My Modem has a slot that says "LAN/WAN", suggesting that it works for both. However, it already has a plug in the DSL slot. Thus, I assumed that the DSL slot actually functioned as the WAN.
Does that mean the DSL plug could also go into the LAN/WAN slot and still function properly?
Does it mean that I can actually have 2 WANs at the same time (the DSL connection going to CenturyLink, and the LAN/WAN slot going to another ISP)?
2 Answers
That’s not just a DSL modem. It’s a combination box that includes a home gateway router, VOIP terminal, LAN-side 4-5 port Ethernet switch, and DSL modem. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s also a Wi-Fi AP.
My guess, without knowing the brand and model number so I can RTFM online, is that the port in question acts as an Ethernet LAN port when the box is configured to use DSL for WAN, but it can switch it to being an Ethernet WAN port for when you already have some other modem to use it with.
That way if you upgrade from DSL to, say, fiber, you can just drop a fiber modem (ONT) in front of it and connect it to the Ethernet WAN port.
2I have the same thing and have the data sheet from my Zyxel C3000z and it says:
Gigabit Ethernet WAN / LAN Port C3000Z includes a dedicated Gigabit Ethernet WAN Port. When CPE is operating in DSL mode, this port will work as a 5th Gigabit LAN Port.
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