Wide Area Network

Definition – Wide Area Network (WAN)

A wide area network (WAN) is a computer network that covers a broad area any network
whose communications links cross metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries. This is in
contrast with personal area networks (PANs), local area networks (LANs), campus area
networks (CANs), or metropolitan area networks (MANs) which are usually limited to a room,
building, campus or specific metropolitan area (e.g., a city) respectively.

WANs used to be characterized with slow, noisy lines. Today WANs are very high speed with
very low error rates.

TOPOLOGY USED

WANs often follow a mesh topology.

As the term implies, a WAN spans a large physical distance. The Internet is the largest WAN,
spanning the Earth.

A WAN is a geographically-dispersed collection of LANs. A network device called a router

connects LANs to a WAN. In IP networking, the router maintains both a LAN address and a WAN
address.

A WAN differs from a LAN in several important ways. Most WANs (like the Internet) are not
owned by any one organization but rather exist under collective or distributed ownership and
management. WANs tend to use technology like ATM, Frame Relay and X.25 for connectivity
over the longer distances.

Wide Area Network- Similarities and different from LAN ( Local Area Network)
 • Similarities to LANs

– Interconnect computers.

– Use some form of media for the interconnection.

– Support network applications.

• Differences to LANs

– Include both data networks, such as the Internet, and voice networks, such as
telephone systems.

– Interconnect more workstations, so that any one workstation can transfer data
to any other workstation.

– Cover large geographic distances, including the earth.

• WAN working model- use for the long distance

Layers of Wide Area Networks

 According to the OSI/ISO, The International Standards Organization (ISO) Open Systems
Interconnect (OSI) is a standard set of rules describing the transfer of data between
each layer in a network operating system. Each layer has a specific function. For
example, the physical layer deals with the electrical and cable specifications.

 The OSI Model clearly defines the interfaces between each layer. This allows different
network operating systems and protocols to work together by having each
manufacturer adhere to the standard interfaces. The application of the ISO OSI model
has allowed the modern multiprotocol networks that exist today.

Seven Layers in the OSI Model:-

 Application Layer (Top Layer)-

 Presentation Layer

 Session Layer

 Transport Layer

 Network Layer

 Data Link Layer

 1. Physical Layer (Bottom Layer)

According to the OSI/ISO the Wide area network is in the last layer means it exist in
Physical layer

Types: - WAN connection technology Types