Wi-Fi

Some iOS 8 users have reported Wi-Fi problems such as slow speeds and other performance issues. Developer Mario Ciabarra suspects the Wi-Fi inconsistencies are because Apple is "using Bonjour over AWDL" and "constraints" of the Wi-Fi hardware make this difficult. Click here to see Mario's detailed write-up on the issue.

The good news for those with jailbroken iOS 8 devices is Mario has released a tweak called WiFried to solve the problem. Once installed, WiFried provides a toggle in Control Center AirDrop settings. The toggle will disable AWDL (Apple Wireless Direct Link) support, allegedly improving Wi-Fi performance. Note that while AWDL is disabled, AirDrop will not be available.

Ever hear of AirDrop? Those who are used to file sharing with their newer Mac computer will find the term familiar. Now it seems Apple is prepared to equip its next generation iPhone with the technology. According to 9to5Mac, the OS X Lion adhoc file-sharing protocol is likely to be added to iOS 6.

This is all thanks to the Broadcom BCM4334 hardware that has been found in iOS 6 code. This chip uses a more efficient 40nm process, which is a step above the 65nm process found on chips in the iPhone 4S and iPad 3. When it comes to power, the new Wi-Fi chip reduces consumption by almost half, and increases standby time by three orders of magnitude.

Major markets struggling to meet large wireless data demands are about to receive a boost from AT&T Mobility. The company announced that it will be expanding its pilot program to provide free Wi-Fi access to subscribers in strategic locations around the country.

The point of all this is to alleviate data traffic on the AT&T 3G network. Since the iPhone's introduction in 2007, AT&T has been slammed by app downloads, web browsing, and other high bandwidth uses on its network. In a plus for users, data transferred over a Wi-Fi connection does not use data plan bandwidth.

What if you could just plug your iPhone directly into a router with a USB cable and share the 3G data connection with every Wi-Fi device within 200 feet? Now you can, with Nexaira's Business Class 2 tethering-ready router. The router is compatible with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G.

Of course, if your iPhone is not jailbroken, you'll need to enable official tethering with your cellular carrier. AT&T offers iPhone owners tethering for $20 per month. With tethering, simply plug in the Nexaira BC2 router, connect the iPhone via the rear USB port and you're all set. Anywhere with power and a 3G signal becomes a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Looking for more ways to improve your jailbroken iPhone? Many applications are available that expand the features and functions of your iPhone beyond what Apple allows. Tethering is one such function that makes it possible to use your 3G data connection to create a Wi-Fi hotspot for other devices. AT&T has finally made an official tethering solution available, but many customers don't want to pay the extra expense.

Enter MyWi 4.0. This jailbreak app creates a Wi-Fi hotspot instantly and allows multiple notebooks or other devices to use the iPhone data connection. USB tethering is also an option, and the Wi-Fi network you create will feature WEP security.