official WiFi- will it make TCP/IP connection

Using Arduino Networking, Protocols, and Devices
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I am completely ignorant of ethernet/WiFi/etc mumbo jumbo and I fear PaulS and others have answered this already (a million times) but just to confirm:

I have an i-Pad running an App (iNavX) that uses a wifi connection to obtain data (in this case NMEA serial-like data). I also have an instrument that is putting out NMEA data. I need to make a wireless TCP/IP connection between the instrument and the iPad. I'd like to use my recently acquired official WiFi shield and Arduino to talk to the iPad.

The iNavX software site says:
"One of the most important features of the app is the ability to receive NMEA data using TCP/IP and display it as instrument data. A computer or a WiFi multiplexer running a TCP/IP server can broadcast any type of NMEA data that is connected to it. "

Is it possible to set up the official arduino WiFi shield to send data via TCP/IP? If so, are there any example programs/tutorials out there that walk the woefully ignorant through the process? Or, on thin ice here using words I don't understand, would I use the WiFi library to have the Arduino/WiFi act as a client? Or what?

Thanks for any insight! David

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Is it possible to set up the official arduino WiFi shield to send data via TCP/IP?

Yes, the WiFi shield can sent TCP/IP data to an existing network.

If so, are there any example programs/tutorials out there that walk the woefully ignorant through the process?

There are some that come with the WiFi library.

Or, on thin ice here using words I don't understand, would I use the WiFi library to have the Arduino/WiFi act as a client?

Do you want it to get data (as a client does) or to serve data (to clients)?

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Thanks Paul,

This could work then. I think I want to serve data to the iPad from the Arduino/wifi. Further searching on the iNavX site says:

To set up "TCP/IP NMEA Client" which uses the device WiFi, enter the host IP address (i.e. 10.0.1.2 or somehost.com) and the host port (i.e. 2114) of the NMEA data server (i.e. MacENC or Coastal Explorer or GPSGate or AviaSail). Most often a "TCP" connection is used, however "UDP" is offered. Enable "Link" to make the connection to the NMEA data server. Select the "Save" button to exit. Position, Speed and Course can come from either NMEA GPS or AIS transponder. In the event the TCP/IP connection is lost, Locations Services will be reverted to. The "Bookmarks" button can be used to recall previous hosts and ports used.

So, check me here, what this means is ... the arduino/wifi has an IP address that the iPad connects to? I'll start messing with the library examples to see what I can get out but it looks like I need a server example.

David