Which adapter is used ?

[Polaris]

Hi Experts:

I have two adapters on my PC (Windows Xp); one is regular Ethernet card (100
mbps), and the other is wireless card (54 mbps). Both are enabled and in
working states.

I just wonder, when I browse the internet, from which adapter the network
traffic go through? Is it true that only one will be used, not both? How
does Windows make such decision?

Thanks in Advance for your input!

Polaris

 

[Chuck]

Hi Experts:

I have two adapters on my PC (Windows Xp); one is regular Ethernet card (100
mbps), and the other is wireless card (54 mbps). Both are enabled and in
working states.

I just wonder, when I browse the internet, from which adapter the network
traffic go through? Is it true that only one will be used, not both? How
does Windows make such decision?

Thanks in Advance for your input!

Polaris

Windows XP uses a process known as Automatic Metric, which can select the most
effective adapter, that's active, at any time.
<http://support.microsoft.com/?id=299540>
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=299540

 

[Phillip Windell]

It will go by which ever connection is at the top of the priority list:

Net Places --> Properties --> Advanced --> Advanced Settings --> [look in
upper dialog box]

--
Phillip Windell [MCP, MVP, CCNA]
www.wandtv.com
-----------------------------------------------------
Understanding the ISA 2004 Access Rule Processing
http://www.isaserver.org/articles/ISA2004_AccessRules.html

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Guidance
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2004.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2000.asp

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Partners
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/partners/default.asp
-----------------------------------------------------

 

[Phillip Windell]

First I've heard of the Automatic Metric thing. I wonder how dependable it
will end up being in "real life"?

--
Phillip Windell [MCP, MVP, CCNA]
www.wandtv.com
-----------------------------------------------------
Understanding the ISA 2004 Access Rule Processing
http://www.isaserver.org/articles/ISA2004_AccessRules.html

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Guidance
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2004.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2000.asp

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Partners
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/partners/default.asp
-----------------------------------------------------

 

[Chuck]

First I've heard of the Automatic Metric thing. I wonder how dependable it
will end up being in "real life"?

Works great for me. I can connect or disconnect the network cable to my laptop,
and watch it automatically switch to the wired or wireless connection. I
usually have to restart streaming audio connections (I use Winamp a lot), but
most other apps just keep on going.

 

[Kerry Brown]

First I've heard of the Automatic Metric thing. I wonder how dependable it
will end up being in "real life"?

The metric can be changed in the advanced TCP/IP settings. If you have a 10
Mb LAN and a 54 Mb wireless the LAN may be the more reliable connection but
the wireless may be the default because of the automatic metric. The lowest
value metric is the default. Faster connections get lower values. It is also
affected as you say by the binding order. If there is a problem I make sure
that both methods set the interface I want to be the default.

Kerry