Final answer:
The WAN interface in routers connects them to broader networks or the internet, while the LAN interface handles communication within a localized network. Understanding these interfaces is critical for network setup and troubleshooting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Routers serve as critical devices in networking setups, interfacing different network segments. Two primary interfaces found in routers are the Wide Area Network (WAN) and the Local Area Network (LAN) interfaces. A WAN interface connects the router to the broader internet or to a distant network, typically delivered through service providers.
Conversely, the LAN interface is responsible for managing the communication within a localized network such as a home, office, or campus. This involves connections to switches or directly to end devices, like computers, printers, and smartphones. LAN interfaces typically offer Ethernet connectivity, and increasingly, advanced routers also offer wireless LAN capabilities.