Connecting

The default: directly over the air, without a shared Wi-Fi network

EdgeFlow normally connects Macs directly, using Apple’s AWDL radio technology (the same technology AirDrop uses). The Macs do not have to be on the same Wi-Fi network and do not need a shared Apple ID — exactly the case in which Apple’s own Universal Control does not work. The range is the same as AirDrop’s: meant for the same room or desk, not for separate floors.

Cable

If a neighbouring Mac can be reached over a network cable (directly or via a switch on the same network), EdgeFlow automatically uses the cable as soon as it is available. This is intended in particular for the case where a company policy forbids Wi-Fi connections between private and company devices — with a cable EdgeFlow works anyway.

Corporate Wi-Fi / switched network

EdgeFlow also finds Macs over an ordinary switched corporate network, not only over a direct cable connection. On some corporate networks automatic device discovery is restricted by the network administration (for example client isolation between devices or filtered discovery packets) — that is a network or IT matter, not a fault of EdgeFlow.

What “Wi-Fi off” means

Wi-Fi must be switched on on every Mac involved — even if you end up connecting by cable. If Wi-Fi is off on a Mac, the radio interface needed for the direct connection never comes up on that Mac. The Mac can still announce itself on the network — so it is found — but every attempt to connect to it fails. To you it looks as if EdgeFlow shows the Mac but does not connect to it.

In short: before you look for a connection problem, first check on all Macs involved whether Wi-Fi is switched on — including the Mac you use by cable.