Still stream via AirPlay/iTunes if wired via ethernet?

Question

Still stream via AirPlay/iTunes if wired via ethernet?

I want to wire my AppleTV (third gen) to my Airport Extreme via Ethernet so that streaming from my MacBook Pro (which acts as media server) will stream faster. (The MacBook Pro is also wired to Airport Extreme via Ethernet.) Will I still be able to stream to my AppleTV via other MacBooks and/or iOS devices on my network that aren't hardwired to the Airport Extreme but access the same wifi network from my Airport Extreme?

Apple TV (3rd generation)

Posted on Apr 5, 2012 8:06 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Rudegar

Level 10

170,622 points

Apr 5, 2012 10:13 AM in response to Sean Mcclafferty

both ethernet and wifi are broadcasting systems there are never a direct connection present between the 2 devices no matter if airplay is used

as long as the wifi and the ethernet are on the same subnet it's 100% transparent for the atv and ipad how they connect

Reply

Answer 2

Apr 5, 2012 10:16 AM in response to Rudegar

Thanks for your response! 🙂

I was concerned, as I'd seen in other threads that if you connect via Ethernet, it disables the Wifi. But if I understand what you're saying, the AppleTV just recognizes that it's on a network regardless of how it's on there (Ethernet vs. Wifi) and sees Airplay-enabled devices automagically.

Reply

Answer 3

elevatus

Level 1

0 points

Apr 5, 2012 12:33 PM in response to Sean Mcclafferty

Just in case, the title says AirPlay & WiFi, not Airport (WiFi) & Ethernet, they are ultimately 3 (or 4) diff things.

Due to the title & comments, Rudegar answered the WiFi & Airport compared to Ethernet connection question. Was this all you needed?

WiFi - Wireless internet access.

Airport - Wireless internet access using Apple Airport.

AirPlay - The Apple proprietary method of connecting your devices with your AppleTV.

Ethernet - A cable running from your AppleTV to either your router or modem.

iTunes - This works whether you have a WiFi (non-Apple router), WiFi (Airport) or Ethernet connection.

Reply

Answer 4

Apr 5, 2012 12:50 PM in response to elevatus

Actually the title says AirPlay and wired, not Wifi, but that's ok. 🙂

I understand completely the four different connections you mention, believe me. I'm just trying to understand if I can still stream to my AppleTV if I connect to the Ethernet port. Other posts have suggested that the wifi on AppleTV is turned off if Ethernet is connected. And I'm not clear if streaming thru iTunes/Airplay only happens through a wifi connection. Or if it really just works through your local network regardless of how the devices connect to it (Wifi, Ethernet, Airplay, etc.)

Apple doesn't explain this clearly -- rightfully so, since they want it to just work and not focus on the backend of HOW it works. But I'm unclear in this particular situation.

Reply

Answer 5

Alley_Cat

Level 7

20,548 points

Apr 5, 2012 12:54 PM in response to Sean Mcclafferty

So long as ethernet and wifi devices are treated as being on the same network by the router (Extreme will as most do) you will be fine.

AC

Reply

Answer 6

Alley_Cat

Level 7

20,548 points

Apr 5, 2012 12:55 PM in response to Alley_Cat

In fact for Airplay it should work better if the AppleTV is wired as you have less competition for the available wifi bandwidth (airplaying device only not both that and the ATV).

AC

Reply

Answer 7

Apr 5, 2012 12:55 PM in response to Alley_Cat

Yes, all devices will run thru the same Airport Extreme and network. Thanks for your help!!

Reply

Answer 8

Apr 3, 2016 6:19 PM in response to Sean Mcclafferty

So Sean, did you connect from your MBP ethernet to the Airport Ext. (WAN) or (LAN) connection? and / or in reverse direction from the Apple TV to the Airport Extreme wan or lan? and did you have to manually set MBP Network settings and as well Apple TV settings manually?

my scenario - music videos from the MBP to Apple TV via Airport Extreme with video only and the audio lined out to a Mackie 14 channel (and Amp) to speakers aside the big screens... the video of course drags as you've probably seen...?

Reply