Right now I am using my Imac wireless on my home network. What I would like to do is try and connect my computer to the router with an ethernet cable. Two things I am not sure of, first is the correct cable to get a ethernet cable Cat5 or 5E patch not crossover and two, can I just connect it to the router and Imac and will it automatically switch from WiFi to Cable, or do I have to change a setting on either the Mac or router ?
Thanks for any help in advance.
Using a standard straight through cable is fine ... I have a large collection of cables from routers/DSLmodems/old computers tha all work. And I am told OSX is smart enough to auto-detect crossover cables.
My MBP can have both wirless and cabled avtive, then i just unplug the ethercable and it soldiers on.
... And I am told OSX is smart enough to auto-detect crossover cables.
Not OS X but just about everything Apple built in the last decade or so:
Good to know. Thanks for the information.
… do I have to change a setting on either the Mac or router ?
The Mac constantly, exhaustively, relentlessly searches for an Internet connection from any of its available ports, unless you changed its network preferences.
To give preference to a wired connection, go to System Preferences > Network, click the "gear" icon and select "Set Service Order..." from the popup menu:
Then, drag Ethernet anywhere before Wi-Fi appears in the list:
OK, Apply, and then you can quit System Preferences.
This way, if you have a wired connection (which may be more reliable than wireless), the Mac will use it, and you can still leave Wi-Fi enabled - for AirDrop, for example.
Thanks to all of you for your quick responses, I ordered a RJ45 CAT5E Ethernet Lan Network Cable today, which, I hope, is the correct cable.
Sounds about right. Also avalable at Best Buy and Target and HH Gregg and Walmart and ...
Yes, I know, but the prices online with free delivery are hard to beat, plus, I don't need it right away.
No worries. Just saying there are local options.
Wireless Vs Ethernet
