A wide area network (WAN) is a computer network that extends over a large geographic area, often connecting multiple locations across town or even across countries. WANs connect smaller networks, such as local area networks (LANs), to form an internetwork. The largest WAN in existence today is the Internet.
WANs can connect devices in a home or small office together, but the term is most often used to refer to much larger networks. The wide area network can cover an entire country or even span multiple continents. They may use various technologies, including leased lines, dial-up connections, and dedicated high-speed lines such as T1s, T3s, and fiber optic cables.
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Difference Between Wide Area Network (Wan) And a Local Area Network (Lan)
The main difference between a WAN and a LAN is the geographic area that they cover. A LAN is usually limited to a single building or site, whereas a WAN can span multiple locations. WANs are often used to connect smaller networks, such as on the internetwork. The Internet is the largest WAN in existence, connecting millions of computers and other devices around the world.
On the other hand, LANs are typically used to connect computers and devices within a single building or site. For example, a home network or a small office network would be classed as a LAN. There are several other differences between WANs and LANs, which include:
- WANs tend to be slower than LANs due to the greater distance data travels.
- WANs typically use point-to-point connections, whereas LANs can use point-to-point or broadcast connections.
- WANs tend to be more expensive to set up and maintain than LANs.
Despite the differences between WANs and LANs, they both play an important role in modern networking. Without WANs, we would not be able to connect different networks together, and without LANs, we would not be able to share resources within a single location efficiently.
Advantages of Wide Area Network
A wide area network, or WAN, is a type of computer network that extends over long distances. WANs connect LANs and other types of networks together so that users can communicate with each other and share resources. There are many advantages of using a WAN:
- Increased Productivity: WANs allow users to share files, data, and other resources, leading to increased productivity.
- Cost Savings: WANs can save organizations money by reducing the need for expensive dedicated lines or leased lines.
- Increased Security: WANs can provide increased security by allowing organizations to control access to their networks.
- Flexibility: WANs can be easily expanded and reconfigured as needed.
- Reliability: WANs are typically more reliable than other types of computer networks.
- Scalability: WANs can be easily scaled to accommodate growth.
- Compatibility: WANs are compatible with many different types of networking hardware and software.
- Accessibility: WANs can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
- Connectivity: WANs can connect multiple types of networks together.
- Capacity: WANs can support many users and high traffic.
WANs typically use a variety of protocols to enable communication between devices on the network. The most common WAN protocol is the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). Other common protocols include Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Frame Relay, and Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP). WANs can be implemented using various technologies, including dedicated lines, dial-up connections, and broadband.
In Conclusion
A Wide Area Network can be a valuable asset for businesses of all sizes. WANs provide many advantages, including increased productivity, cost savings, security, flexibility, reliability, scalability, compatibility, and accessibility. In addition, WANs can be implemented using various technologies and protocols, making them flexible and customizable to meet the needs of any organization.