plan. Please note: Your specific region may have a more reliable carrier, such as AT&T, T-Mobile, etc. In general, if you are happy with your cell phone carrier coverage then their hotspot offering should work well for you.
- Can I use my iPad running Kiosk as a hotspot to connect my event devices to the internet?
- Unfortunately due to a limitation with iPads, the iPad creating the hotspot will not be able to communicate with the other devices connected to the hotspot.
For Photo Party Upload to work properly, the iPad must be able to communicate with the PC running the PPU Helper App.
If you have extra iPads, you CAN use one of those (not running Kiosk) to create a hotspot.
- Unfortunately due to a limitation with iPads, the iPad creating the hotspot will not be able to communicate with the other devices connected to the hotspot.
How do I connect my Helper PC to the internet when there's no/poor WiFi available (e.g. outdoors or big showrooms)?
We recommend getting a mobile hotspot (such as, Verizon JetPack, MiFi, et cetera). Mobile hotspots allow you to get Web access AND they act as a router, so your PC will have Web access and a generated wireless network on which to connect to the tablet running Kiosk.
We also recommend checking out a program called Connectify. It’s free (for non-commercial use), and makes your Helper computer into its own router. This way, you can connect your PC to a nearby WiFi network then re-broadcast it securely over the PC-generated network created by Connectify.
Please see our guide to using PPU without internet service HERE
Crowds mean busy connections: What works in your office or home won't necessarily be reliable when in the midst of a crowded event. Not only does sharing an event space's Wi-Fi cause congestion, but even using a dedicated network, such as a MyFi device or similar, can be problematic when the airwaves get crammed by people's cellphones and additional wi-fi connections. The best bet is to have two options (for instance, a Myfi device as well as access to the event space's Wi-Fi). Testing is key. Getting there early, with all necessary equipment and ideas for contingencies, will yield the best results.
When encountering problems with connection, physical space matters. Are you standing near a cinderblock or heavy-metal laden structure or support? Are you adjacent to another team's setup? When troubleshooting connection, don't forget that simply moving throughout the space can sometimes mean the difference between a strong and a weak connection.
Wi-Fi networking has two bands: 2.4 GHz (more common) and 5 GHz (less common, generally faster and more reliable). IPhones and most cellphones don't support 5 GHz, iPads and some other tablets, as well as laptops, do. If you have the option and can connect your setup to the 5GHz band, you're going to have a higher level of reliability.
FYI:
Devices known to support both 2.4Ghz and 5GHz Wi-Fi connections:
This list is in no way exhaustive, but is meant to help give an idea of the types of devices supporting the faster and more reliable 5GHz connection.
• Apple laptops and desktops built after 2008
• Nearly all Windows laptops built after 2008
• Apple iPads (Not iPhone 4 and older)
• Samsung GalaxyTab, Galaxy S2 and successors
• Some other premium cellphones
Devices known to support ONLY 2.4GHz
• Most smartphones, including “Hotspot” or “Sharing” mode
• MyFis and similar wireless-sharing devices
• Low-end netbooks
• Apple iPhones and iPod Touch
• Low-cost tablets, including Nooks, Kindles, Sony Readers, etc.
• Portable Game consoles, including Sony PS Vita, Nintendo DS
• Internet radios, picture frames, wireless video cameras, other fixed-function devices
Lastly, remember that just because a device 'supports' a 5GHz connection or is advertised as providing 'reliable' connection, doesn't mean it's not fallible. The busier an event is, the more 'radio noise' around, and the smaller the device is, the more likely it is to breakdown or lag out mid-event.
So in conclusion: Bigger devices are your friend. Attempt to use 5Ghz when available. Get there early to test! When troubleshooting, try moving throughout the space. Bring multiple connectivity options if possible.
Also, If Wi-Fi is being provided by your event host, requesting the suggestions below ahead of time may be helpful:
• No Splash Page- Ensure direct access to the network.
• No Firewalls- If firewalls cannot be turned off, request port 8888 to be opened across local network. Port 8888 is used for communication between PPU Helper and iPads that are all connected, so it should be completely unblocked.
• No Interference- Ask for as isolated a network as possible, sharing with as few other devices as possible.
Using Photo Party Upload in venues with interference such as convention centers and sports arenas - Large venues such as sports arenas and convention centers often have so many WiFI enabled devices that interferences between them prevents devices from using the WiFi network reliably. If this is the case, you will not be able to use Photo Party Upload. The only solution (which does not always overcome the problem is to use a 5ghz router).
When to use 2.4 GHz for your Hot Spot:
For a stable connection across your home: 2.4 GHz uses longer wavelengths that travel farther and pass through walls and other obstacles more effectively.For everyday tasks: Browsing the web, checking email, and using social media work well on this band.
When you are further from the Wi-Fi router: If your phone is in a distant room or outside, the 2.4 GHz band offers better reception.
When to use 5 GHz for your Hot Spot:
For high-bandwidth activities: Engage in HD streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming for the best performance.
For faster speeds: The 5 GHz band offers significantly faster data transfer rates than 2.4 GHz.
To avoid congestion: In densely populated areas like apartments, the 5 GHz band has more channels and less interference, providing a more agile connection.
Key differences to consider:
Range: 2.4 GHz has a longer range, while 5 GHz has a shorter range.
Speed: 5 GHz provides faster speeds, while 2.4 GHz is slower.
Penetration: 2.4 GHz penetrates walls better than 5 GHz.
Interference: 2.4 GHz is more susceptible to interference from other devices like microwaves and Bluetooth devices, whereas 5 GHz is less crowded.
For more info on how to work around these issues and avoid such problems, please READ THIS DATA SHEET
Have a great event LA Photo Partiers!