WAN

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a large network that connects devices across wide geographic areas, such as cities, countries, or even globally. Unlike LANs, which are confined to a limited space, WANs span multiple locations, allowing for communication and data exchange over long distances. WANs typically rely on external infrastructure, such as leased telephone lines, fiber-optic cables, or satellite links, and are often used by organizations to connect branch offices or remote sites.

Key Features of WANs:

  1. Wide Coverage: WANs cover extensive areas, making them suitable for linking offices in different cities or countries.
  2. Lower Speeds Compared to LANs: Due to long distances and reliance on external networks, WANs often have lower speeds than LANs.
  3. Infrastructure Dependence: WANs use external providers (like ISPs) for connections, which can add to costs and complexity.
  4. Centralized Management: Organizations can centralize resources and data across multiple locations, allowing employees to access and share information remotely.

Common Components of a WAN:

  • Routers: Direct data between local and remote sites.
  • Modems: Enable communication over external networks.
  • VPNs: Securely connect users to the WAN over the internet.

Benefits of WANs: WANs enable businesses to connect offices, facilitate remote work, and centralize data and applications. They support global operations, enabling seamless communication between distant locations.

In summary, WANs are large-scale networks that connect multiple locations across vast distances, essential for businesses and organizations with geographically dispersed offices.