Setting up wired internet access
Options for Devices with Lightning Port
Options for Devices with USB-C Port
Redpark Ethernet Adapter
Redpark’s iPad Ethernet Adapter allows you to connect your iPad to the internet over a reliable, wired ethernet connection while simultaneously charging the device. When connected to an iPad or iPhone running iOS 10 or later, the adapter is recognized as a network connection that is configured in Settings on the device and usable by any app.
The adapter supports 10/100/1000 gigabit networking and provides bandwidth up to 225 Mbps (with the maximum bandwidth dependent upon the USB sub-system in the iPad or iPhone). The adapter uses an external AC power adapter and is best suited for situations where a power outlet is readily available. It is compatible with any ethernet hub, switch, or port on another ethernet device.
The adapter connects to the iPad via a replaceable Lightning to USB Micro-B cable, which is available in 16” or 60” lengths. Both the adapter and cables are officially licensed through Apple’s Made for iPhone (MFi) program. Available for purchase here.
Apple Powered USB Adapter + Ethernet Adapter
Apple's introduction of a powered USB adapter was a game-changer for kiosk use, allowing you to connect your iPad to a power source and wired Ethernet at the same time. While marketed as a camera adapter, Apple execs took time at the March 2016 event where the adapter was introduced to call out the option to use it for Ethernet or other powered USB accessories, which means that this use case should be supported moving forward.
The Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter connects to any iPad with a Lightning port and includes a USB port and a second Lightning port to pass power to both the device and the USB port.
Please note that there is a previous version of this adapter that does not include the second Lightning port for power and which, in testing, was not a reliable solution for an Ethernet connection.
The camera adapter can then be connected to Apple's USB Ethernet Adapter and through that to standard Ethernet cabling.
No configuration is required on the iPad or within Kiosk Pro. We have tested this solution in-house, conducting multi-week tests with both an iPad Air 2 and a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and saw no issues with charging or Internet connectivity in either test.
USB-C Hub + Ethernet Adapter
As the number of devices using USB-C is quickly increasing, there are a number of USB-C hubs available which can connect a wide variety of peripherals, including wired Ethernet adapters.
You will need to find an adapter capable of supporting pass-through power at a rate that can maintain an iPad and any required peripherals and also a USB-A port for connecting Apple's USB Ethernet Adapter. Once connected, the Ethernet connection is recognized automatically by iOS/iPadOS and can be viewed in Settings.
For our tablet enclosures, we currently recommend Anker's USB-C Hub Adapter, 7-in-1 (model number: AK-A83460A1), which has a long enough cable to allow the hub to escape the head and sit inside the bracket without additional modifications.
USB-C Hub with Built-in Ethernet Adapter
USB-C hubs that support pass-through power and a built-in Ethernet port are now available. If you are using an enclosure with limited clearance around the device's USB-C port and/or within the head, we recommend talking to the manufacturer for recommendations of hubs that will fit.