In the world of wireless connectivity, it is very important for users to know router Ethernet ports. If you are technical guy, you should know all the information about Ethernet router ports. Basically, what are the purpose of Ethernet ports on a router?.
Actually, There are four Ethernet ports available for every router, which are used for connecting end devices directly to the router with Ethernet router cable instead of wireless (wifi) connectivity.There is also a WAN port (network interface) on a router that connects to the outside network, most commonly Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Contents
- 1 What Are Ethernet Ports?
- 2 Types Of Ethernet Ports
- 3 The Major Difference between Lan Ports And Wan Ports
- 4 Function
- 5 Key Difference Between Fast Ethernet Ports And Gigabit Ethernet Ports
- 6 Comparison of Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet Ports
- 7 Why do we use Ethernet ports?
- 8 Setting up an Ethernet connection
- 9 Advanced Uses of Ethernet Ports
- 10 Conclusion
- 11 FAQS
Here we will discuss LAN and WAN ports in detail.
What Are Ethernet Ports?
Ethernet ports is also known as local area network (LAN) ports or physical interfaces and are found mostly in networking devices such as Routers, switches, etc. The purpose of these ports is to allow devices to create and connect networks using Ethernet cables (Cat6 or something else). Which provides a wired connection instead of wireless connectivity.
Types Of Ethernet Ports
We have two main ports of Ethernet, which are already described briefly below. (Wan and Lan Port).
WAN Port
A WAN port is a (wide area network) interface on a router which connects the external network typically your internet service provider (ISP). This port is usually labeled as ‘WAN’ OR ‘Internet’ Port, and is important for bringing Internet access to your local network.
Something like this.
The Aims Of Wan Port
The WAN port is a physical interface that connects a router to your internet service provider (ISP). Its considered the gateway through which all incoming and outgoing internet flows.
Connectivity
Generally, the WAN port connects to a modem through Ethernet cable. The modem is then connected to the ISP’s infrastructure, which provides Internet access to your home or business network.
IP Address
The device that is connected to the WAN port, usually gets a public Ip address that is assigned by the ISP. This public IP represents how your home or business network is identified on the Internet.
Traffic management
A router uses a WAN port to control and route Internet traffic to and from your local network and to guarantee that devices on your network can access online resources. happens.
Lan Port
The router’s physical interfaces that connect to devices on your local network are also known as LAN ports. Common labels for these ports are 1, 2, 3, 4, or just “Lan.”. These ports ensure that customers allow a variety of devices to connect to the router and communicate within the local network, including PCs, game consoles, smart TVs, and printers.
something like this.
Purpose Of Lan Ports
LAN ports are a physical interface found on the back of any router, The aim of LAN ports is to connect only to devices within the local network.
Connection
Every router or switch is connected to the LAN port through cable. Each LAN port provides high-speed connectivity to the router and the rest of the local network.
IP Address
IP addresses that are used in local area networks (LANs) are private ip because we setup a router that we use as a DHCP server and assign a private address within the network.
Traffic management
A router ensures that data packets are delivered to the correct devices by controlling the flow of data within the local network. Through the WAN port, it also manages traffic between the local network and the Internet.
The Major Difference between Lan Ports And Wan Ports
Function
the wan port of a router mostly connects to the internet side (ISP), while lan ports are connected end devices within the network.
IP Addressing
Where LAN ports use a private IP address provided by the router, WAN ports use a public IP address provided by the ISP.
Traffic Direction
The flow of traffic between the local network and the Internet is controlled by the port. Lan ports handle internal network traffic.
Connection Type
The WAN port usually connects to a modem, whereas the LAN port connects directly to network devices.
Labeling The Ports
Wan ports are mostly labeled differently by easy identification; you are found in most of the routers in blue or Yellow by the name WAN or Internet. While LAN ports are typically grouped together and numbered,.
Key Difference Between Fast Ethernet Ports And Gigabit Ethernet Ports
Fast Etherent Ports
High-speed Ethernet ports typically use Layer 2 LAN networks Each router’s Ethernet port provides speeds of up to 100 Mbps
Speed
The Fast Ethernet port includes a speed of 100 Mbps.
Cabling
Cat 5 cable is used for most LAN networks and operates over 100 meters.
Connector type
uses (RJ-45) connectors, which is best for Ethernet cabling.
Duplex Modes
Both duplex modes—full-duplex mode data transmission in both directions simultaneously and half-duplex mode data transmission in one direction at a time—are supported by Fast Ethernet ports.
Usage
Generally found on older devices such as switches, routers, and network interface cards.
Benefits
Cost-effective enough for entry-level networking needs and low-bandwidth-requiring applications.
Gigabit Ethernet Ports
Gigabit Ethernet ports are also network interfaces that support gigabit Ethernet (1 gbps) connectivity, offering significantly higher speeds compared to fast Ethernet.
Speed
Operates at speeds of one gigabit per second, ten times faster than fast Ethernet ports.
Cabling
Usually require Cat5e or Cat6 cabling for copper connections to provide the 1 Gbps speed over distances up to 100 meters.
Connector type
For copper cabling, use an RJ-45 connection. For fiber optic cabling, use optical connectors.
Duplex Modes
Allows simultaneous data flow in both directions in full duplex mode.
Usage
Commonly seen on more primitive hardware, including network interface cards, switches and routers. It is specially designed for wide area networks, which provide high speed.
Advantages
Better performance and network stability are provided by this wan-port advantage.
Comparison of Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet Ports
Feature Fast Ethernet port Gigabit Ethernet port
Speed 100 Mbps 1 Gbps
Connector type RJ-45 RJ-45 or optical connector
Cabling Cat 5 Cat 5e, Cat 6, or fiber optic
Duplex Modes Half Duplex Full Duplex
Common uses Older network devices Modern network devices
Applications Basic networking tasks High bandwidth applications
Future Proofing Limited High
The cost Lower slightly higher
These basic characteristics of Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet ports can help you decide what type of port and networking technology best meets your needs, taking into account things like scalability, budget, and speed needs in the future. Achieves the best. Striking a balance.
Why do we use Ethernet ports?
Given that most users in today’s digital world can access the Internet via Wi-Fi, Ethernet ports are not necessary in an age where Internet connectivity is essential for all users.
Here, we will discuss some cases where an Ethernet connection can be important.
Speed and stability
Because Ethernet ports offer end-to-end connectivity, especially for high-bandwidth activities, they are always faster than Wi-Fi wireless.
Security
These ports provides special security for the network performance, they can be more secure than wireless. This reduces the possibility of unwanted access from adjacent devices.
Reliability
Ethernet connections are more reliable because they are less susceptible to interference from walls, other electronic devices, and distance.
Setting up an Ethernet connection
Connecting to the WAN port
A WAN port is specifically designed to connect to the Internet (ISP) in each router, as it is considered a wide area network. This port connects the router to the outside of the network.
Connecting devices to LAN ports
LAN ports in a router or a switch connect multiple devices to the entire local network.
Configuration
configuration of each router depends on the company’s model, but most routers can be configured via a PC that connects to an Ethernet cable. This may include configuring IP addresses, DHCP settings, and network security.
Advanced Uses of Ethernet Ports
Network expansion
Switches can be used to expand the number of Ethernet ports on your router. This is helpful in settings where there are many wired devices.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Mostly poe used for power network devices.
Link Aggregation
The main purpose of link aggregation is to aggregate several ports, thereby increasing network redundancy and reliability.
Conclusion
Each router has a number of Ethernet ports on the back to connect multiple devices.One of these is labeled WAN or Internet port, which is used for the external network, and the other ports are used to connect most devices throughout the local network.
FAQS
What are the Ethernet ports in routers used for?
Local area networks and devices connected to the Internet are often connected using Ethernet cables. They connect to the Ethernet ports of various devices.
Do I need an Ethernet port for my router?
Yes, your router needs an Ethernet port. Actually, to connect your laptop or computer to your network through a wired connection, you need an Ethernet cable.
Is Ethernet faster than Wi-Fi?
There is no doubt that Ethernet is better than Wi-Fi wireless. Ethernet offers security and reliability for network operations. When it comes to connectivity, users always choose Ethernet.
Thanks for sharing valuable information.