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What is WAN? A beginner's guide to Wide Area Networks
In today's digitally interconnected world, understanding the fundamentals of networking, especially WANs, is paramount. This guide aims to explain the basics of WAN, and provide you with insights into their significance and deployment options.
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What is a Wide Area Network (WAN)?
A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that spans over a large geographical area, connecting multiple smaller networks such as Local Area Networks (LANs) and Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). Unlike LANs, which typically cover a single building or campus, WANs extend over vast distances, often across cities, countries, or even continents.
Understanding the distinction between Tier 1 and Tier 2 network service providers is essential in grasping the landscape of WANs. Tier 1 providers own and operate their global networks, offering extensive reach and reliability. In contrast, Tier 2 providers lease network infrastructure from Tier 1 providers, focusing on regional or local coverage.
Tier 1 WAN providers
Tier 1 providers own and operate their own vast, high-performance networks, which span across countries and continents. Tier 1 companies have extensive infrastructure, including data centres and other critical resources. Since they don’t rely on any third-party networks to carry their traffic, Tier 1 providers are often referred to as having a “full mesh” network.
Tier 2 WAN providers
Tier 2 providers don’t own the entire infrastructure they use. Instead, they lease network capacity from Tier 1 providers to deliver their services. Tier 2 providers build their networks based on these leased resources, focusing on more regional or local coverage. They usually serve smaller geographic areas, such as specific cities or regions.
What is an example of WAN?
The internet itself is an example of a WAN network. The internet connects millions of devices, networks, and data centres across the globe, allowing people to communicate, share information, and access resources regardless of their physical location. It uses a vast network of satellite links, and other technologies to ensure data can travel between different continents, countries, and regions, making it the largest and most widely recognised example of a WAN.
What is a LAN?
A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network that connects computers and devices within a limited geographical area, such as a home, office or campus. It enables high-speed data transfer, resource sharing (e.g., printers, files, internet (and communication between connected devices. Common LAN components include routers, switches, access points and network adapters.
HOW IT WORKS
How do WANs work?
WANs operate by connecting multiple local networks across large geographical areas, such as cities, countries, even continents. They use a variety of technologies, including leased lines, broadband connections, and MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching), to transmit data over long distances.
Data in a WAN is typically divided into smaller packets, which are then encapsulated with routing information and sent across the network.
These packets pass through various interconnected devices, such as routers and switches, which manage traffic and ensure the packets reach their destination.
The process involves determining the best route for the data, often based on factors like network congestion and distance, ensuring that the data is delivered efficiently and reliably.
MPLS and other technologies help prioritise traffic, improving performance and minimising delays, while redundancy and error correction mechanisms ensure continuous, reliable connectivity.
Why are WANs important?
WANs play a pivotal role in facilitating global connectivity, enabling businesses to communicate and transact seamlessly across different locations. They empower organisations to expand their reach, access remote resources, and collaborate effectively in real-time. With the advent of Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN), managing and optimising network resources has become more efficient and cost-effective, further enhancing the importance of WANs in today's digital ecosystem.
WAN BENEFITS
What are the advantages of a Wide Area Network?
WANs allow businesses and individuals to connect and communicate across different locations.
Organisations can centralise their data, applications and resources, making them accessible from different locations.
WANs support seamless communication through emails, video conferencing and other collaborative tools.
Employees can securely access company resources from remote locations, improving flexibility and productivity.
WAN DRAWBACKS
What are the disadvantages of a Wide Area Network?
WANs require specialised hardware (e.g., routers, firewalls and VPNs) for setup and maintenance.
As WANs use public and private networks, they are more vulnerable to cyber threats such as hacking, malware and data breaches.
Network failures, cyberattacks or power outages can disrupt WAN connectivity and lead to data loss. Businesses need backup solutions and redundancy plans to ensure continuity.
What to look for in a WAN provider
Choosing the right WAN provider is crucial for ensuring seamless connectivity and optimal performance. Look for providers that offer scalable solutions, robust security measures, and proactive monitoring capabilities. With the emergence of Network-as-a-Service (NaaS), organisations now have the flexibility to leverage WAN services on a subscription basis, tailoring their network infrastructure to meet evolving business needs.
Conclusion
Wide Area Networks (WANs) are the backbone of global connectivity, enabling businesses to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. If you’re ready to harness the power of WAN for your business, we invite you to explore our resources and get in touch with Cloud Gateway, a trusted partner in building robust and scalable network solutions.
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