> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://helping.alive-pic.com/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # Wi-Fi and Networking Tips A stable internet connection is essential for getting the most out of ALIVE. Here's how to make sure your networking setup is solid at every event. --- ## What ALIVE Needs Internet For * **AI effects** — Processing happens in the cloud * **Cloud gallery sync** — Uploading photos to the online gallery * **SMS and email sharing** — Sending share links to guests * **Account and subscription management** — Verifying your plan and credits || Without internet, you can still run events and print photos — but AI effects, sharing, and cloud features won't work. See [Offline Mode](/en/article/offline-mode-what-works-without-internet-1dgdm13) for details. --- ## The Venue Wi-Fi Problem ||| Some venue Wi-Fi networks can **block ALIVE from connecting**. This is more common than you'd think — hotels, convention centers, and corporate offices often have firewalls, captive portals, or restricted networks that prevent apps from communicating with their servers. Signs that venue Wi-Fi is blocking ALIVE: * AI effects fail to process * Photos don't upload to the cloud gallery * SMS/email sharing doesn't work * The app shows connection errors even though Wi-Fi appears connected --- ## The Fix: Bring Your Own Internet When venue Wi-Fi is unreliable or blocking the app, we strongly recommend: ### Option 1: Mobile Hotspot (Easiest) Open a **mobile hotspot** from your phone and connect your iPad to it. This bypasses the venue's network entirely. * Works immediately — no extra hardware needed * Make sure you have a solid cellular signal at the venue * Watch your data usage if you have a limited plan (AI effects use relatively little data) ### Option 2: Portable Mobile Router (Best) Buy a **portable 4G/5G mobile router** (like a MiFi device) with its own data plan. This is the most reliable option for professional operators. * Dedicated connection — not sharing with your phone * Consistent speeds throughout the event * Can connect multiple devices (iPad + printer + backup device) --- ## Networking Tips for Events * **Always test at the venue beforehand** — If possible, visit the venue before the event and test ALIVE with their Wi-Fi * **Have a backup plan** — Even if venue Wi-Fi works during your test, it might struggle during the actual event when hundreds of guests are connected * **Position your router close to the booth** — If using a mobile router, keep it near your iPad for the strongest signal * **Disable auto-join for venue Wi-Fi** — So your iPad doesn't accidentally switch from your hotspot to the venue's restricted network --- ## Tips * **Mobile hotspot is your best friend** — When in doubt, hotspot it out * **Budget for a data plan** — A dedicated mobile data plan for events is a worthwhile business expense * **Test AI effects specifically** — They're the most network-dependent feature, so test them first | Pro tip: Many experienced booth operators never rely on venue Wi-Fi. They always bring their own internet. It's one less variable to worry about on event day.