What To Know
- In the world of home networking, understanding the distinction between the Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) ports on your Google WiFi device is crucial.
- The WAN port on your Google WiFi router is used to connect to the wider internet.
- The WAN port enables your Google WiFi router to access the internet and provide internet connectivity to all the devices connected to the LAN ports.
In the world of home networking, understanding the distinction between the Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) ports on your Google WiFi device is crucial. This blog post will delve into the details of the Google WiFi LAN vs WAN port, providing a comprehensive guide to their functions and differences.
LAN Port
Function
The LAN port on your Google WiFi router is used to connect devices within your local network. These devices can include computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, printers, and other network-enabled appliances.
Purpose
The LAN port allows devices to communicate with each other and share resources, such as files, printers, and internet access. It creates a private and secure network within your home or office.
WAN Port
Function
The WAN port on your Google WiFi router is used to connect to the wider internet. It connects to your modem, which in turn connects to your internet service provider (ISP).
Purpose
The WAN port enables your Google WiFi router to access the internet and provide internet connectivity to all the devices connected to the LAN ports. It acts as the gateway between your local network and the outside world.
Key Differences
Direction of Traffic
LAN ports handle traffic within the local network, while WAN ports handle traffic between the local network and the internet.
Number of Ports
Google WiFi routers typically have multiple LAN ports, allowing you to connect multiple devices simultaneously. In contrast, they typically have only one WAN port.
Default IP Address
The LAN ports on Google WiFi routers are usually assigned an IP address in the 192.168.86.x range, while the WAN port is assigned an IP address by your ISP.
Security
The LAN ports are typically considered more secure than the WAN port as they are not directly exposed to the internet. The WAN port, on the other hand, is vulnerable to external attacks.
Configuration
The LAN ports on Google WiFi routers are usually pre-configured and do not require any manual setup. The WAN port, however, may require you to configure settings such as the internet connection type and DNS servers.
When to Use Each Port
LAN Port
Use the LAN ports to connect devices that you want to be part of your local network and share resources. These devices typically include:
- Computers and laptops
- Smartphones and tablets
- Smart TVs and streaming devices
- Printers and scanners
WAN Port
Use the WAN port to connect your Google WiFi router to the internet. This is typically done by connecting to your modem or fiber optic gateway.
Troubleshooting Tips
LAN Port Issues
- Check if the cable connecting the LAN port to the device is secure and not damaged.
- Try restarting the device and the Google WiFi router.
- Verify that the IP address settings on the device are correct and not conflicting with other devices on the network.
WAN Port Issues
- Ensure that the cable connecting the WAN port to the modem or gateway is secure and not damaged.
- Check if the modem or gateway is powered on and functioning properly.
- Contact your ISP to verify that your internet connection is active.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Can I use the LAN ports to connect to the internet?
A: No, the LAN ports are designed for local network connections only. You need to use the WAN port to connect to the internet.
Q: How many devices can I connect to the LAN ports on my Google WiFi router?
A: The number of devices you can connect depends on the specific Google WiFi model. Most models support up to 4 LAN connections.
Q: Why is my WAN port not working?
A: The WAN port may not be working due to issues with the cable, modem, or internet connection. Try troubleshooting the issue by checking the cables, restarting the devices, and contacting your ISP.
