Solved: Should I Turn Off WiFi When Using Ethernet? 

Wi-Fi has become the norm in this day and age; however, there was a time when cables were frequently used. Ethernet cables are still used since they provide better, reliable, high-speed connections when compared to wireless connections, but not as frequently.

Should I turn off WiFi when using Ethernet? Both of these connections can work perfectly fine on the same device. It all comes down to whether you specifically want to use either WiFi or Ethernet. If it doesn’t matter which network your traffic goes over, there’s no harm in leaving your WiFi on.

The quality of wireless signals has gone up in the last decade; therefore, people have started to reduce their dependence on Ethernet cables. The Ethernet cables are still used for heavy-duty tasks. So if you are a new gamer, developer, or streamer and don’t know the specifics of these cables, then this article is for you. Check out the list of the most reliable Ethernet cables on Amazon now!

Can WiFi And Ethernet Work At The Same Time? 

There are many different kinds of routers available in the market today. Some provide wired connections only, and some provide Ethernet signals only. However, many routers provide both connections.

Such routers are said to support a “mixed network.” Within a mixed network, devices can be connected to the network (and each other) wirelessly and via Ethernet cables. So, in this way, both wireless and Ethernet connections will work within one system. 

If we are considering devices, then only one connection can work on one device: Either a wireless connection or an Ethernet connection. Suppose your device supports both connections and is connected to both. In that case, the preference will be given to the LAN connection (Ethernet) since those are usually faster than the wireless connection.

The device will show that it is connected to both the connections but will use only one connection to pass on and receive data to and from the router.

In this way, both the connections can work at the same time, where preference is given to the Ethernet connection. As soon as the Ethernet connection is disconnected, the computer will shift to the wireless connection that it is already connected to. 

Should I Turn Off WiFi When Using Ethernet? 

If you have taken all the steps to protect your network, you should have no worries about turning off the WiFi option on your devices when connected through the Ethernet cables.

Both of these connections can work on the same device, as explained earlier since that device will most likely have multiple network adapters that allow it to be connected to different types of connections. 

Some slightly older devices have shown signs of irregularity in performance when being connected to the WiFi and Ethernet, even though the Ethernet is given preference and is actively used by the computer to send and receive data.

If your device falls in this category, you would need to disable the Wi-Fi option when your device is connected to the Ethernet. Disable the Wi-Fi to check if your device’s performance improves or not.

To disable the Wi-Fi option, just click on the “Network and Settings” option to find the “Wireless networks” option. Click on it and follow the on-screen instructions to disable it. 

Can I Use A Wired And Wireless Device On The Same Network? 

You can most definitely use wired and wireless connections within the same network. All you need to check to achieve this is your router. If your router has wireless antennas and Ethernet provides, it is highly likely that it is a “mixed” network router. A mixed network router allows users to use wireless and wired connections within the network it creates. 

You would also need devices that support Ethernet connections and wireless connections. Desktops usually have Ethernet ports, and mobile phones usually have a Wi-Fi option.

These common devices are found in most households and can work together under one network, even though some support the wireless option and some support the wired connection. 

Does Being Connected To WiFi And Ethernet Increase Speed? 

The simple answer to this question is a “no.” If your computer is connected to an Ethernet that goes to the same router from which your wireless connection comes from then, you cannot connect both connections and get an increase in speed.

It is just not possible since both of them go to the same “upstream network,” and they both come from the same router within your ISP’s server. 

The more complicated answer to this question is: “It may be possible to stay connected to a wireless connection and a wired connection and get an increased internet speed.”

However, in this case, the requirement is that both the connection should come from different networks. This means that both connections should not meet upstream. Therefore, they must be from different ISP’s. The following questions explain how you can achieve this. 

How Do I Enable Both WiFi And Ethernet? 

If a computer has multiple network adapters, then it can stay connected to both the wireless connection and the wired connection. If they are from the same network, the computer will prefer the Ethernet.

If they are from different networks, you can perform the last question’s steps to get a combined speed from these connections. 

How Do I Get My WiFi And Ethernet To Work At The Same Time On My Laptop? 

A couple of apps are available for download that can be used to combine connections from different networks to give your laptop an increased internet speed. Follow the steps below to find out how to achieve this. 

  1. Connect the Ethernet cable from your router to a port on your computer. If you cannot find a port, there must not be a port. Connect a network adapter that connects Ethernet to a USB port. This will solve your issue. 
  2. Connect the computer to a wireless network that is not the same as the wired network. This means that the wireless connection should come from a different network/ISP. 
  3. You can combine both their speeds with VPN apps like “speedify” and other similar apps. These apps create a single connection that is the combination of both of these connections since the computer is capable of only using one connection at a time.  
  4. Check with different apps and use the one that gives you the highest internet speed. Make sure to keep your antivirus on as these downloads can be malicious. If you download from a site that is not trustworthy, then you may end up corrupting your desktop. 

This method is the only way in which both connections can “work at the same time” on one device. You can use this technique if you face severe internet issues when using just one connection.

If both the connections are weak, maybe a combination of them can be stronger for you. Check out the list of the most reliable Ethernet cables on Amazon now!

Conclusion 

It is important to understand the concept of wired and wireless connections since it will help you set up your own networks if you move into a new house or a workspace.

It is key to getting all devices in the house/work connected to one network. This article helps you in getting the best out of your wired and wireless connections in terms of internet speed. 

You can make your own tweaks in the network to see what works the best for your devices. After experimentation, it is highly likely that you are going to land on a system that works best for you and your household members.