LAN port

Updated: 12/26/2023 by Computer Hope
LAN port / Ethernet port

Alternatively called an Ethernet port, network connection, network port, and local area network port, the LAN port allows a computer to access a network using a wired connection. The picture shows a LAN port on a computer and is a RJ-45 connector. The two LEDs (light-emitting diode) that blink when the port is active.

Tip

See our port definition for a listing of ports, like port 80 for HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol).

What connects to the LAN port?

A LAN (local area network) port is connected to other computers, switches, and routers using an Ethernet cable.

USB to Ethernet LAN port adapter

My computer does not have a LAN port

Although many desktop computers still include a LAN port most laptops and some desktops are starting to no longer include this port. If your computer does not have this port, it should have Wi-Fi, which would allow your computer to connect wirelessly to a network.

If you'd like to add a LAN port a network card can be installed in a desktop computer. For a laptop computer, it's no longer an option to install a network card. However, there are USB (universal serial bus) to Ethernet adapters that connects an Ethernet cable. The picture shows a USB to Ethernet adapter from UGREEN that support 10, 100, and 1000 speeds using USB 3.0

Ethernet, LAN, Network terms, RJ-45