Wide Area Network

Wide Area Network or a WAN extends across a large geographic area, such as a state, province or country. WANs usually connect numerous smaller networks, such as local area networks (LANs) or metro area networks (MANs). It refers to a network that covers broad area with the help of a private or public network transports.

Wide Area Network or WAN is a computer network that covers a broad area, often spanning regions, countries, or even the world.

In other words, it is a telecommunication network that links across urban, regional, national, or international boundaries.

WANs also interlink smaller networks such as LANs or local area networks and metro area networks or MANs.

The best example of WAN is the internet.

Here are Some Chief Characteristics of WAN.

    - WANs or wide area network as the name indicates link devices that are separated by a large area that cannot be served by LAN.

    - WANs operate by using the services of carriers such as cable companies, satellite systems, and telephone companies.

    - WANs make use of serial connections to deliver access to bandwidth over an extensive geographical area.

Today, WAN performance is the key to IT efficiency in businesses.

But the performances of applications across the WAN are weighed down by a variety of issues like latency, congestion, protocol and low bandwidth.

Unfortunately, addressing WAN optimization issues by traditional tactics like adding capacity or setting up WAN optimization appliances have not been successful in the long run.

To improve the QoS or quality of service it is essential to have a thorough understanding of applications used, bandwidth consumption by application and by identifying top consumers.

This method of telecommunication permits a business to efficiently perform its daily operations regardless of the location. The Internet can be considered as a WAN as well, and is extensively used by businesses, governments, organizations, and individuals for almost all the purposes.

Performance developments are occasionally delivered through the mode of wide area file services or WAN optimization