A WAN (Wide Area Network) port is an Ethernet port on a router (or other network device) that connects it to the internet. Essentially, it's the gateway between your local network (LAN) and the broader internet.
Here's a breakdown:
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Purpose: The primary function of a WAN port is to establish a connection to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This connection allows your devices on the local network to access the internet.
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Appearance: A WAN port typically looks like a standard RJ45 Ethernet port, similar to the ones used to connect computers to routers within your home or office network. It's often labeled "WAN," "Internet," or depicted with a globe icon. Sometimes it's physically separated from the other LAN ports and may be a different color.
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Functionality: The WAN port receives an IP address (and other network configuration details) from your ISP, enabling communication with the internet. This is usually done using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), but can sometimes require manual configuration.
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Difference from LAN ports: LAN (Local Area Network) ports connect devices within your local network, such as computers, printers, and smart TVs, to your router. The WAN port connects your router to the external internet. Think of LAN ports as connecting devices within your house, and the WAN port as connecting your house to the outside world (the internet).
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Example: When you plug an Ethernet cable from your modem (provided by your ISP) into the WAN port on your router, you are establishing an internet connection for all devices connected to that router's LAN ports (or connected wirelessly to the router).
In simple terms, the WAN port is how your home or office network connects to the internet. It's the entry point and exit point for all internet traffic.
