You can just connect your router to the DSL cable (phone line), and connect your home network devices to the LAN ports. If you use the DSL port, then you won’t need to use the WAN port. The router is in this case a router/modem combination and can build up the internet connection without the need for a modem. The DSL port can be used to directly connect your telephone (DSL) line to your router without the need for a separate modem. The DSL port is smaller than the WAN port, and you can only fit a phone line in it (with an RJ11 connector).

On some routers, you will also find a DSL port. In the example below, you see that the WAN port is colored yellow and labeled internet. On most consumer routers you can also recognize it by the different color. You can recognize the WAN port on your router by the label, Internet, or WAN. To sum up the key differences between the WAN and LAN port: WAN portĬonnects to your (DSL, Cable, Fibre) modem This way devices connected to the WAN port (everybody on the internet) can’t access your devices that are connected to the LAN ports. But internally they are separated with a firewall. The WAN and LAN ports look the same, and may even be placed next to each other. WAN ports are only used to connect your router to your internet connection. Devices connected to the LAN ports can see (connect to) each other, which is useful if you want to access your network printer or NAS. LAN stands for Local Area Network and is used to connect your local network device to your home network. Most routers come with 4 LAN ports and only 1 WAN port. WAN vs LAN Portīesides the WAN port, you will also find LAN ports on the backside of the router. This allows each network device to access the internet. It’s the router’s job to route the traffic between your local network devices and the modem. All your local network devices, like your computers, mobile phone, printer, are connected wired or wireless to your router. The router is connected to the modem, as you can see in the network diagram above. But to distribute the internet connection through your home network you will need a router. Your ISP has supplied you with a modem that builds up the internet connection. The WAN Port is used to connect the router to your internet connection. WAN stands for Wide Area Network which is basically the internet. Where can you find it and what are the differences with the LAN ports. In this article, I will explain everything your need to know about the WAN port. The WAN Port, one of the most important ports on your router, but where is it for? And how do you recognize it? The WAN port looks exactly the same as the LAN ports on your router, but there is a big difference between the two.

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