wifi "backup" for ethernet (powerline) connection that drops regularly?

[thedoginthelog1]

I used to have my computer connected via wifi. it was reliable, but slow and inconsistent. I have a 30 mbps connection and on wifi I was getting anywhere from 3-15 mbps, usually closer to 3.


I decided to try out a powerline adapter for a "wired" connection. the speeds are perfect and consistent, but unfortunately I guess the wiring in my house sucks so the connection isn't reliable. I would say it drops connection about 5 or 6 times every day. it's annoying, but it always comes back within a minute, so I haven't done anything about it.


so I'm just wondering: is there any way I could connect by ethernet, but have my wifi act as a "backup" that "kicks in" when the ethernet connection drops? I imagine it like an uninterruptible power supply, which is just plugged into the wall and operating like an ordinary outlet 99% of the time, but if power ever goes out the UPS automatically and instantly kicks on and I have a minute of power from the UPS battery without my computer shutting down. just instead of power, it's internet connection, with ethernet 99% of the time and wifi kicking in when it goes down.


I am on windows 10.

 

[USAFRet]

Your OS will use whatever connection is fastest.
If it drops off, it might switch to another...the WiFi.

But it won't be "instant".

 

[bill001g]

It would be nice if windows was that smart.

Unfortunately with powerline units the ethernet port itself stays up so the computer thinks its fine even though no traffic passes.

The way it generally works is it will prefer the powerline...ie ethernet port...over wifi because the computer assume ethernet is always better. It would only switch to wifi if the ethernet port goes down.

This is why real routers run routing protocols to know which path to choose. Since routing protocols are constantly sending some kind of traffic they will detect a outage and switch.

Some servers windows version have the ability to routing protocols but even if yours did you would need a router that also supports it.