Looking to learn more about wide area networks? This article is a comprehensive guide that will provide you with all the information you need to know about this networking technology.
Overview
A wide area network (WAN) is a form of computer network that spans a large-scale geographical area. It basically connects devices and networks that are far apart, like in different buildings, cities, or even countries.
For instance, a company with several branches uses a WAN to connect office networks together. Besides, the world’s largest WAN is the internet – the internet is a collection of several international networks connected to each other.
That being said, in a wide area network, several local area networks (LAN) are connected together. You must be wondering how and why a WAN uses several LANs.
To start with, LAN is a network technology that connects several computers within a small geographical area. Normally, it’s within a single-family home or an office workspace.
Furthermore, a LAN often uses a single modem or router as its gateway or connection point. Hence, a WAN takes individual LANs as nodes and puts them together in order to span a larger geographical area.
For example, different LANs represent individual branches of a multi-national organization. Thus, a WAN links each LAN together, building on a greater network and connecting the branches together.
So, basically, we can say a WAN is a LAN on steroids, as it works in a similar fashion to a LAN, just on a larger scale.
Features of a Wide Area Network
The previous section discusses what a WAN is all about. In this section, I will explain some of the major features of a wide area network.
It Uses Multiple Networking Technologies
In order to transmit and receive data over a long distance, a WAN uses various networking technologies. These include leased lines, satellites, and even the Internet.
However, your choice of network technology depends on several factors, like cost, bandwidth requirements, and reliability. For example, leased lines allow for a more dedicated, high-speed connection between two points.
Meanwhile, satellites can be used to connect in remote locations where other technologies are not available.
The use of multiple networking technologies allows WANs to offer a reliable and cost-effective service. It also ensures that data can be transmitted even if one technology fails.
It Has Quality Of Service (QoS) Mechanisms
Quality of Service (QoS) is a technique that prioritizes network traffic depending on the type of task. Therefore, WANs mostly use QoS mechanisms to prioritize certain types of traffic over others.
This ensures that bandwidth-intensive tasks, like video conferencing and VoIP, receive sufficient bandwidth over less bandwidth-intensive tasks. Besides, QoS can be achieved using technologies like traffic shaping.
Traffic shaping regulates the flow of traffic to guarantee that certain types of traffic receive priority treatment. Overall, the use of QoS mechanisms ensures that WANs can provide a high-quality service that meets the needs of several users.
It Supports Several Protocols
WANs utilize a variety of protocols to transmit data between networks and devices. These protocols include TCP/IP, Frame Relay, MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching), and ATM (Asynchronous transfer mode).
Each of these protocols has its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, TCP/IP is the standard protocol used to connect to several networks on the internet.
MPLS, on the other hand, is a high-performance protocol that large organizations usually use to prioritize certain types of traffic.
Using multiple protocols enables WANs to offer a flexible and adaptable service that can meet the diverse needs of different users.
It Works With Different Types of Devices and Networks
Because WAN uses standards-based protocols like TCP/IP and SNMP, it works with several types of devices and networks. This is because most devices and networks support these protocols.
Hence, with WAN, devices from different manufacturers can communicate with each other. Thereby ensuring users can access the resources they need on the WAN, regardless of the device or network they are using.
Offers Remote Access
WANs allow users to access resources from remote locations using technologies like remote desktop services. This feature is essential for modern companies, as it enables employees to access resources and work from any location.
The feature also allows organizations to provide services to customers or partners located in different parts of the world.
Pros of a Wide Area Network
High Bandwidth
WANs typically offer high bandwidth, which allows users to transfer large files quickly.
It also enables users to perform bandwidth-intensive tasks, such as video conferencing and streaming, effectively. Besides, high bandwidth can be achieved by using technologies such as fiber optic cables.
Fiber optic cables can transmit large amounts of data over long distances at high speeds.
High bandwidth is essential for WANs, as it ensures that users can access the necessary resources without experiencing unreliable connections.
Redundancy
WANs usually use multiple paths to transmit data between networks and devices.
This provides redundancy, ensuring data can still be transmitted even if one path fails. Redundancy can be achieved using technologies such as load balancing.
Load balancing distributes traffic across several paths or failovers. Hence, it automatically switches to a backup path if the primary path fails.
Besides, redundancy ensures that WANs are highly reliable.
It Offers Several Security Mechanisms
WANs often use a variety of security mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access and protect data.
These mechanisms include encryption, firewalls, and VPNs. Firewalls block unauthorized access to the network.
Meanwhile, encryption ensures that data is transmitted securely. VPNs, however, create secure connections between remote users and the network,
Thereby ensuring that sensitive data is protected at all times.
Increased Mobility
WANs allow employees to access resources from any location using an internet connection.
This increases mobility and flexibility in the workplace. It can also improve work-life balance for employees and allow organizations to attract and retain top talent.
Improved Communication
By providing a platform for sharing data and files across several locations, WANs enable organizations to communicate more effectively.
This can improve productivity and enhance collaboration between employees, customers, and partners.
Cons of a Wide Area Network
Expensive to Implement
Implementing and maintaining WANs can be very expensive, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.
The cost of WAN hardware, software, and infrastructure can be quite high, especially for businesses that need to connect multiple locations.
Latency issues. WANs can sometimes suffer from latency issues, especially when transmitting data over long distances.
This can cause delays and other performance problems that can negatively impact user experience.
Complex Setup
Configuring and managing a WAN can be a very complex task.
Specifically, WANs require specialized knowledge and skills to implement and maintain. This can be challenging for small and medium-sized businesses that don’t have enough resources to employ experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
WANs connect several LANs together using various technologies, like leased lines and satellites. It does that to connect devices over a large geographic area.
Besides, data is transmitted over WANs using various protocols, such as TCP/IP. Also, the data is often encrypted to ensure security.
A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network that connects devices within a single and smaller location, such as a building or campus. A WAN, on the other hand, connects devices over a larger geographic area.
The full meaning of WAN is Wide Area Network.
MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) is a technology for creating private networks over a WAN. This enables organizations to prioritize network traffic and develop secure connections between different locations.
Absolutely, WANs offer remote access.
Conclusion
In today’s interconnected world, wide area networks have become an essential part of modern business infrastructure. WANs allow organizations to connect multiple devices and data centers over a large geographic area.
Thereby providing secure and reliable access to business-critical tasks and data. However, while WANs offer several benefits, they also pose some challenges, including high costs and complex setups.
Nevertheless, WANs have improved over the years, offering flexibility and reliable connections. Hence, if you’re looking to expand your business to several locations, you should consider investing in a WAN.
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