WAN - what is it? Customization Features

The Internet is an indispensable condition for the comfortable existence of absolutely every modern person. Today, in the "online" mode, you can work, make purchases, communicate with friends and watch TV. It is almost impossible to find a person who would not need the Internet. Moreover, more and more people refuse to view stationary TVs in favor of network broadcasts.

For connection to the Internet, routers or network routers are most often used, which allow using all the benefits of Wi-Fi. However, in this regard, users often have questions: "WAN - what is it? How to configure it? What is it for?". Let's consider these points in detail.

WAN: what is it?

This solution is widely used when connecting routers or routers to the Internet. If the equipment is properly configured, the connection will be of high quality and reliable.

The abbreviation stands for Wide Area Network, which translates as "global computing network". A WAN connector is also often called an Ethernet port. He is responsible for connecting to an external computer network.

If you look at the reverse side of the router, it will have from 3 to 10 connectors. Above several of them flaunts the inscription LAN, and only one is signed Internet or WAN. Experienced programmers also call this port UpLink.

However, it is necessary to understand not only the question "WAN - what is it?", But also with what it differs from other connectors. After all, everything looks absolutely identical.

What is the difference between a WAN and a LAN?

As already mentioned above, the ports are very similar in appearance, so they are easily confused. However, if you plug the Internet cable into the LAN connector, then absolutely nothing happens. The matter is that this port is intended for creation of a local network. That is, if in one apartment there are several computers and they need to be combined, then LAN is used. It allows you to access open folders and quickly transfer information from one device to another.

To access directly to the Internet, you need to connect to the global computer network, that is, to the WAN. This is the only way to enjoy all the benefits of online shopping and socializing with friends from anywhere in the world.

Thus, it becomes obvious that these two ports are not interconnected in any way. The Internet is often called the largest WAN-network. That's why very often on the routers is the abbreviation Internet. This helps users not to miss the connector and start using the Internet without any problems.

So, with the question "WAN - what is this?" Figured out, now it's time to consider setting up the connection. If you do not want to delve into all the intricacies of the interface of the router, you can call an Internet provider and ask the consultant to explain the sequence of actions. But in fact, not everything is as complicated as it might seem at first glance.

Connectivity

Consider the WAN settings in more detail. First of all, you need to connect the router to the network. To do this, use the usual network cable that comes with the router. Then you need:

• Connect one end of the cable (usually it's blue) to the router (to the LAN connector), and the other end to the laptop or network card of the PC.
• Turn on the devices and wait until the computer is fully loaded.
• Open the window of any Internet browser and enter the IP address of the router in the address bar. To learn it, just specify the model of the router. Also, the correct address is often indicated on the package with the router. If there is no data anywhere, then you need to look in the manual to the router.
• Press the "Enter" key.
• Wait for the page to load.

After this, you need to perform several more manipulations for connecting the WAN.

Setting in the browser

In order to start using the wireless network, you must perform the following actions:

• Enter the login and password from the router (usually "admin" and "1234").
• Enter the device settings.
• Open the WAN menu. If there is no such inscription, then you need to find Setup.
• Fill all fields. All the necessary data are specified by the provider, sometimes they can be found in the contract itself.
• Specify the type of data transfer L2TP or PPTP.
• Create a password and a name for the router.
• Select the type of encryption (optional).
• Enter the address of the access point.
• Select the "Automatically obtain DNS address" item.

After that you need to save all the changes.

Update settings

If necessary, in the same menu, you can activate the "firewall". To do this, just tick the appropriate box. Then click the "Save" button and wait until the updates are downloaded.

You can then remove the LAN cable. It's better to restart the computer. Now you can connect the Internet cable to the WAN port on the router and find the wireless network on the computer. The next step is to enter the password from the router and start using the Internet.

On some routers there are WAN ports miniport. They are designed for high-speed Internet. Today this service is provided only by certain providers (for example, Rostelecom).