How do I know if my iMac is using the Ethernet connection or WiFi?

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How do I know if my iMac is using the Ethernet connection or WiFi?

I have an iMac that uses Airport Extreme base station. I also use the WiFi for my Windows Laptop.

How do I know if my iMac is using the wired ETHERNET connection OVER the WiFi that Airport puts out?

I prefer the wired connection for iMac due to speed.

When I open System Preferences>>Network>> both Airport is connected and GREEn and also Ethernet connected and Green.

24" iMac, Mac OS X (10.5.4)

Posted on Jan 23, 2010 1:49 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Bob Timmons

Community+ 2025

Level 10

184,646 points

Jan 23, 2010 1:56 PM in response to KitChaos

Welcome to the discussions!

+How do I know if my iMac is using the wired ETHERNET connection OVER the WiFi that Airport puts out?+

By default, the computer is set to use ethernet first and wireless second when both connections are available.

You can confirm this on your computer as follows:

Open System Preferences (gear icon on the dock)
Click Network
Click the small gear icon at the bottom of the connection list box
Click Set Service Order

Your computer will connect in that order. If you want a specific connection to connect first, drag that connection to the top of the list.

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Answer 2

Jan 23, 2010 2:19 PM in response to KitChaos

KitChaos wrote:
How do I know if my iMac is using the wired ETHERNET connection OVER the WiFi that Airport puts out?

turn airport off.

if all works as usual, your machine uses the ethernet connection.

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Answer 3

KitChaos Author

Level 1

2 points

Jan 23, 2010 2:32 PM in response to Bob Timmons

My Ethernet was actually in order #2, not sure if that mattered but put it to #1. Thanks

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