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    Wireless LAN Question

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by seasalt29, Jul 18, 2012.

  1. seasalt29

    seasalt29 Notebook Consultant

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    If I plug in an Ethernet cable to my laptop without disconnecting the Wi-Fi connection first, which connection will have priority, the Wi-Fi or the Ethernet? Is it ok to leave the Wi-Fi connected when the Ethernet cable is plugged in?
     
    seasalt29, Jul 18, 2012
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  2. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

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    In my experience, if the last thing you connected is the Ethernet, Ethernet will take priority, but it won't switch back to wi-fi automatically if you disconnect the cable which means that your downloads will fail if you unplug before they are done.
     
    tijo, Jul 18, 2012
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  3. seasalt29

    seasalt29 Notebook Consultant

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    So what's the best practice when switching back and forth between wired and wireless? I'm suprised I have not seen this documented anywhere. When plugging in the Ethernet cable should you:

    1. Leave the wireless connected (do nothing).
    2. Disconnect from the wireless network but leave the wireless card on.
    3. Shut off the wireless card completely.
     
    seasalt29, Jul 18, 2012
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  4. tijo

    tijo Sacred Blame

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    I'd go with 2 or 3 to avoid any potential problems.
     
    tijo, Jul 18, 2012
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  5. StormJumper

    StormJumper Notebook Virtuoso

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    That will depend on what wifi card type you have I do know that in my dell 1525 with a broadcomm card it gives me the option to auto switch between Ethernet or wifi if the Ethernet is plugged in it switches over to the Ethernet and if unplug switches over to the wifi. So it will depend alot on the wifi card and Ethernet chipset and drivers that allow one or the other to be used depending if it detects Ethernet plugged in.
     
    StormJumper, Jul 19, 2012
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