And installing it, each of us dealt with LAN and WAN connectors. They are designed for different purposes, but are used together, which often causes confusion. Let's see what they are, what is the difference between them.
Through the WAN socket, connect the Internet cable, through the LAN - local devices
What is LAN
This type of connection will allow you to combine a certain number of computers located at a short distance from each other into a local environment.
When buying a router, you may notice four identical sockets of the same type on the back of it. All of them are designed to connect multiple PCs in one access point.
A LAN port is needed if you want to create a group to connect all the equipment inside the house to the Internet. Thus, it is possible to create a network that will cover an area of a couple of kilometers, for which they buy a cable with a high bandwidth.
What is WAN
With this type of connection, an external network is created, which is a large number of groups, users, regardless of their location. The main difference is that the previous format is intended for internal connection of several PCs, and this type of connection is external.
There are many global networks, but the most famous and commonly used is the World Wide Web. It is she who is preferred by most customers at different distances, since she is not territorially limited, created through telephone wires and more modern technologies.
You probably saw a WAN-type connector when buying and installing a router - a cable from the provider is connected to it. The joint work of both ports is that one of them transmits a signal, which is then distributed to devices connected to the router.
Technical points
The main differences between these formats:
- The first type helps to create an internal network, WAN is used to globally connect users.
- The local group has a limit on the number of clients, as well as the territory, the global one does not.
- The ports have different data transfer protocols - Ethernet and 802.11 for local and PPP, HDLC, Frame Relay for external.
Today we will talk about what the WAN port of a router is, how to configure it, and how it differs from LAN. This solution is used for and routers to the Internet. The correct configuration of this channel ensures stable operation of network equipment.
Procedure
First of all, let's discuss how to configure the WAN port. So, we connect the router to the network. Using (usually it is included with the above equipment) we connect the LAN port of the router and a computer or laptop. Turn on both devices. We are waiting for the completion of the download of the personal computer. Open an Internet browser. Enter the IP address of the router. This value can be specified in the user manual of the device. Press the Enter key. We are waiting for the loading of the equipment web interface to complete.
Work in the browser
Next, to configure the WAN port, enter the login and password. This action will open access to the ability to configure the router settings. Open the WAN menu. In some cases, it may be called Internet, or Setup. We fill in the proposed table. Select the type of protocol for data transfer, for example, PPTP or L2TP. Specify the type of encryption if this function is supported by the selected provider. Enter the access point, or the IP of the Internet server. Fill in the "Login" field, as well as the "Password". The data is provided by the provider. Check the box next to the item about automatically obtaining the address of the DNS server. If you need to enter a static IP address for the router, fill in the Static IP column.
Save settings
We activate the Firewall, NAT and DHCP functions. To do this, check the boxes next to the relevant items. Some options may not apply if you do not plan to connect more than one personal computer to the equipment. To fully configure the WAN port, you must click the "Save" button. We reboot the router. For this purpose, you can use the menu functions, or turn off the device for a couple of seconds and start it again. We connect the provider's cable to the WAN. Checking the functionality of the router. To do this, launch the browser and open several pages in it.
Difference
We figured out the setup, now let's look at how WAN differs from LAN. An ordinary router has only one port of the first type and several of the second. Outwardly, they are all the same, but to ensure the correct operation of the equipment, confusion is unacceptable. WAN - a concept that implies a global one that covers and integrates a huge number of computer systems around the world. LAN is a local phenomenon involving a small number of PCs in a small area. The difference between these concepts lies in the purpose of the network. WAN is an external association that connects local groups, as well as individual computers. Network participants are able to interact with each other, taking into account the data transfer rate.
The Internet is the most famous, but not the only WAN network at present. That is why on routers there is a port with the corresponding abbreviation. It is designed to connect with an Internet cable. LAN is used to connect to a local area network. Such coverage can extend for a maximum of several kilometers. A WAN network is not limited in territory, and even telephone lines can be used to organize it. The LAN connection uses a direct topology. The WAN network is based on a mixed hierarchical one. In addition, the described channels differ in the data transfer protocols used. The number of clients on a LAN connection is limited. Now you know what a WAN port is and how to configure it.
Each router has LAN ports for connecting a computer, printer and other devices to it, in particular switches, that is, to create a local network. The WAN port is usually one, it is marked or highlighted in a different color. An Internet cable from the provider is connected to it.
What is a LAN port in a router
The term LAN, as such, is an abbreviation for Local Area Network, which translates as "Local Area Network" (LAN). This is a broad name that combines a group of computers and peripherals connected into one common network through switches, cables and wireless connections.
LAN port - this connector is used for organizing a local network, all equipment is connected through it using network cables:
- Computers
- Printers
- SIP phones
- other technique
It is also called an Ethernet port. Do not confuse a hardware LAN port with network ports such as HTTP port 80.
This connection is used to organize a network in an apartment, office, country house, that is, when the connected computers are located at a close distance.
Now let's figure out how to set up a LAN on a router. First, you need to assign an IP address to the router, where you can connect to it from other computers.
The router will not always respond to a connection check using the “ping” command, some routers do not support this option, and some it is customizable.
As well as setting DHCP: enable - disable the server and the range of distributed IP addresses.
To avoid possible confusion when using DHCP, it is advisable to manually reserve IP addresses on the router that it will distribute for all equipment on the network. To simplify this, you can look at the table of clients, and rewrite from it the MAC addresses of the connected equipment and the IP addresses assigned to each, so reserve them.
If the number of LAN ports is not enough to connect all the equipment, then you can use the switch, having previously configured it: by setting the IP address, network mask, as the default gateway, select the IP address of the main router with Internet access.
When using a switch, do not forget to disable the distribution of IP addresses via DHCP on it.
Of course, the local network also includes the wireless connection of devices with various mobile devices, but this already applies more to Wi-Fi settings.
What does WAN mean on a router
The term WAN is an abbreviation for Wide Area Network and translates as "Global Computing Network" (WAN), is a geographically distributed network that combines several local networks. Thanks to this, it is possible to connect from one local network to the resources of others, if, of course, access is granted to them.
The WAN port is used to connect the router to an external network, in particular to connect to the provider's network in order to access the Internet. Usually it is highlighted in a different color and marked with the inscription "WAN" or "INTERNET".
That is, this connection is used to connect remote computers located in different buildings, cities, countries.
Some models have two WAN ports, or even their number is configurable. Their presence is not very important for the average user, but, for reference, they are used for backup Internet access through another provider or for load balancing.
Indication
Each of the WAN and LAN ports has two LEDs that can show if there is a link (link) - whether the response device is connected, the connection speed, usually:
- Green - 1 Gbps
- Yellow - 100 Mbps
- Off - 10 Mbps
During communication, the indicators may flash.
Some devices may not have the yellow LED at all. It can be arranged so that one indicator lights green only in the case of a 1 Gbps connection, and the indicator on the right lights up when a data packet is transmitted.
In addition to indicators on the connector, indicators are often made on the case, for WAN it is usually depicted as a planet, for LAN it is depicted as a computer. If all is well, it lights up or flashes green.
Often there are questions about what constitutes a twisted pair. It is a type of cable that uses insulated conductors twisted in pairs. This type of cable is actively used in the telecommunications industry. It can be called an integral element of structured cabling systems.
Obviously, the cable is so called based on the use of twisted conductors there. In technical terms, this provides certain advantages. The conductors are twisted in order to be able to reduce the degree of influence from electromagnetic interference. Indeed, sometimes extraneous sources influence the veins. Cables that belong to category 5e have cores that are twisted at different pitches. Thanks to this approach, it is possible to reduce interference from twisted pairs between each other.
To protect against a variety of interference, cable shielding can also be used. There are two key types of cables based on this technology. They are shielded and unshielded. It is necessary to understand what a specific cable marking means in order to be able to understand what degree of shielding it has.
Cable marking and its features
When choosing a cable, you will definitely have to face special marking. Each part is responsible for
some design features. For example, one part may indicate that the cable is shielded. For example, there is a product like “ cat. 5e CCA". Each character in the name stands for something. You need to understand what it is in order to competently understand this issue. Can be used during labeling various designations, among which:
- TP - twisted pair by type of twist;
- U - lack of a special protective screen;
- F - use of foil in the form of a screen;
- S - use of wire braid in the form of a screen.
According to modern standards, certain combinations of symbols are used for marking. They are written in a specific order, such as XX/YZZ. In this case, “XX” means a common cable shield, and the symbol “Y” means a shield for any pair. “ZZ” is a wire twist type marker.
Cable marking twisted pair
However, in practice, various situations with confusion can arise. This is due to the fact that manufacturers often
mark the cable with only three letters. You need to know the features of such marking in order to be able to correctly understand it. The manufacturer's label indicates the following:
UTP is no shielding, STP is all pairs with foil shielding, FTP is overall shielding, STP is using wire braid shielding,
S-FTP - foil or braid as a shield, FFTP - shielding of each individual pair and the entire product as a whole, SSTP - foil shielding of each pair plus additional placement of each pair in a special wire braid shield.
At the moment, the most common cables are UTP type, in which there is no shielding. Also, FTP-type products are often used when a common foil screen is used for all pairs.
Twisted pair categories (LAN cable)
To date, it is customary to distinguish seven key categories of this type of cable. Each of them has its own specific features. The key difference is the bandwidth of the cable. It plays the role of a determining factor for ensuring the speed of data transmission. It also determines the likelihood of using special network technologies.
Transfer rate happens different. This way you can always choose the best option for your network.
- The speed of the first category is up to 56 Kbps;
- The second category - up to 4 Mbps;
- Third - up to 10 Mbps;
- Fourth - up to 16 Mbps;
- Fifth - up to 100 Mbps when using two pairs;
- Sixth - up to 1 Gb / s when using four pairs;
- Seventh - up to 10 Gb / s when using four pairs.
Conductor material and cross section
Typically, copper or a combination of steel, aluminum and copper is used for this purpose. Omednenka can often be used in products
fifth category. The most common version of twisted pair UTP CCA. The UTP CCA cable has a copper (Cu) coated aluminum core. CCA cables do pass category 5 through the skin effect. In products of category six or seven, it is customary to use only a copper conductor.
When choosing a product, you need to pay attention to the material used. A lot depends on this. Copper is an optimal conductor, which leaves its mark on the cost. But it is better not to save in such a situation. If there are issues with the cable, reworking it can incur significant costs. Therefore, it is better to immediately choose a reliable cable. The best choice would be to purchase a quality cable from a trusted manufacturer, because savings can lead to problems. You can buy Skynet twisted pair cable from AVS Electronics specialists.
If you look at a regular router, then on the back panel we will see several ports with a LAN signature and one with a WAN signature. Outwardly, all these ports are identical, but for the functioning of the router, confusion between them is unacceptable.
Definition
WAN- Wide Area Network - a global computer network covering and connecting many computer systems around the world.
LAN- Local Area Network - a local area network that unites a limited number of computers in a relatively small area.
Comparison
The difference between WAN and LAN lies in the purpose of the networks. WAN is an external network that connects groups of local networks and individual computers, regardless of their location. Network participants can interact with each other, taking into account the limitations of connection technologies (mainly on data transfer speed). The global Internet is the most famous, but not the only WAN network today. LAN - local area network, internal, uniting individual computers, network segments and groups of networks located in close proximity to each other. Interaction with each other is provided by both wired and wireless technologies.
Thus, on routers, the WAN port is for connecting a cable with an Internet connection, and the LAN ports are for connecting your local devices.
LAN networks can cover up to several kilometers of territory, and communication between network sections is provided by high-quality cables with high bandwidth (most often twisted pairs). WAN networks do not limit the territory, but when organizing them, they also use telephone lines that do not differ in quality and data transfer speed. In addition, WANs can be based on more modern communication networks. When organizing a LAN, a direct topology is used; when organizing a WAN, a mixed hierarchical topology is used.
At the link layer, the OSI models of LAN and WAN networks use different data transfer protocols: for LANs, these are Ethernet and 802.11 (as a rule), for WANs, PPP, HDLC, Frame Relay. In LAN networks, the communication channel is used by one client; in WAN networks, the communication channel is shared between network clients.
Difference between WAN and LAN
- WAN - external network, global, LAN - internal network, local.
- WAN is not limited to territory, LAN cannot be very long.
- In routers, the WAN port is intended for an Internet connection, the LAN port is for the user's local devices.
- The number of LAN clients is limited.
- The LAN bandwidth is usually higher, and high-quality cables are used to organize it.
- LAN uses Ethernet and 802.11 protocols, WAN - PPP and others.
- In a LAN, a communication channel is used by one client, in a WAN, by several.
