Prioritize LAN cable to access network (shared) drives over Wi-Fi

Prioritize LAN Cable to Access Network (Shared) Drives over Wi-Fi

When it comes to accessing network drives or shared resources on your computer, using a LAN cable (also known as Ethernet cable) can offer a more stable and faster connection compared to Wi-Fi. In this article, we will guide you through the process of prioritizing LAN cable over Wi-Fi to ensure a smoother experience while accessing network drives.

Why prioritize LAN cable?

LAN cables provide a direct physical connection between your computer and the network, allowing for faster data transfer rates and lower latency. This is especially important when accessing large files or working with resource-intensive applications that rely on network drives. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, is susceptible to interference from other devices, walls, and distance from the router, which can result in slower and less reliable connections.

Checking LAN cable connection

Before we proceed, let's ensure your LAN cable is properly connected to your computer and the network.

1. Locate the LAN port on your computer. It is usually found on the back of the CPU and looks like a larger version of a telephone jack.
2. Connect one end of the LAN cable to the LAN port on your computer.
3. Connect the other end of the LAN cable to an available LAN port on your router or network switch.
4. Ensure both ends of the cable are securely plugged in.

Setting LAN connection as priority

Now that your LAN cable is connected, we need to adjust the network settings to prioritize it over Wi-Fi.

Windows:

1. Right-click on the network icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the screen) and select "Open Network & Internet settings."
2. In the Settings window, click on "Change adapter options."
3. You will see a list of network connections. Right-click on your LAN connection and select "Properties."
4. In the Properties window, select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" and click on "Properties."
5. Click on the "Advanced" button.
6. In the Advanced TCP/IP Settings window, go to the "IP Settings" tab.
7. Uncheck the option that says "Automatic metric."
8. Enter a lower number (e.g., 10) in the "Interface metric" field. This will prioritize the LAN connection over Wi-Fi.
9. Click "OK" to save the changes.

macOS:

1. Click on the Apple menu and select "System Preferences."
2. In the System Preferences window, click on "Network."
3. You will see a list of network connections on the left side. Drag and drop the LAN connection to the top of the list to prioritize it.
4. If the padlock icon at the bottom left is locked, click on it and enter your administrator password to make changes.
5. Close the Network window to save the changes.

Verifying the connection

After setting the LAN connection as a priority, it's important to verify that it is being used to access network drives.

You can perform a simple test by accessing a network drive or shared folder on your computer. If the LAN connection is prioritized correctly, you should notice improved speed and responsiveness compared to using Wi-Fi.

Conclusion

Prioritizing LAN cable over Wi-Fi for accessing network drives can significantly enhance your experience by providing a more stable and faster connection. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your computer uses the LAN connection as the primary method for accessing network resources.