WAN

Wide Area Network (WAN) is a type of computer network that spans a large geographic area, such as a city, a country, or even a continent. It typically comprises multiple local area networks (LANs) connected together through public or private telecommunications networks. WANs are used to provide high-speed connection of computers and data communications equipment over wide geographical areas.

In contrast to a LAN, which is usually only limited to a single building or establishment, a WAN can span a much larger area and can even span multiple countries across a continent or the entire world. WANs are used by companies to facilitate remote data access and communication between branch offices, telecommunication companies, and network service providers.

Wide area networks are typically built using a variety of different network technologies, such as terrestrial technologies (such as DSL and cable), satellite, and optical fiber. Common networking protocols used in WANs include Internet Protocol (IP), Network Control Protocol (NCP), Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) and Frame Relay.

WANs are invaluable when it comes to connecting organizations, allowing them to access resources anywhere in the world. They are also very useful in providing an increased level of security as compared to LANs since they are not accessible by the public. WANs can also provide increased scalability and performance for the sharing of resources and applications between numerous locations.

Wide area networks are a crucial element of modern computing and networking, allowing organizations to connect globally, share information, and access applications and resources. WANs are a key part of today’s business environment, as well as increasingly on a personal level, with consumers connecting to the Internet and accessing data without traveling for miles or waiting for information to be mailed.