if my laptop has two network adapters, how do I switch to one?

newbiesforever · 04-06-2020, 07:54 AM

I suspect that the wireless adapter in this laptop is failing, because it's continually having trouble connecting, while my other laptop has none. No problem, I have a USB wireless-N adapter around somewhere. But if I plug it in, what would I have to do to make sure my laptop is using it instead of the internal wireless adapter? I guess I can always open the computer up and pull the card out, thus leaving the computer only one choice; but can't I make the system choose one or the other?

camorri · 04-06-2020, 08:58 AM

What software are you using to manage your network connections? The common ones are NetworkManager and WICD. This should be easy enough with either.

Network adapters get names assigned, wireless are usually wlan0, wlan1; and so on. Wlan0 is most likely the internal device, and wlan1 would be the next one added. So, down wlan0, up wlan1, and configure it. Of course you will need the appropriate driver installed and loaded for the new device to work.

fatmac · 04-06-2020, 09:04 AM

Plug the USB wifi in before starting up, it should be found, a driver assigned, & all you will have to do is configure it.

andigena · 04-06-2020, 03:07 PM

You can use rfkill to block the internal adapter if you run into issues, but the system should autodetect the new adapter.

BW-userx · 04-06-2020, 04:43 PM

yep, connect the usb and disconnect the internal one, or visa a versa. then boot.