What is a LAN port on a router?
A LAN (Local Area Network) port is a wired connection on the router for devices in your home or office. Plug an Ethernet cable from a computer, game console, smart TV, network printer or similar device into a LAN port and that device joins your local network, and through the router, the internet.
LAN ports are also called Ethernet ports. The terms refer to the same kind of socket. Most consumer routers have four, though some have fewer or more.
What does a LAN port look like?
It is a small rectangular socket, slightly wider than a phone jack, with a plastic clip that holds the cable in place. The connector is called RJ-45. A phone jack (RJ-11) looks similar but is narrower, and a phone cable will not fit properly in an Ethernet port.
On a router the LAN ports are normally in a row on the back. They are often numbered 1 to 4 and may share a color, such as yellow or black. A separate port, often a different color and labelled “Internet” or “WAN”, is the one for your modem. See the WAN port on a router for how to tell them apart.
What are LAN ports used for?
- Connecting a desktop PC, console or streaming box where a wired link is more stable than Wi-Fi
- Linking a network printer or network storage drive
- Connecting a second access point, mesh node or switch
- Giving devices a connection that does not compete for Wi-Fi airtime
Devices on LAN ports can generally see each other, which is how things like printer sharing work. The router also hands out local addresses (often starting with 192.168) to them, and its built-in firewall sits between your local network and the internet.
LAN port vs WAN port
| LAN port | WAN / Internet port | |
|---|---|---|
| Connects to | Your own devices | Modem, ONT or ISP gateway |
| Usual count | Several (commonly four) | One |
| Label | LAN or numbers | WAN or Internet |
Plugging a device into the WAN port, or your modem into a LAN port, usually means the connection will not work as intended. If something is not working, check the labels first.
What speed do LAN ports support?
It depends on the router. Many current routers have Gigabit Ethernet ports (up to 1 Gbps), older ones may have Fast Ethernet ports (100 Mbps), and some newer models include faster 2.5 Gbps ports. Check the specifications or the port label. The cable matters too: Cat5e or Cat6 handles Gigabit speeds. Your internet plan’s speed and the device’s own network adapter also limit what you will see.
How to add more LAN ports
If every port is in use, you have a few options.
Use an unmanaged network switch
A switch is the simplest fix. Plug one cable from a router LAN port into the switch, then plug your devices into the switch. Switches commonly come with 5 or 8 ports and need no setup. Choose one that matches your router’s port speed so it does not become a bottleneck. The devices share the single uplink to the router, which is rarely a problem in a home.
Add a second router or access point
You can connect another router or access point by cable and use it to provide extra ports and Wi-Fi. This usually needs some configuration, such as putting the second device into access point or bridge mode, so check its manual. Before you add a second router, it helps to know whether multiple routers affect internet speed. Our article on connecting two Ethernet cables to one router goes into the options.
Replace the router
If you need more built-in ports along with newer Wi-Fi, a router with more LAN ports may be worth it, but a switch is usually cheaper.
What not to do
Avoid splitters that turn one Ethernet cable into two for simultaneous use. A passive splitter generally does not give two independent full connections. A switch is the correct tool.
Troubleshooting a LAN port
If a port seems dead, try a different cable, a different port and a different device. The port’s light should come on when a working device is connected. If none do, see Netgear router not recognizing an Ethernet cable, which applies to most brands. If you want a wired device far from the router, read router too far for Ethernet.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum speed of Ethernet? It depends on the port and cable. Common home ports run at 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps or 2.5 Gbps, with faster standards existing mostly on newer or business hardware.
How many ports does a router have? Four LAN ports plus one WAN port is common, but it varies by model.
Can I use a LAN port as a WAN port? On some routers a port can be reassigned in the settings, but this is not universal. Check your model’s documentation.