How does WinXP choose between two possible internet connection networks ?

[Sergej Balon]

Assume my Computer is connected by a traditional network RJ45 cable and a Wlan-PcmciaCard.
Now I open my InternetExplorer and type in an URL. How does WinXP decide which
which network connection it should prefer to get access to the internet?

Currently I have problems because my systems seems to choose the cable based network
(which is currently not connected) and displays an error dialog about no internet access.
On the other side it could choose the WLan card and would get the internet.

How do I setup a priority in card selection?

How do I switch between two network configurations?

Sergej

 

[Steve Winograd [MVP]]

Assume my Computer is connected by a traditional network RJ45 cable and a Wlan-PcmciaCard.
Now I open my InternetExplorer and type in an URL. How does WinXP decide which
which network connection it should prefer to get access to the internet?

Currently I have problems because my systems seems to choose the cable based network
(which is currently not connected) and displays an error dialog about no internet access.
On the other side it could choose the WLan card and would get the internet.

How do I setup a priority in card selection?

How do I switch between two network configurations?

Sergej

When multiple network connections are available, WinXP uses the one
with the lowest "metric" value. It automatically assigns a metric to
each connection based on the connection's rated speed:

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

To force WinXP to use a particular connection, you can either:

1. Disable the other connection(s), or:
2. Assign the lowest metric to the desired connection.

To assign a metric to a network connection:

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".
--
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

 

[Phillip Windell]

You can't use two.

It will use the Routing Table (the Default Gateway actualy) to determine
what Nic to use. By definition there can be only be one Default Gateway.

Microsoft Windows XP - Multihoming Considerations
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/reskit/en-us/prcc_tcp_qpzj.asp?

157025 - Default Gateway Configuration for Multihomed Computers
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;157025&Product=win2000

 

[RS]

If there is either a wireless signal or a LAN signal, it should pick up on
the active. It is very easy, however, to disable the LAN based connection
through network connections if you wish your computer to search for only one
signal.

-RS

 

[Jeff Cochran]

Assume my Computer is connected by a traditional network RJ45 cable and a Wlan-PcmciaCard.
Now I open my InternetExplorer and type in an URL. How does WinXP decide which
which network connection it should prefer to get access to the internet?

The one connected to the default gateway for starters.

Currently I have problems because my systems seems to choose the cable based network
(which is currently not connected) and displays an error dialog about no internet access.
On the other side it could choose the WLan card and would get the internet.

If it's not connected, disable the connection.

How do I setup a priority in card selection?

Binding order should do it.

How do I switch between two network configurations?

Disable anything not connected, re-enable if you connect.

Jeff

 

[Microfirmz]

Generally, the system will go to the last-connected network. A good way
to prevent that is to remove the Gateway number from the Wired
connection and only leave the Gateway IP on the wireless. This would
force the system to use the wireless as the Internett connection.
-Yosef Lifshits