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Wifi vs Ethernet

K

kisbys

macrumors regular
Original poster
May 31, 2009
164
0
Hi Guys,

I'm sure this has been asked so please don't berate me I couldn't think what to filter to get the answer!!!

In maverics if I have ethernet connected to my router and I have wifi on which takes priority or do they both work at the same time???

cheers.
 
All I know is that if you want to make sure Ethernet has priority, turn off the wifi. If you want wifi to have priority, which I wouldn't understand since Ethernet is usually faster, just unplug Ethernet. It is that simple.
 
i have the same speed and ping with the wifi like i have with the Ethernet, but my router is close (in the other room)
 
I found when both are on, Ethernet is used, though YMMV. The easiest way to ensure that the ethernet interface is being used is to turn off wifi
 
1. Open System Preferences/Network.
2. In the left pane>bottom, click and hold the small black gear (context menu).
3. There you will find an option to "Set Service Order". Click that.
4. Then select & drag the options in your preferred order, with the primary being at the top.
5. Prior to quitting System Preferences, click on "Apply Changes".
6. Enjoy!

Note: While the selected services will not be operationally running simultaneously, that will be the order in which they are "on" and available.
 
Last edited:
Pndrgnsvc said:
1. Open System Preferences/Network.
2. In the left pane>bottom, click and hold the small black gear (context menu).
3. There you will find an option to "Set Service Order". Click that.
4. Then select & drag the options in your preferred order, with the primary being at the top.
5. Prior to quitting System Preferences, click on "Apply Changes".
6. Enjoy!

Note: While the selected services will not be operationally running simultaneously, that will be the order in which they are "on" and available.
Click to expand...

This is the correct answer. The "Service Order" under the Network Preferences determines which interface will be configured for the default route on the routing table. This will be the interface used when trying to reach an address for which there is no other more appropriate entry in the routing table (or for which is not directly reachable on the local segment).
 
IMHO here's how I do it.
Use a quality simultaneous dual band router with GigE ports.
All stationary devices always use wired Cat-5e or 6 cable and disable the WiFi.
Put only your laptop(s) on 5GHz if possible. Your iOS devices and other gubbins on 2.4GHz
 
blueroom said:
Put only your laptop(s) on 5GHz if possible. Your iOS devices and other gubbins on 2.4GHz
Click to expand...
I like this, I've been considering a dual band router, and now with this bit of wisdom, I may take the plunge :)
 
Only problem is the range on 5GHz might be shorter than 2.4, on the plus side AC is very very fast and beam forming and there tends to be less neighbourly WiFi chatter. Currently 802.11AC devices are few and far between.

I also have a AirPort Express (direct wired GigE from its WAN to LAN on AEBS) as an extender and AirPlay player. Although it's not AC it does allow for seamless roaming when I'm too far for the base station. One day I'll plug something into the APEs LAN port just to see if it bridges.

Another tip are those Ethernet over power adapters to get wired Ethernet when wiring is difficult. Although less than half the speed of GigE they do have a long range that can span several houses on the block (they won't go through the hydro pole transformers).

PS rule #4, never use your ISP's router / wifi they're often rubbish, always get one you can put in bridge or gateway mode.
 
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