Introduction to Wide Area Network (WAN)

 

Introduction to Wide Area Network (WAN)

What is a WAN?

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that connects devices or networks over a large geographical area such as:

  • A town
  • A state
  • A country
  • The entire world

Unlike a LAN, which is limited to a small area, a WAN covers a much wider region.

Definition

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is an interconnection of devices capable of communication over a large geographical area.

Characteristics of a WAN

1. Large Geographical Coverage

A WAN can span:

  • Cities
  • Countries
  • Continents

Example:

  • Banking networks
  • Airline reservation systems

2. Connects Networking Devices

A LAN mainly connects hosts such as computers and printers.

A WAN mainly connects connecting devices such as:

  • Routers
  • Switches
  • Modems

These devices help transfer data between distant networks.

3. Usually Managed by Service Providers

LANs are generally privately owned.

WANs are usually:

  • Created by communication companies
  • Managed by Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
  • Leased by organizations

Example:

  • Telephone companies
  • Telecom providers

Types of WAN

WANs are mainly of two types:

  1. Point-to-Point WAN
  2. Switched WAN

1. Point-to-Point WAN

A Point-to-Point WAN directly connects two communicating devices using a transmission medium.

The medium may be:

  • Cable
  • Fiber optic link
  • Wireless communication

Simple Structure



The dedicated connection exists between only two points.

Features of Point-to-Point WAN

  • Direct communication between two locations
  • Simple structure
  • Dedicated transmission path
  • Often leased from telecom companies

Example

A company with:

  • One office in the east coast
  • Another office in the west coast

can connect both offices using a leased point-to-point WAN.

This allows employees in different offices to communicate.

2. Switched WAN

A Switched WAN connects more than two networks.

It consists of several point-to-point networks connected through switches.

Structure of a Switched WAN




The switches help forward data through different paths across the network.

Features of Switched WAN

  • Connects multiple networks
  • Used in global communication backbones
  • More scalable than point-to-point WAN
  • Supports communication between many users

Real-Life Examples of WAN

  • ATM banking networks
  • Railway reservation systems
  • Mobile communication networks
  • Corporate branch office networks

Summary

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a communication network that covers a large geographical area and connects multiple networks using devices such as routers and switches. WANs are generally operated by communication companies and are used to connect distant LANs to form internetworks like the Internet.

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