NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
Solved
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...
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.
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.
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.
Thanks for the information.
My modem is a MOTOROLA, Model MB7220. My internet speed is up to 250 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload.
Margaret246 wrote:
My modem is a MOTOROLA, Model MB7220. My internet speed is up to 250 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload.
Your Internet speed is more than twice the 100 Mbps speed that your router can handle. Don't believe any of the marketing claims about "Fast download speeds up to 1200 Mbps. That is wifi marketing rubbish.
You modem can deliver an output of 1000 Mbps. Buy yourself a router that can accept that speed and you will notice a significant increase in your network speed, especially with a wired connection.
Look for anything that labels itself as "Gigabit Ethernet".
It is amazing that Netgear released anything as slow as the R6120 in 2019. Gigabit has been around since 2010 or earlier.
Thank you for the tip. I will look into this. I might need a new computer soon anyway because my current one is 6 years old. If I do purchase a new one, I will definitely get a new router (and modem?).