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Wi-Fi and Wired network load preference

Last modified: Mar 22, 2017 10:39 AM
3 9506 Last modified Mar 22, 2017 10:39 AM

I'm in a (admittedly rare) situation where I have users on Mac who need both an internal and external network. In some of these cases the wi-fi needs to take precedence over the wired network. OS X will allow a network connection to have priority over another connection in any account but you will need the Administrative account to set this up.


• Go to >System Preferences


• Choose Network


• Unlock the panel using the padlock icon in the lower left hand corner of the window with your administrative user and password.


• Go to the gear iconUser uploaded fileand choose Set Service Order

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• Drag the Ethernet listing below the Wi-Fi listing and click Ok.

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• Then click apply

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when the Wi-Fi is off it will list under Ethernet

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As soon as you turn it on and it connects to a Wi-Fi broadcast it will move in position above ethernet making it the primary network connection

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This user tip was generated from the following discussion: Wi-Fi and Wired network load balance

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