ethernet and wifi at the same time 2

Connecting your PC or laptop to the Internet is essential nowadays if you want to do anything. If you wish to work, game, or even read a book, you’ll need access to the Internet

It’s no secret that if you want to get the fastest and most stable speed, you can connect your computer through the Ethernet port. However, wireless connections are fast too nowadays, so you can also use WiFi.

But is it possible to use Ethernet and WiFi at the same time? We tested all possible scenarios and came up with a couple of answers.

Let’s check them out!

Can I Use Both WiFi And Ethernet At The Same Time?

Yes! You can actually use WiFi and Ethernet at the same time. Any computer or laptop running Windows 10, Windows 11, or even Windows 7 will be able to do this. macOS computers can also be simultaneously connected to a WiFi and Ethernet network.

Of course, each of these connections requires an appropriate piece of hardware.

Ethernet Requirements

An Ethernet connection requires a Cat 5 (or better) cable running from the router to the computer. In short:

  • An Ethernet Cable (Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, or better.)
  • Router.
  • A computer with an Ethernet port.
  • Optional: USB to Ethernet Adapter/Dongle. For laptops that don’t have such a port.

WiFi

Every laptop from the last decade and a half has a WiFi card, but only a small number of PC have a motherboard with a built-in WiFiin or a PCIe WiFi card.

Here’s what you need to make a WiFi connection:

  • WiFi Router.
  • A laptop.
  • Alternate option: Motherboard with built-in wireless connection support.
  • Alternate option 2: PCIe WiFi Card

Note: A PCIe WiFi card is considerably cheaper and easier to install than buying an entire motherboard.

How To Use Ethernet And WiFi At The Same Time?

Making these two types of connections is pretty easy on Windows. Here’s how you can do that:

  1. Connect the Ethernet cable running from your router to your computer. Now you have an Ethernet connection.
  2. To connect to the router’s WiFi, click the network icon at the bottom right of your screen.
  3. Look for your WiFi connection, click on it, input the WiFi password, and press “Connect.”

That’s it! Quite simple right?

This process on a macOS system is almost identical. First, connect to your WiFi, plug in your Ethernet cable, and you will have a wired and wireless connection.

Benefits Of Using Ethernet And WiFi At The Same Time

You now have both of these connections enabled on your computer, but do they bring any benefits? Well, yes, but these benefits aren’t what you might expect.

The only benefit is that you now have a type of “fail-safe.” So, whenever one connection drops, you can rely on the other to continue using the Internet.

For example, if the cable gets damaged, your PC will immediately transfer to the wireless connection and vice-versa.

Remember that Windows always prioritizes a wired connection over a wireless one.

So, connecting through Ethernet and WiFi will not result in higher Internet transfer speeds, better stability, etc.

How To Get Ethernet Anywhere In Your House

So, if you want to use ethernet and WiFi at the same time you will need to have an ethernet port where your computer is.

If your computer is not in the same room as your internet router, then this may seem not not possible.

However, you can use a powerline adapter.

A powerline adapter allows you to get an ethernet port to your computer. It does this by using your home’s electrical wiring.

This is a great way to get ethernet to your computer if you are in a different room to your computer.

Final Words

We hope this guide has helped you!

Using WiFi and ethernet at the same time is great if you want a reliable computer setup because if one fails, you can use the other

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