Xblue Networks X-25 - Manual (Page 14)

LAN vs WAN
The
X -25 comes with one Local Area Network (LAN) and one Wide Area Network (WAN) port allowing it be
installed as either a client or a server. The LAN port is only used when communicating to devices within the
same local area, whereas the WAN can be used to communicate to local devices as well as devices over the
Internet.
LAN
In reality a “Network” is nothing more than a network of wires, or Wireless Protocol, which is used to join two
or more computing devices. However, it has become common place to refer to the Local Area Networks (LAN)
as “The Network”, which includes computers, computer devices and peripheral equipment such as network
printers within a small geographical area such a single offi ce. The Local Area Network is also referred to as
“The Intranet” meaning the Internal Network. This manual uses these terms interchangeably.
WAN
A Wide Area Network (WAN) is not limited by a geographical area and generally involves a connection to the
Internet, also known as “The Web” or “The Cloud”. A connection to the Internet is done through your Internet
Service Provider (ISP). When connecting the WAN port to the Internet you may use either a Static or Dynamic
IP Address.
To make the WAN port “easy to fi nd” either on your Intranet (LAN) or over the Internet (Cloud), you may use
a static IP Address. If Connecting the WAN port to your Intranet, you will simply assign an Internal “Class C”
IP Address such as 192.168.1.x. If you are connecting the WAN port to the Internet, and want to use a static
Class A or B” IP address you will have to order the static IP Address from your Internet Service Provider.
These addresses are usually referred to as “usable” or “route-able” addresses.
What does that say?
The WAN port can be programmed to connect to your existing Local
Area Network (LAN), allowing it to “function” as both a WAN and a LAN
port.
Using the WAN port will allow the network administrator to use Network
Address Translation (NAT), which allows you to redirect an external,
Class A or B IP Address, to an Internal location. This is often used with
gammers or to access an internal server from a remote location.
The LAN port cannot communicate through the ISP either directly or
indirectly using NAT. This is why it is suggested that you only use the
WAN port when connecting to your existing network.
14