A wide area network (WAN) is a network that covers a large geographical region connecting different cities and countries using unguided media. Internet is the best common example of Wide area network (WAN).
Features of Wide area network are:
- WAN is a group of LANs all over the world.
- WAN is owned, controlled and by different reputed organizations like W3C.,
- Unguided media especially satellite communication are used for data transmission.
- Data transmission rate is comparatively slower than LAN (Local Area Network) and MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
The advantages of Wide area network are:
- WAN helps you to cover a larger geographical area. Therefore business offices situated at longer distances can easily communicate.
- Contains devices like mobile phones, laptop, tablet, computers, gaming consoles, etc.
- WLAN connections work using radio transmitters and receivers built into client devices.
And, the disadvantages of WAN are:
- The initial setup cost of investment is very high.
- It is difficult to maintain the WAN network. You need skilled technicians and network administrators.
- There are more errors and issues because of the wide coverage and the use of different technologies.
- It requires more time to resolve issues because of the involvement of multiple wired and wireless technologies.
- Offers lower security compared to other types of networks.