Students at universities might rely on WANs to access library databases or university research. However, WANs also provide an essential service to the public. Organizations share information with customers, as well as partner organizations, such as B2B clients or customers. When employees travel for work, WANs allow them to access the information they need to do their job. LANs would allow organizations to work within their building, but growth to outside areas - either different cities or evenĭifferent countries - would not be possible because the associated infrastructure would be cost prohibitive for most organizations.Īs organizations grow and become international, WANs allow them to communicate between branches, share information and stay connected. If WAN connections didn’t exist, organizations would be isolated to restricted areas or specific geographic regions. Other forms of telecommunication networks include the following: Two common examples of LANs are ethernet and wireless networks. LANs can be used to access a greater WAN (such as the internet), but only within the area where the LAN’s Whereas WANs can exist globally, without ties to a physical location through the use of a leased network provider, LANs exist within a limited area. There are many different forms of area networks, but one of the most common networks outside of WANs is the local area network, or LAN. What’s the Difference Between Wide Area Network (WAN) and Local Area Network (LAN)? Certified network professionals help organizations maintain their internal wide area network,Īs well as other critical IT infrastructure. Employees from anywhere can use a business’s WAN to share data, communicate with coworkers or simply stay connected to the greater data Access can be granted via different links, such as virtual private networks (VPNs) or lines, wireless networks, cellular networks or internet access.įor international organizations, WANs allow them to carry out their essential daily functions without delay. These customers can use the network to relay and store data or communicate with other users, no matter their location,Īs long as they have access to the established WAN. These networks are often established by service providers that then lease their WAN to businesses, schools, governments or the public. WANs are the largest and most expansive forms of computer networks available to date. What Is a Wide Area Network (WAN)?Īs described above, wide area networks are a form of telecommunication networks that can connect devices from multiple locations and across the globe. Overall purpose for businesses and people, alike. Keep reading for more information on WANs, their use, how they differ from other networks and their WANs can be vital for international businesses, but they are also essential for everyday use, as the internet is considered the largest WAN in the world. WANs can facilitate communication, the sharing of information and much more between devices from around the world through a WAN provider. What Is WAN? How Wide Area Networks FunctionĪ wide area network (also known as WAN), is a large network of information that is not tied to a single location.