What is a Wide Area Network (WAN) | Pros, Cons, and More.
May 26th, 2022
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3 mins 31 secs
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computing
networking
networks
wan
wide area network
SETUniversity.com
SET U
A Wide Area Network, also referred to as WAN, is a computer network that spans a large geographic area. WANs are often used to connect smaller networks, such as Local Area Networks (LANs), together. A wide area network typically uses public infrastructure, such as the telephone system or the Internet, to connect different locations.
One of the most common WAN technologies is the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network. ATM networks are capable of transmitting voice, video, and data traffic. These networks are often used by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to provide high-speed Internet access to customers.
Another type of WAN is the frame relay network. Frame relay networks connects LANs together. These networks are capable of transmitting voice, video, and data traffic.
Wide Area Networks can be used to connect different types of networks together, such as LANs, WANs, and Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). WANs can also be used to connect different locations together, such as two offices in different cities.
Advantages of Wide Area Network (WAN)
There are various benefits to wide area networks. These are:
- They can connect different types of networks together. This allows for the sharing of resources, such as printers and servers, between different locations.
- Wide Area Networks are capable of connecting different locations together. This allows for communication between different locations. For example, a company with offices in different cities can use a WAN to connect their offices together.
- A WAN can also provide a way to connect to the Internet. This allows for the easy sharing of resources, such as email and file transfer, between different locations.
Wide Area Networks can provide many benefits to businesses and organizations. They can connect different networks together, which allows for the sharing of resources. They can also connect different locations together, which allows for communication between those locations. Furthermore, WANs can also provide a way to connect to the Internet, allowing easy sharing of resources between different locations.
Disadvantages of Wide Area Network (WAN)
WANs can be a great way to connect different networks together and allow for the sharing of resources. However, they do come with certain caveats. Various disadvantages of wide area networks are:
- They can be expensive to set up and maintain. Wide area networks require special equipment, such as routers and switches. They also require special software, such as network management software, all contributing to a more expensive process to set up and maintain.
- Wide Area Networks can be slower than other types of networks, such as LANs. They use public infrastructure, such as the telephone system or the Internet, which ultimately results in slower operations compared to other types of networks.
Conclusion
WANs can be a great way to connect different networks together. They offer many advantages, including the ability to connect different types of networks and the capability to connect different locations. However, they also come with certain disadvantages, such as being more expensive to set up and maintain. Wide area networks use public infrastructure, which can result in slower speeds compared to other types of networks. Despite their disadvantages, wide area networks can be a great option for businesses and organizations that need to connect different networks or locations.
