How to Connect with WiFi

Master the WiFi connection setup for VirtualTablet to enjoy wireless freedom while drawing.

WiFi Connection Overview

WiFi connection offers the flexibility to use your tablet as a graphics tablet without being tethered to your PC. While it may have slightly higher latency than USB, modern WiFi provides excellent performance for most creative work.

Connection Methods Comparison

VirtualTablet offers three WiFi-based connection methods, each with unique advantages:

*Only if mobile data is enabled

Step 1: Choose Your Network Configuration

Method A: Same Router Connection (Recommended for Beginners)

This is the most straightforward method for home or office use.

Setup Process:

1. Connect your PC to your WiFi router
2. Connect your tablet to the same WiFi network
3. Ensure both show the same network name (SSID)

Advantages:

• No additional configuration needed
• Works with existing network setup
• Multiple devices can connect simultaneously

Considerations:

• Performance depends on router quality
• May experience interference in crowded WiFi environments
• Latency varies with network traffic

Method B: WiFi Tethering (Hotspot)

Create a direct wireless connection between your Android device and PC.

Setup Process:

1. On Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering
2. Enable WiFi Hotspot
3. Note the network name and password
4. Connect your PC to this hotspot network

• Android Tethering Guide - Detailed tethering instructions

Advantages:

• Direct connection reduces latency
• No router dependency
• Portable solution for travel

How to disable mobile data while keeping hotspot active:

1. Enable WiFi hotspot first
2. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Network
3. Turn OFF Mobile Data
4. Your hotspot remains active for local connections

Method C: USB Tethering (Hybrid Solution)

Combines USB stability with wireless-like functionality.

Windows Setup:

1. Connect Android device via USB
2. Enable USB tethering on Android
3. Windows automatically configures the connection

Mac Setup (Possible but Not Recommended):

1. Install HoRNDIS driver
2. Connect Android device
3. Enable USB tethering
4. Select the new network interface in System Preferences

• Android Tethering Guide - Detailed tethering instructions

Step 2: Identify Your Server IP Address

Once your network is configured, you need to find your PC’s IP address on that network.

1. Launch VirtualTablet Server on your PC
2. Look for the Server IP section
3. Note the displayed IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.100, 172.18.160.1)

Understanding IP addresses:

• 192.168.x.x: Private network (Small size, most common)
• 172.16.0.0 ~ 172.31.255.255: Private network (Medium size)
• 10.x.x.x: Private network(Larget size)
• 169.254.x.x: Self-assigned (connection issue)

Troubleshooting IP Issues

If you see multiple IP addresses:

• Try each one starting with 192.168
• Avoid addresses starting with 169.254
• The correct IP usually matches your network range

Step 3: Connect from Your Tablet

With your server IP ready, it’s time to connect your tablet.

Automatic Discovery

1. Open VirtualTablet app on your tablet
2. The app will scan for servers automatically
3. If found, tap your server from the list

Manual Connection

If automatic discovery fails (common in some network configurations):

1. Tap the IP Address field
2. Enter the server IP from Step 2
3. Tap Connect

Step 4 (Optional): Optimize Your Connection

For minimal latency:

1. Position devices optimally

   • Keep both tablet and PC close to a WiFi router
   • Minimize obstacles between them
   • Avoid interference from other electronics

2. Network settings:

   • Use 5GHz WiFi when available (less interference)
   • Disable bandwidth-heavy applications like downloading files

Related Resources