A WLAN port is a wireless router without wired ports, allowing only wireless connections. It performs all routing functions and has a WAN port for Internet connection.
A wireless local access network (WLAN) is a limited wireless local area network. A WLAN port is a device that allows computers to connect to WLAN. In essence, a WLAN port is a type of router. The difference between these devices and a standard router is usually in the wired ports. Most routers have at least two wired ports for standard network connections, while a WLAN port generally has none. The only way to connect to one of these devices is through a wireless connection.
To understand what a WLAN port is and is not, you need to know some networking terms. A local access network (LAN) is the network that exists within a home or business to which all computing devices connect. A wide area network (WAN) is the network outside the LAN, often simply the Internet as a whole. A router allows the user’s computing devices to connect to the network; it is basically the center of the system. Finally, a wireless router contains both ports for physically connecting devices, such as computers and game consoles, and wireless systems, such as laptops and some cell phones.
In most cases, a wireless or wired router will have at least two wired ports, but it can have many more. As computing devices move more towards wireless connections, these ports are used less. Some router companies have started making routers that lack wired ports; they only allow the connection of wireless systems. These devices have several names, one of which is WLAN port.
In general, a WLAN port is exactly the same as a standard router except for wired connections. It will perform all routing functions and provide a basic firewall, just as a user would expect a standard router to do. The biggest difference is in the initial connection. Many standard routers require a wired connection to go through the initial setup processes; since this is not possible in this case, it is not necessary.
There is a little confusion regarding these devices, mainly due to the similarity between WLAN and WAN. All routers, regardless of type, have a WAN port. In many cases, it’s labeled “WAN,” but occasionally it’ll go by a less technical name like “Internet port” or “uplink port.” Regardless of the name, it’s a WAN port. The WAN port connects the router to the larger network, usually through the modem provided by an Internet service provider.
The confusion comes from people confusing the two names. A WLAN port, also known as a wireless router, has a WAN port, a connection to the Internet. A wired router also has a WAN port, wireless or not.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
