In the application of industrial IoT, the WAN and LAN ports of the Cellular 4g Router play a crucial role. They each have different functions and responsibilities, and together build a stable and efficient network connection system. The following is a detailed explanation of the differences between WAN and LAN ports:

1. Functional orientation

• WAN socket: WAN socket, or wide area network interface, is the bridge that connects the Cellular 4g Router with external networks such as the Internet. It is mainly responsible for connecting routers to the Internet or other wide area networks, providing a channel for data transmission. Through the WAN socket, the router can receive and send data packets to the target address on the wide area network, realizing information exchange and sharing.
• LAN socket: LAN socket, also known as LAN interface, is mainly used to connect to the internal network of the router, which is the local area network. It is responsible for connecting routers with various devices such as computers, printers, servers, etc. within the local area network, enabling these devices to communicate and share resources within the local area network.

2. Connected objects

• WAN socket: mainly connected to external networks, such as ADSL Modem, fiber optic Modem, Cable Modem and other broadband access devices, or connected to the Internet wirelessly.
• LAN socket: mainly connected to devices within the local area network, such as computers, printers, switches, etc. These devices are connected to the router through LAN ports to form an internal network, enabling interconnection between devices.

3. Network Hierarchy

• WAN socket: Located in the higher-level part of the network, it is responsible for handling communication between the router and external networks. It involves advanced functions such as routing and data forwarding in the wide area network.
• LAN socket: It is located in the lower level of the network and is mainly responsible for communication within the local area network. It focuses on how devices within a local area network recognize, communicate, and share resources with each other.

4. Technical Features

• WAN socket: usually supports multiple access methods, such as ADSL, fiber, cable, etc. At the same time, it may also support NAT network address translation technology, which converts private IP addresses within the local area network into public IP addresses to enable devices to access the Internet. In addition, WAN sockets may also have firewall functions to protect devices within the local area network from attacks from external networks.
• LAN socket: usually provides multiple ports to support the connection of multiple devices. It supports Ethernet protocol and connects to devices through RJ-45 interface. When devices communicate through LAN ports within a local area network, there is usually no need for complex 

 5. Application Scenarios

In the industrial IoT environment, the WAN socket enables the Cellular 4g Router to connect with external networks such as cloud platforms and remote monitoring centers to achieve remote transmission and monitoring of data. This is especially important for scenarios that require remote monitoring and control of industrial equipment.
The LAN socket enables the Cellular 4g Router to connect with various devices on the production line, such as sensors and actuators, to form a stable internal network. These devices transmit data and communicate through LAN ports to achieve automation and intelligence in the production process.
The WAN and LAN ports of the Cellular 4g Router exhibit notable differences in terms of functional positioning, connection targets, network hierarchy, technical features, and application scenarios. Understanding these differences helps us better configure and use the Cellular 4g Router to meet the needs of industrial IoT applications.