WAN

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a telecommunications network that extends over a large geographical area for the primary purpose of computer networking. WANs are often established with leased telecommunication circuits. Internet is the most prominent example of a WAN, covering the entire globe.

Overview

WANs are used to connect Local Area Networks (LANs) and other types of networks so that users and computers in one location can communicate with users and computers in other locations. Many WANs are built for one particular organization and are private. Others, built by Internet Service Providers (ISPs), provide connections from an organization's LAN to the Internet.

Technology

WANs use a variety of networking technologies to connect different locations. These technologies include:

• Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)
• Frame Relay
• Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
• Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)
• Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Components

The main components of a WAN include:

• Routers: Devices that forward data packets between computer networks.
• Switches: Networking devices that connect devices within a network and use packet switching to forward data to its destination.
• Modems: Devices that modulate and demodulate analog signals to encode and decode digital information for processing.

Applications

WANs are used in various applications, including:

• Enterprise Networking: Connecting branch offices to a central corporate network.
• Telecommunications: Providing long-distance communication services.
• Cloud Computing: Enabling access to cloud services and resources over a wide area.

Advantages

• **Scalability**: WANs can cover large geographical areas, making them suitable for multinational organizations.
• **Reliability**: Redundant connections and failover mechanisms ensure continuous network availability.
• **Flexibility**: WANs can integrate various types of networks and technologies.

Disadvantages

• **Cost**: Establishing and maintaining a WAN can be expensive due to the need for leased lines and specialized equipment.
• **Complexity**: Managing a WAN requires advanced technical expertise and resources.
• **Latency**: Data transmission over long distances can introduce latency, affecting performance.

Related Pages

• Local Area Network (LAN)
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
• Network Topology
• Internet
• Router
• Switch
• Modem

See Also

• Computer Network
• Telecommunications
• Network Protocol
• Network Security