Need help with basic network wi fi question


  1. FDM
    Posts : 132
    Win 7
       #1

    Need help with basic network wi fi question


    I have Comcast as my ISP and use their modem for cable TV, internet and phone service. I have a Netgear router with wired connections to two Dell Win 7 desktop pcs and a wireless connection to a Win 7 laptop.

    I recently installed a small app called "Who is on my wifi"and on running its scan it detects my pc, my daughters pc, the router and the laptop.

    I guess I lack fundamental knowledge of wifi networks and am confused by the scan findings.

    When I first installed my Dell pc, it automatically detected the router and connected wirelessly. I later was informed that better download speeds would result if I used an ethernet wired connection to the Netgear router. Some time later my daughter installed her new Dell pc and I connected it to the router with an ethernet wired connection. So both desktop pcs now have wired ethernet connections.

    Here is my dumb novice question: if the two desktop pcs have wired ethernet connections why is the "Who is on my wifi" scan showing them to be wifi devices? Is it possible that the two desktop pcs are somehow still connecting to the internet wirelessly despite the fact that they have wired ethernet connections?

    Any insights would be appreciated,

    Frank
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,514
    Win 7 Home Premium SP1 32 bit
       #2

    Hi.. I think the term WiFi is not really indicating wireless, I have a Netgear router and I can pull up the connected devices.. and that is all that is needed In My Opinion.
    So, just because some application says they are connected, does not necessarily mean they are wireless..
      My Computer


  3. BJB
    Posts : 188
    Windows 7 Pro 64 bit
       #3

    If you go into Device Manager and disable the wireless adapters on each of the two wired machines they will disappear from the scan. Connecting them by Ethernet has not disabled the wifi connection so you need to do it yourself :)
      My Computer


  4. FDM
    Posts : 132
    Win 7
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Need help with basic network wi fi question


    Thanks for the responses, BJB and Yard Dog.

    I have disabled the Dell Wireless network adapter and will see what happens when run the scan again.

    Frank
      My Computer


 

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