emonBase doesn't start until Ethernet plugged in

When I reboot my emonBase without an Ethernet cable plugged in, it doesn't get very far.

The application does not log any data from the emonTx's, and the WiFi IP addresses do not accept pings or ssh, but do show on arp. The logs show no emon activity until the Ethernet is plugged in.

Once Ethernet is plugged in, the WiFi IP addresses come alive, and the app starts logging data again.

How do I get it to become fully functional without Ethernet plugged in?