The term LAN port gets its name from the port's use in LANs, such as home networks, school, and office building networks.Ī LAN port is also known as an Ethernet port. A LAN is just a collection of devices connected over a short distance, compared to Wide Area Networks (WANs) and Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), which connect devices located considerable distances from each other. They’re typically located on the back of both computers and network devices and are used solely to establish a wired, as opposed to a wireless, internet connection.
What is a LAN port?Ī LAN port, also known as a network port or network connection, is a socket used to connect computers, servers, video game consoles, and other devices to the internet. You can also try out any of our products free for 45 days. Our standard input/output interface can be customized to fit your specific program or application. Photo: Three LAN ports on the back of a Trenton Systems 1000 Series Rugged Server. The phone jack and LAN port are similar in appearance but different in purpose!Ĭonsumer: Oh! Well, that's good to know! Say, do you mind telling me exactly what a LAN port is and how it works?
Trenton Systems: Hey, no worries! That's actually a LAN port, and you need an Ethernet cable, not a phone cable, to connect to the internet. Consumer: What in the world is going on with this phone jack on the back of my PC? I've been trying to connect the phone cable to it but with no luck.
