What is a WAN Port? How to Use it? All You Need to Know.

Mr. Peter is quite worried about the internet connectivity. His internet is disconnecting due to a DNS network breakdown. When he asked the internet service provider or technician, he told him that his WAN port was not working.

As Mr. Peter did not know about WAN port, he faced difficulty. So, let us see what is WAN port and how to use it. 

What is a WAN Port?

WAN stands for wide area network. A WAN port is a jack responsible for connecting the router with an internet connection. With the help of an ethernet cable, you attach the modem to the router on the WAN port. No doubt, to distribute an internet connection in the building, you have a router.

A WAN port is an RJ-45 ethernet port of a router in the home or small offices. WAN ports are also known as internet ports.

In simple words, it is a socket that connects with an external network. Routers have only one WAN port. (Large businesses have 2 WAN ports to provide two internet connections). WAN port represents different colors to differentiate it from LAN port.

Useful Read What is a Network? Learn About it Now!

What is a WAN Port Used For?

After getting the answer to the question: what is a WAN port? We have to know about the function of this port.  A WAN port connects to an internet source. It is an uplink to the internet. It allows the router to successfully distribute the connection all around the rooms. 

How To Use WAN Port on Router?

The location of the WAN port is on the bank of the router. It receives an internet connection from a modem with the help of an Ethernet cable. The WAN port is an entry gate into your devices. So, you need to become more conscious.

We will recommend you use VPN or limit your connection. To connect the modem to a router, you shall need to take the following steps:

1. Switch off all the concerned devices like modem, router, and computer.
2. With the help of an Ethernet cable, connect both the modem and router. Connect your computer with a LAN port with the assistance of an Ethernet cable.
3. Switch on the modem first, then the router and computer.
4. Open the browser and enter the IP address of the router. The username and password belong to the router.
5. Set up your home network. Give a name for your system and provide a password.
6. In the end, click finish. 
7. Restart your router. In this way, a safe internet connection establishes all over the house or building.

Note: Use Ethernet Cable Cat5e

LAN VS WAN VS WLAN

• LAN stands for local area network. Its name indicates that this network is small. A LAN is a group of networks or devices that connect. In most cases, the connection is within the same building or office. The speed for LAN networks is high and inexpensive. LAN network is affordable for our homes.
• WAN is a wide area network. As the name shows, it covers large distances, maybe throughout the country. This network expands only in geographical locations. A WAN connects several LANs and provides internet services to the public. The speed of such a network is high, but it is unaffordable. Large business companies and service providers are the only users of WAN. The internet is the best example of a worldwide public WAN.
• WLAN is a wireless local area network that creates a wireless access point. This connection is completely wireless. It uses wireless technology to connect your computers and devices to the routers and the internet.

What is WAN Interface?

WAN provides internet service with the help of the WAN interface. So, the main aim of the WAN interface is to provide an internet connection.

There is a firewall gateway to check and confirm the WAN interface. Dynamic IP address interfaces such as DHCP and PPP accept DNS gateway automatically. Firewall always consider them as a WAN interface.

· WAN Interface Card

WAN interface card is a type of network interface controller card. It allows a network device such as a router to connect with a modem and transmit data. It monitors the correct line. This interface card also corrects errors in a network.

How to Solve WAN Port is Unplugged?

If you see an error message like the WAN port is unplugged, you should follow the below steps to solve this error:

Method 01: Correct the physical connection between the modem and router

Sometimes, the network between the modem and router is not right. Make sure your network is entirely correct. Check your WAN port as well as your Ethernet cable. Remove the Ethernet cable and reinstall it to correct the issue.

Method 02: Check the WAN connection type

The following steps are helpful in this regard:

1. Select the correct WAN connection type of the router. You can contact ISP for suggestions.
2. Choose network, then tap on WAN connection type. Select the right-WAN connection and click save.
3. Power cycle modem and router.

Method 03: Power cycle network devices

A power cycle is the best option to re-establish an internet connection. Follow these steps:

1. Switch off your modem and router for 1 to 2 mins.
2. Power ON your router first.
3. Now, switch ON your modem and stay for 2 mins.
4. Wait for another 1 to 2 mins to check the internet access. 

WAN Port Not Detecting Internet Connection

If your WAN port is not detecting an internet connection, make sure the port is working fine. It does not matter which type of ethernet cable you are using.

• Connect one side of the Ethernet cable with a WAN port and another with the modem.
• Ensure the led light for the WAN and LAN port is lit up. If the light is not continuous, the port is not working. 
• If your port is working correctly, contact the service provider to solve this issue. 

Final Words

What is a WAN port? It is one of the necessary concepts in the network. It is a wide area network port that connects the internet with the router and provides service to the devices.

If you are facing any issues with your network, check out the WAN port first, as you have good knowledge of it now. Mr. Peter found a solution to his problem with the help of a technician, but you can do it yourself. 

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