How can I upgrade to iOS 5.1.1 after the release of iOS 6?

yeah, I tried every possible way to update my ipad 2 4.3.3 to 5.1.1 yesterday september 29,2012 and there is no way to do so because it's too late.. apple already official using the latest ios 6 to all platforms.. all we can do is to wait for the stable untethered ios 6 jailbreak.. hopefully, it will be ASAP =)

It appears that Apple has stopped signing iOS 5.1.1., so the question is, how do I restore 5.1.1. now? I do have the blobs and the IPSW...

@C1NY: I have tried your suggestion but I receive iTunes Error 3194. I have removed all references to apple.com in the hosts file but it still doesnt work.
I have also tried to run Tiny Umbrella and run the TTS server (I have downloaded all my SHSH blobs) and then tried your instructions but then I get itunes error 11...

I believe Apple is still signing 5.1.1 signatures, while it's still being signed you can upgrade to 5.1.1 via iTunes. First you would need the IPSW for 5.1.1 which you can find here on iClarified.

iPad firmware download: www.iclarified.com/8500/where-to-download-ipad-firmware-files-from

Once you have 5.1.1 firmware

1. Open iTunes
2. For Mac; click option/restore in itunes and select 5.1.1 firmware you just downloaded and confirm restore.

For Win; right click on restore button, select the 5.1.1 firmware you just downloaded and confirm restore.

Hope this helps you out and remember Apple will stop signing 5.1.1 signatures soon. Once they stop signing you will not be able to upgrade to 5.1.1

I believe you can downgrade to iOS 5.1.1 or even 5.1, but I'm not sure if you can do it to v5.0.1. The best bet is to visit the Firmware Umbrella website, as they'll know what Apple allows. They also have a full collection of different iOSes for different devices, though the problem is what Apple will "authorize".

Nope, checked. You can't back up unless you have 5.1.1. That's an Apple imposed limitation.