Understanding Wide Area Network (WAN) Networks
If you've ever accessed the internet, you're probably familiar with Local Area Networks (LAN). However, if you're trying to span long distances between networks or trying to connect to networks in remote areas, you'll have to use something known as Wide Area Networks (WAN).
WANs are specially designed networks that create a connection between various LANs, computers, offices, or data centers that are geographically separate. The major difference between WANs and LANs is that WANs span across large distances, while LANs are designed to cover a smaller area such as a single building.
WANs can be used in many different scenarios, allowing users to connect across long distances. They are ideal for organizations that require communication between different departments, offices or branches located in different parts of the country. WANs can also connect to remote endpoints and branch offices to permit small business owners to share service, data or any other resources required to run the business effectively.
The most common technologies used in WANs are IP-based, such as the Internet, leased lines, MPLS, Point-to-Point (PTP) T1, ATM, and Virtual Private Networks (VPN). This allows users to connect to a central network via a variety of different mediums, decreasing the cost of networking services.
In conclusion, WAN networks are the go-to option when trying to create a connection between different LAN networks, offices, or data centers that are located far apart. With the advancement of technology, WANs are becoming much cheaper and more effective, making them a popular choice of networks for various organizations.