topic Re: WAN connection query? in My Router

WAN connection query?

Surfer — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 11:06:44 GMT

We recently received the Plusnet Hub 2 and done away with our landline. Found out today that the wired connection to the TV does not work and on checking I had it plugged into a WAN connection. On my previous BTB Hub 6 router I had 4 available LAN connections. On the Plusnet Hub 2 it seems that I cannot use all four as one is a WAN connection. I have zero understanding of a WAN or what it is used for.

I need 4 LAN connections, one for TV, one for Freesat box, one for VOIP and the other for the laptop. I can use wireless for the laptop, but found wired to be quicker.

However can someone tell me what the WAN connection on the Hub 2 is used for as we do not have FF to the home as we have a copper connection for the last 500m? Is it possible to continue using my BTB Hub 6 allowing me access to 4 LAN outlets? Thanks.

Re: WAN connection query?

jab1 — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 11:13:08 GMT

The WAN connection is for use on an FTTP (Full Fibre) connection, and is where the cable from the ONT goes. If you need more LAN connections, you will have to purchase a suitable adapter.

How many LAN ports does the BT H6 have?

Re: WAN connection query?

bmc — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 11:13:39 GMT

@Surfer

WAN is Wide Area Network

LAN is Local Area Network - as in your property.

As the Hub2 has only 3 LAN ports the simple solution is to go back to the BT HUB and use that. There's a Thread available to explain how to change the settings to PN.

Brian

Re: WAN connection query?

Ian06 — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 11:24:55 GMT

It looks like you can not use the WAN port for your local network see here- it says do not use!

You could use an ethernet switch something like this to create more wired LAN ports.. Ethernet Switch

Update: You could try the instructions here to use the BT Hub 6 on your Plusnet Connection.

Re: WAN connection query?

Surfer — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 11:29:08 GMT

Thanks all for helping me understand the WAN facility. The BT router had 4 x LAN connections. I must admit that I never noticed the WAN connection on the HUB 2 when I originally plugged in the router or probably assumed it was a LAN connection. Only found out this morning when the TV would not connect to the Internet and then the fun and games started, but eventually worked it out however still had no idea about WAN. I guess I will just use wireless for the laptop. Thanks again for the explanation.

Re: WAN connection query?

bmc — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 12:34:08 GMT

@Surfer

If you still have the BT Hub then there's nothing to stop you using it to give you the 4 LAN ports you need.

Brian

Re: WAN connection query?

Baldrick1 — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 12:56:57 GMT

@Surfer

Get an Ethernet switch, the TP-link LS1005 G will cost you less than a tenner. Use a spare Ethernet cable to connect this to one of the Hub LAN sockets. This will give you a total of six Ethernet outlets. It’s all plug and play, no other settings are required.