dual network interfaces, how do I set a priority?

[Adam Membrey]

I currently have a wireless NIC and an Intel 10/100/1000 ethernet interface,
I want to set it so that if my wireless NIC stops working (happens if I have
the computer on for about 3-4 days straight) that my ethernet will take over
any network requests.

I know there is a setting to do it and I saw it the other day, but for the
life of me do you think I can find it now that I need it ?

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

I currently have a wireless NIC and an Intel 10/100/1000 ethernet interface,
I want to set it so that if my wireless NIC stops working (happens if I have
the computer on for about 3-4 days straight) that my ethernet will take over
any network requests.

I know there is a setting to do it and I saw it the other day, but for the
life of me do you think I can find it now that I need it ?

When two network connections are available in the same IP subnet,
Windows XP will automatically use the one with the higher rated speed.
That's documented here:

An Explanation of the Automatic Metric Feature for Internet Protocol
Routes
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=299540

You can manually assign metrics to the connections to override the
automatic assignments. Windows XP will use the connection with the
lower metric:

1. Open the Network Connections folder.
2. Right click the desired connection.
3. Click Properties | Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
4. Click Properties | Advanced.
5. Un-check "Automatic metric".
6. Enter a number between 1 and 9999 for the "Interface metric".

If the wireless NIC is disabled, or if it loses its IP address,
Windows XP will automatically use the wired one.

I'm not aware of any setting that can switch to the wired connection
if the wireless connection is enabled and has an IP address but just
stops working (e.g. because the wireless access point goes down).
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

 

[Adam Membrey]

When two network connections are available in the same IP subnet,
Windows XP will automatically use the one with the higher rated speed.
That's documented here:

An Explanation of the Automatic Metric Feature for Internet Protocol
Routes
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=299540

You can manually assign metrics to the connections to override the
automatic assignments. Windows XP will use the connection with the
lower metric:

1. Open the Network Connections folder.
2. Right click the desired connection.
3. Click Properties | Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
4. Click Properties | Advanced.
5. Un-check "Automatic metric".
6. Enter a number between 1 and 9999 for the "Interface metric".

If the wireless NIC is disabled, or if it loses its IP address,
Windows XP will automatically use the wired one.

I'm not aware of any setting that can switch to the wired connection
if the wireless connection is enabled and has an IP address but just
stops working (e.g. because the wireless access point goes down).
--
Best Wishes,
Steve Winograd, MS-MVP (Windows Networking)

Please post any reply as a follow-up message in the news group
for everyone to see. I'm sorry, but I don't answer questions
addressed directly to me in E-mail or news groups.

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Program
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com

Damn, I thought that would be the answer...any 3rd party software solutions
anyone can recommend?

btw

"If the wireless NIC is disabled, or if it loses its IP address,
Windows XP will automatically use the wired one.

I'm not aware of any setting that can switch to the wired connection
if the wireless connection is enabled and has an IP address but just
stops working (e.g. because the wireless access point goes down)."

Isn't that comment contradictory? (correct me if I'm wrong, windows
networking is not my forte)

 

[Quaoar]

Damn, I thought that would be the answer...any 3rd party software
solutions anyone can recommend?

btw

"If the wireless NIC is disabled, or if it loses its IP address,
Windows XP will automatically use the wired one.

I'm not aware of any setting that can switch to the wired connection
if the wireless connection is enabled and has an IP address but just
stops working (e.g. because the wireless access point goes down)."

Isn't that comment contradictory? (correct me if I'm wrong, windows
networking is not my forte)

My interpretation of the second paragraph is the wireless will not
become "disabled" if the wireless router/access point fails; it will
remain "connected" but not "communicating".

Q

 

[Adam Membrey]

My interpretation of the second paragraph is the wireless will not become
"disabled" if the wireless router/access point fails; it will remain
"connected" but not "communicating".

Q

Ok, well I happily solved the problem ...well it works

I changed the metric value of the wireless NIC to 10 and the ethernet to 1.
Primarily the wireless network card acts as a network link, but I then
forcibly disconnected from the AP (changed SSID) and my ethernet card took
over the workload

I might not be ideal but it works for me and saves my partner lots of calls
crying she can't get on the net

Thanks all