A wireless local area access network (WLAN) is a limited wireless local area network. A WLAN port is a device that allows computers to connect to the 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 usually has none. The only way to connect to one of these devices is through a wireless connection.
A wireless router.
To understand what a WLAN port is and is not, it is necessary to know some networking terms. A local access network (LAN) is the existing network in a home or business to which all computing devices connect. A wide area network (WAN) is the network outside of the LAN, usually 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. Lastly, a wireless router contains 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 wired or wireless 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 without 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 the 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 perform the initial setup processes; since this is not possible in this case, it is not necessary.
There is some 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 is labeled ‘WAN’, but occasionally it will be given a less technical name such as ‘Internet port’ or ‘uplink port’. Regardless of the name, it is a WAN port. The WAN port connects the router to the larger network, usually through the modem provided by an ISP.
The confusion comes from people mixing 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, whether it’s wireless or not.
