Wide Area Network
Wide Area Network is referred to as WAN. It is a computer network made up of two or more LANs or MANs that span a considerable geographic area. A collection of local area networks, or LANs, that can communicate with one another is called a wide area network. It is a global network of networks that facilitates information sharing and communication between devices.
These networks are set up using leased telecom lines; two connected sides have routers that join their local area networks (LANs) to enable communication between the two sides. Users from all around the world, including clients, workers, buyers, sellers, students, and so on, can share data with it. Long-distance data transmission of images, audio, and video is possible with WAN.
Types of Wide Area Network (WAN)
Two types of WAN exist, referred to as:-
- WAN switching
- Point-to-Point Wide Area Network
1. WAN Switching
These networks establish transient connections using circuit-switching technology to transfer data between devices. For real-time communication, such as voice calls and video conferences, switched WANs are frequently utilized.
2. Point-to-Point Wide Area Network
Point-to-Point WANs Create direct connections that provide specialized, dependable, and secure communication between two objects or locations. They are frequently utilized to connect data centers or offices to the corporate network.
Advantages of Wide Area Network
- WAN allows data sharing and connectivity from any location in the globe.
- Through numerous communication channels like email, video, conference, and instant messaging, WANs allow people to interact with each other.
- Using WANs can be more affordable than setting up separate networks for each location.
- Enables the sharing of application software and resources across users.
- Enables rapid message sending to any other user on the network.
Disadvantages of Wide Area Network
- It takes experienced technicians and network administrators to maintain the network, which is challenging.
- Due to its increased usage of technology and larger coverage area, it has greater security problems than LAN.
- It is very dependent on a third party because it is a public network.
- We have to pay for each data transmission, which makes it quite costly.
- WAN troubleshooting can be difficult and time-consuming.
