A standard wifi network allows many nodes and devices to access. One would generally use a base station and perhaps a wireless router to control it all. In my studio, I have a wifi router hooked to the net and three desktops, two Macbooks, a couple of iPads and a couple of iPhones. Each can access one another.
However, in an "ad hoc" network no standard infrastructure is used. It's the CamRanger and the controller and nothing in between or connected to the outside world, such as my studio's network (an EyeFi card works as a node in a conventional network). So, if you want to run your camera and then stream them to the web as you shoot, i don't think that will happen with the CamRanger and an iPad/iPhone. With a MacBook, perhaps, if you have your network connected via (cabled) Ethernet.
With the Canon and Nikon wifi transmitters (the big and expensive ones), you access your normal network, but they run two-three times more than a CamRanger and are much more difficult to configure and use. I'm not even sure you can use an app to set, control and view the images as easily with the name-brand as you can with the CamRanger.
With the GoPro, you also run as an ad hoc network, though the distance from controller to the camera is much shorter. I think I got maybe 50 feet when I used mine a few days ago out in the sticks.
Here's a link to info on "ad hoc" networks:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_ad_hoc_networkNow I'm going to have to go out and see how far away from the camera I can get with my CamRanger!