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Forum Discussion
Margaret246
Sep 05, 2023Aspirant
Router Model R6120/ Ethernet Cable
Hi. I have an AC1200 WiFi Router Model R6120, which someone else set up for me some time ago. I've never understood PC technology, but recently I've decided to learn the ins and outs of WiFi. I noti...
- Sep 07, 2023
Margaret246 wrote:
I did notice something when someone stated that I could go to the adapters and disable the Ethernet, if I choose to. On the Windows Network Connections page, I notice that it shows that the Ethernet is connected but the WiFi says "Not Connected." If the WiFi says that I am not connected to it, then I am getting wired Internet instead, but then why am I able to connect to WiFi on my tablet and smartphone?
The PC isn't usually involved in how your other devices connect to the wifi. They talk to the R6120 router.
If Windows says you have an Ethernet connection, then you are wired into the router.
I'd say don't mess around too much. Leave the PC plugged into the router. That is faster and more reliable than wifi.
As my screenshot shows, the idea that Windows will use wifi or wired is just plain wrong. Heaven only knows where that came from. Maybe I misunderstood it.
If it were true, then anyone moving a laptop from place to place would have to reconfigure the PC whenever they moved it.
Did you ever tell us what the modem is between the router and the Internet? And what about the Internet speed you pay for? If that is above 100 Mbps – many are these days – then you are throwing away anything over that speed. It is all that your router can handle.
Margaret246
Sep 06, 2023Aspirant
Thank you for your response and I still have a question.
You said: You can remove the cable and use wifi for your PC, but be prepared for it to be a slower and less reliable connection.
I thought that even though the Ethernet cable was connected, I was only getting wireless Internet. Are you saying that the wired cable is also helping me get Internet access?
Thanks.
michaelkenward
Sep 06, 2023Guru - Experienced User
Margaret246 wrote:
I thought that even though the Ethernet cable was connected, I was only getting wireless Internet. Are you saying that the wired cable is also helping me get Internet access?
YES!
Unless you have set out to break it, any sane network will choose the wired connection over the wifi.
Not so much a case of helping you, as doing all the heavy lifting.
Why do you want to remove the cable?
- Margaret246Sep 07, 2023Aspirant
Hi. I just felt since my computer was on WiFi, I didn't need the Ethernet cable connected. I thought that the cable was only necessary to set up the WiFi connection between my PC and router. However, I think that I will keep it.
I did notice something when someone stated that I could go to the adapters and disable the Ethernet, if I choose to. On the Windows Network Connections page, I notice that it shows that the Ethernet is connected but the WiFi says "Not Connected." If the WiFi says that I am not connected to it, then I am getting wired Internet instead, but then why am I able to connect to WiFi on my tablet and smartphone?
(I am trying to learn a little bit about WiFi so that I won't feel so intimidated by it. I admit that it can be confusing.)
Thank you.
- michaelkenwardSep 07, 2023Guru - Experienced User
Margaret246 wrote:
I did notice something when someone stated that I could go to the adapters and disable the Ethernet, if I choose to. On the Windows Network Connections page, I notice that it shows that the Ethernet is connected but the WiFi says "Not Connected." If the WiFi says that I am not connected to it, then I am getting wired Internet instead, but then why am I able to connect to WiFi on my tablet and smartphone?
The PC isn't usually involved in how your other devices connect to the wifi. They talk to the R6120 router.
If Windows says you have an Ethernet connection, then you are wired into the router.
I'd say don't mess around too much. Leave the PC plugged into the router. That is faster and more reliable than wifi.
As my screenshot shows, the idea that Windows will use wifi or wired is just plain wrong. Heaven only knows where that came from. Maybe I misunderstood it.
If it were true, then anyone moving a laptop from place to place would have to reconfigure the PC whenever they moved it.
Did you ever tell us what the modem is between the router and the Internet? And what about the Internet speed you pay for? If that is above 100 Mbps – many are these days – then you are throwing away anything over that speed. It is all that your router can handle.
- Margaret246Sep 08, 2023Aspirant
Thanks for the information.
My modem is a MOTOROLA, Model MB7220. My internet speed is up to 250 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload.