Connecting Apple Devices to ETC Wi-Fi Networks
Issue
Apple devices have a number of features designed to improve internet connectivity and promote network security when using WiFi. Because ETC lighting networks are not intended for use with internet, you may need to adjust some settings to allow your device to communicate properly on an ETC network.
Establishing a Valid Network Connection
When attempting to connect an iPhone, iPad, or other Apple Device to an access point on an ETC network, the network may appear connected from Control Center, but will show an endless loading symbol in the Wi-Fi settings menu. This indicates that the device has established partial communication with a network but does not consider the connection to be valid. Check the settings below to ensure your Wi-Fi connection is properly setup for a valid connection.
In some cases, devices with an invalid connection may still be able to use certain ETC remote apps while they're receiving cellular data. If cellular data is disabled, those apps will display errors until data is restored or a valid Wi-Fi connection is established.
Define a DNS Server
- Apple devices require a DNS IP to be defined in the device's wireless settings. If that section is blank, iOS does not consider this to be a valid connection. While it is not necessary to point to an active DNS server on a lighting network, and any arbitrary IP can be used for the primary and secondary addresses, you may wish to assign a valid server in case you'd like to use a static IP address on your network adapter for Internet access later. There are many public DNS servers available. A few popular DNS providers are:
Provider Preferred Alternate Google 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4 Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1 OpenDNS 208.67.222.222 208.67.220.220 - To define a server:
- Navigate to your WiFi Settings and tap the blue "i" next to your ETC Network
- Scroll down and click on "Configure DNS"
- Click on "Manual". Then click "Add Server" and enter one of the addresses in the chart above. Once a valid DNS server address has been entered, you'll be able to select "save"
- Navigate to your WiFi Settings and tap the blue "i" next to your ETC Network
Define a Router
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Apple devices also require a Router (default gateway) to be defined in the device's wireless settings. If that section is blank, iOS does not consider this to be a valid connection.
- For a standard ETC IP scheme, set the Router to 10.101.1.1
- If 10.101.1.1 does not solve the issue, set that field to the IP of the access point or wireless router you're attempting to connect to.
Once you've achieved a valid connection, the Wi-Fi icon will display next to the battery status in the top-right corner of the display.
Other Settings Adjustments
If you've successfully established a valid network connection, but you're still not able to get your device working with your ETC network, check the settings below.
Auto Join
- Because ETC Networks are not connected to the internet, your device may be trying to auto-switch to a different Wi-Fi network with better internet connectivity.
- Open your Wi-Fi settings and select the blue i next to each of the networks under "MY NETWORKS".
- Turn the "Auto-Join" toggle off for each of these networks
- Open your Wi-Fi settings and select the blue i next to each of the networks under "MY NETWORKS".
Local Network Access
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When an ETC App is first installed, you may be prompted to "Allow Local Network Access". If you selected "No" on that screen, you may need to go adjust your app permissions in settings to allow access .
- Open the Settings app and navigate to "Apps"
- Select the app you're trying to use and turn the "Local Network" toggle on.
- Open the Settings app and navigate to "Apps"