### Do I Plug Ethernet into WAN or LAN?
#### Introduction
When it comes to setting up a network connection, it’s important to understand the difference between WAN (Wide Area Network) and LAN (Local Area Network). In this article, we will answer a common question that many people have: Do I plug the Ethernet cable into the WAN or LAN port? Let’s dive in and find out!
#### Understanding WAN and LAN
A WAN is a network that covers a large geographical area and connects different networks together. Examples of WANs include the internet, which connects computers from all around the world, and a company’s wide-area network that connects different branch offices. On the other hand, a LAN is a network that is confined to a smaller area, such as a home or office. It connects devices within that specific area and is primarily used for sharing resources and data between devices.
#### Purpose of WAN and LAN Ports
Now that we have a basic understanding of WANs and LANs, we can discuss the purpose of the WAN and LAN ports on a router or modem. The WAN port is specifically designed to connect to the internet or an external network. It is where you would plug in the Ethernet cable provided by your internet service provider (ISP). The LAN ports, on the other hand, are used to connect devices within your local network. These ports are typically numbered and labeled as LAN1, LAN2, etc.
#### Where to Plug the Ethernet Cable?
To answer the question, \”Do I plug the Ethernet cable into the WAN or LAN port?\” let’s consider a typical scenario. If you are setting up a new internet connection at home, you would plug the Ethernet cable into the WAN port of your router. This allows your router to connect to the internet and share the connection with devices on your local network. The LAN ports, then, are used to connect your devices such as computers, laptops, gaming consoles, or smart TVs to the network.
#### Conclusion
Understanding the difference between WAN and LAN is crucial when setting up a network connection. The WAN port is used to connect to the internet or an external network, while the LAN ports are used to connect devices within your local network. In the context of plugging an Ethernet cable, it should be connected to the WAN port for internet connectivity. By correctly utilizing these ports, you can ensure that your network is properly set up and function efficiently.
