How to make Windows 7 use the internet connection that I specify

[i_mj]

I have a LAN adapter and a USB wireless internet connection. When both connected windows 7 always uses the USB. I tried changing the metric values but no luck. Let me explains the steps I took.

Currently automatic metric on all adapters.
LAN connected. ipconfig shows that it is connected to the correct ip/dns/gateway etc. IPv4 Route table shows Metric 24
Then connected USB. ipconfig shows USB connectivity then LAN in that order. Internet is now through USB. IPv4 Route table shows Metric 4249 for LAN and USB is 41. Gateway for USB shows "on-link". netstat -rn shows USBDEVICE on top.
Changed LAN metric to 5 and now the route table shows LAN as 9 (not sure why it added 4) and USB as 41. netstat shows LAN then USB. ipconfig shows LAN then USB.

But still connection is through USB. How do I know? Task manager shows utilization only through USB as well as speed is showing around 1mbps rather than LANs 10mbps.

How can I get win7 use LAN while USB is connected. I am just trying to use USB as a backup just in case I lose LAN connection. Please help!!

I thought i will make USB metric manually to say 10. But it says I have to reconnect for it to be effective. Currently USB still shows below LAN and still has 9 and 41 in the table.

Disconnected USB. Table shows LAN metric as 24 (Not sure why it got changed from 9 and setting got reverted by to automatic)

Reconnected USB. Now in the setting still shows 10 and the route table shows 11 for USB and LAN shows 4249 (settings shows 4245, 4 less))

For some reason restarting USB is resetting LAN setting when reconnected.

Thanks

 

[Simo606]

I'm not totally sure for your setup, but as a possible hint, one easy option for Cisco routers we would do is make a floating static route. Two different static routes, one route to each network device. One with a higher metric than the other. It will only use the one with the lowest metric. Then if the active link goes down it will automatically switch over to the floating route(the other route). Then when the main link comes back, it has a lower metric so will take back over.

Another method we use is HSRP.

Or you could just do it manually unless you need a 100% reliable connection including the backup. If manual is ok then you should be able to just single click the LAN icon in the system tray and there should be a list of networks. Click which one you want to connect to.