What Is a Wide Area Network, and Who Needs One?

When you send information online, communicate over the internet, or access shared resources, you’re using a wide-area network (WAN). WANs are vital in connecting people, businesses, and organizations over large distances. By linking local area networks (LANs) and other network types, WANs enable seamless communication and data sharing across cities, states, or continents.  

Explore common industry applications, how WANs benefit everyday computer operation, and the relevance of wide-area networks in today’s digital world to build a deeper understanding of WANs.

What is a wide area network?

A wide area network (WAN) is a telecommunications network that connects multiple LANs or other networks. This allows devices and users to communicate and share data across vast distances. WANs can help organizations, governments, or individuals to connect remote offices, branch locations, or homes, facilitating the efficient exchange of information and resources.

The primary function of a WAN is to enable communication and collaboration between users and devices that are far apart. You can achieve this by using various transmission technologies, such as leased lines, broadband connections, satellite links, or cellular networks, to establish connections between different network nodes. These nodes can be routers, switches, servers, or other networking devices that help route data packets to their intended destinations.

Wide area network examples

WANs come in various forms, and you might encounter them in different scenarios. Some examples of wide area networks are:

• The internet: The internet is considered the world’s largest WAN, connecting people and devices worldwide.

• Corporate networks: Many companies use WANs to link their offices, data centers, and remote employees, allowing smooth communication and collaboration.

• Government networks: WANs enable government agencies to connect and share information across different locations securely.

WAN vs. LAN

Local area networks (LANs) are a group of devices that all connect to the same network within the same location. While you can use both WANs and LANs for communication and data sharing, the main difference lies in their geographical coverage. LANs are smaller networks that typically connect devices within a single building or a small area, like a home or office. On the other hand, WANs cover much larger distances, connecting multiple LANs or other networks.

Technology used for wide area networks

Wide area networks (WANs) employ diverse technologies to facilitate communication and data sharing across vast distances. These technologies enable the establishment of connections between different network nodes and help optimize and secure data transmission. When building a WAN, the following technologies are integral for an effective network.

Leased lines

Leased lines come in two categories:point-to-point and multi-protocol label switching (MPLS). Depending on your needs, you can choose the version right for your network. In most cases, you will choose MPLS leased lines for WANs.   Leased lines are a direct communication link provided by telecommunications companies. They offer a fixed, high-speed connection between two locations, ensuring consistent and reliable data transmission through physical or virtual lines. However, they can be expensive, especially for long distances.

Internet

The internet is a global WAN that connects millions of computers and networks, enabling data exchange and communication worldwide. WANs can use internet connections, such as broadband or fiber-optic links, to establish connections between locations.

MPLS

Multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) directs data packets along predetermined paths within a network. Prioritizing time-sensitive data, such as voice and video traffic, helps improve WANs' efficiency, performance, and reliability.

SD-WAN

Software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) improves security and performance by separating the networking hardware from its control mechanism and automatically connecting to the best connectivity option.

VPN

Virtual private networks (VPNs) create secure, encrypted connections between two points within a WAN, allowing for private data transmission over public networks like the internet. This technology is particularly useful for connecting remote workers or branch offices to a central network while maintaining security.

Ethernet

Ethernet services were designed to solve packet collision problems and can create high-speed, private WAN connections between multiple locations. These services offer lower latency and higher bandwidth than traditional leased lines.

Cloud-based

Cloud-based WAN services utilize cloud computing to manage and optimize WAN connections. By leveraging the power of the cloud, these services can help organizations manage their networks more easily and improve overall network performance.

Pros and cons of using a WAN

Like any technology, WANs come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Compared to other network types, WANs offer the following pros and cons.

Pros

• Geographical reach: WANs enable communication and data sharing across vast distances, allowing organizations to connect multiple locations and remote workers.

• Centralized management: With a WAN, organizations can manage their network resources and security policies centrally, simplifying administration.

• Scalability: WANs can be easily scaled to accommodate growing needs, especially with cloud technology, making them a flexible solution for organizations.

Cons

• Cost: Establishing and maintaining a WAN can be expensive, especially if you require dedicated leased lines or private connections.

• Maintenance: Maintaining a WAN can be complex, particularly when it comes to ensuring the security and reliability of the network.

• Latency: Due to the physical distances involved, WANs can sometimes experience higher latency than LANs, which might impact the performance of certain applications.

Who can benefit from a wide area network?

WANs are beneficial to various organizations, businesses, and individuals. Some of the key beneficiaries include:

• Businesses with multiple locations: Companies with offices spread across different cities or countries can use WANs to connect their employees and systems.

• Remote workers: WANs enable remote employees to access company resources and collaborate with colleagues.

• Government agencies: WANs help government agencies securely share information and resources across different locations.

• Educational institutions: Schools and universities can use WANs to connect their campuses and provide remote learning opportunities.

How to start learning wide-area networking

If you want to learn more about wide-area networking or consider a career in this field, you can take several steps to build your foundational knowledge. As you master basics, you can move to more advanced or specialized coursework:

1. Education: Begin by building a strong foundation in computer networking through relevant topics, such as scripting, network security, and data management. You can find programs at colleges, universities, or online learning platforms.

2. Certifications: Pursue industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA Network+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), or Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associate (JNCIA) to validate your skills and knowledge in networking.

3. Hands-on experience: Gain practical experience by working on networking projects, either through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering opportunities.

4. Networking: Connect with professionals in the field by attending networking events, joining online forums, or becoming a member of relevant organizations, such as the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

5. Entry-level careers: To start your career in wide-area networking, look for entry-level positions in network administration, computer systems, network engineering, or technical support.

Read more: How to Get a Job as a Network Engineer: 6 Tips

Getting started with Coursera

Explore WANs and their applications further with exciting courses and Specializations on Coursera, whether for personal learning, a project, schoolwork, or career development. Consider starting with the Aruba SD WAN Basics course on Coursera to learn more about traditional WAN and SD-WAN and related technologies. To develop broader basics, you can complete the Google IT Support Professional Certificate to learn broad basics in networking, security, and IT principles.