What is a WAN port on a router
A router has a special connection point that is called a WAN port. The entire internet works under a router, and that router contains a connection point. The WAN port is a place where we connect to our internet. A WAN port performs this job as a bridge between the router and the internet.
The ISP provides a modem, and the cable coming out from the modem is attached to the router’s WAN. This port divides the internet into an entire network. If this port is not available, then all the devices will contact each other but will not get access to the internet.
The WAN port is displayed with a different color and label on routers so that the user can easily recognize it. These are usually blue in color.
The WAN port transmits the internet data to the router, and the router transfers this data to other devices. The data is transferred at 1 gigabyte per second. If the WAN port faces any error, then the port network is disconnected. In such a condition the local network keeps on working.
Difference Between WAN and LAN
There are two types of networks in the internet world. These are LAN and WAN, and their purpose is to connect devices.
A LAN network has a limited area, such as homes and offices. It works with the combination of computers, printers, and other devices and shares the internet.
On the other hand, a WAN network is spread on a large scale. It could be a city, a country, or the entire world network. The Internet itself is an example of it.
How the WAN Port Works
First of all, the internet provider’s cable line comes to the modem, and then the modem makes these signals for the router. The partition of the signal is done here.
In the second phase, the modem output cable is put in the WAN.
A router receives a signal through the WAN, and it divides the data into different devices. The process of distribution is done through the LAN port and WiFi.
Check your internet step by step if it is not working.
Types of WAN Ports
Ethernet WAN Port
This is a commonly used port, and it is found in every home or office router. It has an RJ45 connector that is used for connecting the cable or fiber. Ethernet provides a stable and fast connection.
Fiber WAN Port – SFP
This port is found in commercial routers. It is recognized through SFP, and it can be connected through fiber optic. It provides a stable internet connection. The fiber line transfers the signals through rays.
4G/5G WAN
This is found in those routers that use mobile internet. It has a SIM slot or USB port. This port is useful for those areas where wired internet is not available.
Why the WAN Port Is Important
The WAN port is important in modern networks because it connects our local network to the international internet. A WAN port is a bridge that makes it possible by connecting two networks.
It keeps the WAN separate from the LAN network. By this separation, security keeps working. Internet signals don’t directly enter your network but pass through a router and firewall.
The router receives data through the WAN port and controls it as well. The firewall protects from viruses and hacking. It helps us to protect our data and networking.
The WAN port is connected through an IP address, while the LAN inside devices are given a private IP. The router decides the routing between them.
WAN ports organize the data. The system inside the router distributes bandwidth so that a single device cannot control it. In such a way, a continuous balance is maintained.
WAN Port and IP Addresses
The internet connection works with the WAN port and IP address. Both elements make sure to reach safe data at their destination. Our ISP provides a public IP address to our router.
Whenever we open a website, it comes as a public IP address. The public IP is directly given to the router through the WAN port.
A router has a separate system that provides a private IP address through LAN ports and WiFi-connected devices such as computers, mobile phones, and TVs. The addresses are such as 192.168.0.2 or 192.168.0.1.
When You Need Multiple WAN Ports
It is difficult to depend on a single internet connection having modern modern networking. We need many WAN ports and routers in large businesses, factories, and online service providers.
The balance of the Load
Some routers have a dual WAN or multi-WAN feature that provides more than one internet connection. The internet traffic is divided into two lines to save the load on a single connection.
Backup connection
Sometimes, one internet connection switches off due to some kind of maintenance. The failover feature saves us from being completely off-network. The router automatically activates the second WAN line.
Continuity of business
In schools, colleges, offices, and large buildings, connectivity is important, and multi-WAN has importance. This system makes sure there is no hindrance in networking.
