What Is A WAN?

INTRODUCTION

A WAN is a Wide Area Network. Whereas a local area network is comprised of computers that reside in close proximity to each other (the same building for example), a wide area network can be spread across the globe.

A wide area network usually connects local area networks together. For example, Company X has offices in New York and Los Angeles and both offices have a local area network. If Company X connects their two LANs across the country, they would be implementing wide area network technology. However, if you have ever taken your laptop on the road and dialed into your company LAN, you are also using WAN technology!

THE MOST FAMOUS WAN

The most famous WAN in the world is the Internet, which stands for Inter-network and connects local area networks, and individual computers all over the globe into one great global connected unit. The Internet is the greatest example of the power of networking the world has ever seen. To think that it is only 30 years old, and the vast majority of growth has occurred in the last five years. Just think of what the future holds!

TYPES OF WANS

WAN technologies are not as standardized as LAN technologies. The choices are more numerous. Dialup through your phone line, ISDN, DSL, T1, T3, ATM and satellite technologies are all WAN technologies, and they all have their plusses and minuses. You can use your existing modem and phone line for a cheap, slow WAN connection or spend thousands of dollars for high speed dedicated lines. It all depends on your needs.

CAN ComputerHelp USA HELP ME FIGURE OUT WHAT I NEED?

ComputerHelp USA would be more than happy to help you decide what you need, explore the options and provide a solution you can be happy with. Just give us a call!

Close Window