Wide Area Network (WAN) is a computer network that covers a broad area (i.e., any network whose communications links cross metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries, or, less formally, a network that uses routers and public communications links.
Example[]
The largest and most well-known example of a WAN is the Internet.
Uses[]
WANs are used to connect LANs and other types of networks together, so that users and computers in onlocation can communicate with users and computers in other locations.
Transmission rate[]
Transmission rate usually range from 1200 bits/second to 6 Mbit/s, although some connections such as ATM and Leased lines can reach speeds greater than 156 Mbit/s.
Communication links[]
Typical communication links used in WANs are telephone lines, microwave links & satellite channels.
Proliferation[]
Recently with the proliferation of low cost of Internet connectivity many companies and organizations have turned to VPN to interconnect their networks, creating a WAN in that way. Companies such as Cisco, New Edge Networks and Check Point offer solutions to create VPN networks.
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