Wide Area Network

Overview

A Wide Area Network (WAN) connects computers and facilitates access to the Internet. Businesses, schools, and large corporations make use of WANs to create systems of smaller networks. Several options are available for those seeking to build a WAN. For example, you might consider a circuit switching model. This setup works by using a dedicated circuit between two end points. Dial-up Internet access systems are the best example of this sort of arrangement. The user dials into the system and the system sends back information to the user. While this sort of system is slower, it can still do the things that need to be done on that circuit like information searching, web surfing, and communication.

Benefits

Wide Area Networks are most beneficial to those who travel regularly. No longer will you be grounded in one place; everyone move from area to area and still stay in contact. For those who are in sales or in international businesses, the ability to connect is a necessity. Without this ability, people would not be able to stay connected with colleagues and clients.

The communication between any two points is also made simpler and more efficient with a WAN. Whether you prefer email, VoIP, or messaging services, being able to connect in an efficient manner will make it simple to stay in touch. WANs also feature enhanced security with an ability to keep networks private. This is an especially important benefit if you want to create a network of computers within your own organization.

How It Works

A Wide Area Network is a network of computers that covers a broad area, like a city or a state. It is meant to help connect smaller networks, like those found on college campuses or in local areas. By providing connections, WANs enable you to take the signal from your computer and send it across established networks. In doing so, computers are able to link up with each other to send information and to communicate. Information is sent across the WAN through little packets. This will make the information easier to send, while also helping to keep it secure. The packet is then rearranged when it arrives at its final destination.

When the information is sent over a longer distance, encryption arrangement is also used. This will help to protect the information from Point A to Point B. The data is scrambled and then unscrambled when it reaches its intended destination. With dial-up systems, the user will need to access services by dialing into the network.

Companies/Brands

Cisco Systems and Motorola's Mesh Networks provide products to help you establish a WAN.