Group policy to disable WiFi connection upon connecting ethernet connection

Question

I am plagued with "BAD ADDRESS" entries chewing up my dhcp scope then people cannot connect. I have determined after reviewing the logs and looking at the offending machines they both had one thing in common. Both wired and wireless connections were active. They would connect on the WiFi then go back to their desk an dock it. At that point both wireless and wired start trying to get addresses.

Anyway, I want to create/enable a group policy to prevent this from happening but still allow either one or the other to work at any given time as users will dock/undock many times during the day for meetings etc.

Thanks for any ideas

Answer 1

Hi,

Please check if the following article can help with you:

How to Automatically Turn Off Wi-Fi When an Ethernet Cable is Connected?

Please Note: Since the web site is not hosted by Microsoft, the link may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.

1.Use PowerShell to Disable Wi-Fi when an Ethernet Connection Exists:

The script regularly checks for active network adapters. If the script detects any LAN (Ethernet) connection, WLAN interface is automatically disabled. If the Ethernet network cable is disconnected, the script enables the wireless Wi-Fi adapter.

2.GPO to Disable Non-Domain Wireless Networks When Connected to LAN:

Enable the policy of Prohibit connection to non-domain networks when connected to domain authenticated network.

Best Regards,
Candy

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Answer 2

Really should not be a big deal. Both wired and wireless would have their own unique MAC address. Some laptop manufacturers have either a cmos setup or software /driver solution to control connection of one or the other. May also need to shorten up the lease time and or a little IT training for the users if the laptops cannot be configured.

(typical Dell documentation: The WLAN or WWAN adapter is disabled at the BIOS (Basic Input Output System) level when a network cable is plugged in. There are no controls within Windows that will enable the adapter until the network cable is unplugged. Intel wireless adapters may report that the radio switch is turned off even when the switch is physically in the on position.)
https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000137415/how-to-disable-wireless-when-connected-via-wired-connection-on-latitude-and-precision-mobile-workstations

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Answer 3

You may be able to custom script something but the simpler option may be the hardware / driver software configuration.

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Answer 4

Any progress or updates?

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Answer 5

Minimize the number of simultaneous connections to the Internet or a Windows Domain under Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Network -> Windows Connection Manager. Enable the policy and select 3=Prevent Wi-Fi when on Ethernet.