What is a WAN port? How to use it ? Everything you need to know.

What is a WAN Port

Mr. Peter is very concerned about Internet connectivity. His internet disconnects due to DNS network outage. When he asked the ISP or technician, he was told that his WAN port was not working.

As Mr. Peter did not know the WAN port, he encountered difficulties. So let's see what WAN port is and how to use it.

What is a WAN port?

WAN is the abbreviation for “wide area network”. A WAN port is a socket responsible for connecting the router with an Internet connection. Using an Ethernet cable, you connect the modem to the router on the WAN port. Without a doubt, to distribute an Internet connection in the building you have a router.

A WAN port is an RJ-45 ethernet port on a router in your home or small office. WAN ports are also known as Internet ports.

In simple terms, it is a socket that connects with an external network. Routers only have one WAN port. (Larger companies have 2 WAN ports to provide two Internet connections). The WAN port represents different colors to differentiate it from the LAN port.

What is a WAN port for?

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

How to use the WAN port of the router?

The WAN port location is on the edge of the router. It receives an Internet connection from a modem using an Ethernet cable. The WAN port is a gateway into your devices. So you need to be more aware.

We recommend using a VPN or throttling your connection. To connect the modem to a router, you will need to follow the following steps:

  • Turn off all affected devices such as modem, router and computer.
  • Using an Ethernet cable, connect the modem and router. Connect your computer with a LAN port using an Ethernet cable.
  • First turn on the modem, then the router and the computer.
  • Open the browser and enter the IP address of the router. The username and password belong to the router.
  • Configure your home network. Give your system a name and provide a password.
  • At the end, click finish.
  • Restart your router. In this way, a secure Internet connection is established throughout the house or building.

    • Note: Use a Cat5e Ethernet cable

    LAN VS WAN VS WLAN

    • LAN stands for local network. Its name indicates that this network is small. A local network is a group of networks or devices that connect to each other. In most cases, the connection is made within the same building or office. The speed of LAN networks is high and inexpensive. LAN network is affordable for our homes.
    • The WAN is a wide area network. As the name suggests, it covers large distances, perhaps across the entire country. This network only spans geographic locations. A WAN connects multiple LANs and provides Internet services to the public. The speed of such a network is high, but it is unaffordable. Large enterprises and service providers are the only users of the WAN. The Internet is the best example of a global 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 routers and the Internet.

    What is WAN interface?

    WAN provides internet service using the WAN interface. The main purpose of the WAN interface is therefore 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 automatically accept the DNS gateway. The firewall still considers them 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 to a modem and transmit data. It monitors the correct line. This interface card also corrects errors in a network.

    How to fix WAN port unplugged issue?

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

    Method 01: Fix the physical connection between modem and router

    Sometimes the network between the modem and router is not correct. Make sure your network is completely fine. Check your WAN port as well as the Ethernet cable. Remove the Ethernet cable and reinstall it to correct the problem.

    Method 02: Check WAN connection type

    The following steps are helpful in this regard:

  • Select the correct WAN connection type of the router. You can contact the ISP for suggestions.
  • Choose the network, then tap the WAN connection type. Select the right WAN connection and click Save.
  • Power on the modem and router.

    • Method 03: Powering on network devices

    A power cycle is the best option for reestablishing an Internet connection. Follow the following steps:

  • Turn off your modem and router for 1-2 minutes.
  • First turn on your router.
  • Now turn on your modem and stay there for 2 minutes.
  • Wait another 1-2 minutes to check Internet access.

    • WAN port does not detect internet connection

    If your WAN port does not detect an Internet connection, make sure the port is working properly. It doesn't matter what type of Ethernet cable you use.

    • Connect one side of the Ethernet cable with a WAN port and another with the modem.
    • Verify that the WAN and LAN port indicator light is on. If the light is not continuous, the port is not working.
    • If your port is working properly, contact the service provider to resolve this issue.

    Last word

    What is a WAN port? This is one of the necessary concepts in networking. It is a wide area network port that connects the Internet to the router and provides services to devices. If you are having problems with your network, check the WAN port first, as you now have a good understanding of it. Mr. Peter found a solution to his problem with the help of a technician, but you can do it yourself.