Advantages and Disadvantages of WAN (Wide Area Network)
A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a communication network that connects multiple local networks (LANs) across vast geographical areas, enabling seamless communication between distant locations. WANs are essential for businesses and organizations that need to communicate and share resources across multiple offices or branches worldwide. WANs can include private networks, public networks like the Internet, and hybrid models. The technologies used in WANs range from wireless WANs, circuit switching, packet switching, leased lines, and cellular networks. With the rise of IoT devices and advanced wireless technologies, WANs are becoming even more vital for connecting the modern business world. Let us learn more about the key advantages and disadvantages of WAN.
Based on distance covered, the computer networks are divided into three main parts viz. LAN, MAN and WAN. Among these types, WAN has largest coverage of about 1000 Kms or unlimited based on WAN technologies. The data rate depends on wired and wireless technologies or standards viz. LoRaWAN, Satellite, Cellular, Microwave link, optical fiber etc. Refer difference between LAN vs WAN vs MAN>>.
A WAN typically consists of several components as follows.
Routers: Devices that direct data between different networks and ensure it reaches the correct destination.
Switches: Devices that connect various devices within a network and manage data traffic.
Transmission Media: Includes both wired (fiber optics, copper cables) and wireless (satellite, cellular)
technologies to transfer data over long distances.
Modems: Convert data for transmission over different media types (e.g., DSL, cable, or fiber).
Benefits or advantages of WAN
WANs offer several significant benefits that make them essential for large organizations and global enterprises.
Below are some of the key advantages:
1. Wide Geographical Coverage: WAN allows businesses to connect locations across different cities, countries,
or continents. This wide geographical reach is crucial for global companies needing constant communication between
distant offices or branches.
2. Resource and Application Sharing:
Similar to a LAN, WAN enables organizations to share software, resources, and applications among multiple users
across large distances. All users can access the same files, ensuring that the latest versions are available to
everyone, reducing confusion and inefficiency.
3. Global Business Support:
WANs support the growth of global businesses by providing a unified network that integrates international operations.
This allows businesses to expand their markets and manage their activities across borders seamlessly.
4. IoT and Wireless Technology Growth:
With the increasing use of IoT devices and the rise of wireless technologies like WiFi, Zigbee,
and satellite communications, WANs are becoming more efficient and adaptable. Messages and data can be
transferred quickly and easily across the globe, thanks to applications like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
Drawbacks or disadvantages of WAN
While WANs provide significant advantages, they also come with some challenges.
Below are the key disadvantages:
1. Higher Initial Costs:
Setting up a WAN requires substantial upfront investment, including routers, firewalls, security systems
and skilled personnel to maintain and troubleshoot the network.
2. Complex Maintenance: WANs are more complex to manage than smaller networks like LANs or MANs.
Maintaining the network often requires highly skilled network administrators and technicians,
especially due to the use of multiple technologies across vast distances.
3. Security Risks:
The expansive coverage of WAN makes it more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats compared to LANs and MANs.
It requires robust security measures like firewalls, encryption protocols, and security software at multiple
points within the network to protect it from potential attacks.
4. Technical Issues:
Due to its complexity and wide reach, WANs are prone to more technical issues.
These issues often involve multiple technologies (both wired and wireless),
which can make troubleshooting and resolving errors time-consuming.
Conclusion
WANs play a crucial role in connecting businesses across large distances, allowing them to operate on a global scale.
They offer several advantages, such as enabling resource sharing, supporting global business, and leveraging modern
wireless technologies. However, the complexity and high cost of implementing and maintaining a WAN, along with
security risks, must also be considered.
In summary, WANs are essential for large, distributed organizations, but they require careful planning,
robust security measures, and ongoing maintenance to ensure smooth operation.
➨Also refer advantages and disadvantages of LAN (Local Area Network) >> and
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) >>.
FAQs : Interview questions and answers on WAN
Question-1 : What are the types of WAN ?
Answer-1 : WAN can be categorized into several types based on the technology and connection used:
Private Networks: Networks that are owned and managed by organizations for internal communication.
Public Networks: Networks like the Internet that are open to the public.
Leased Lines: Dedicated lines rented by organizations to ensure a secure and consistent connection.
Wireless WANs: Using wireless technologies like cellular networks (4G, 5G), satellite communications, and microwave links.
Question-2 : How does WAN differ from LAN ?
Answer-2 : The key difference between WAN (Wide Area Network) and LAN (Local Area Network) lies in their geographical
coverage and complexity:
WAN covers a large geographical area (e.g., cities, countries) and connects multiple LANs. It is typically more complex,
involving multiple technologies.
LAN is limited to a smaller area, such as a single building or campus, and is simpler and cheaper to set up.
Question-3 : What are common WAN technologies ?
Answer-3 : Some widely used WAN technologies include:
Packet Switching: Breaks data into packets to travel independently across the network (e.g., MPLS, Frame Relay).
Circuit Switching: Creates a dedicated communication path between two points (e.g., PSTN, ISDN).
Leased Lines: Dedicated point-to-point connections for secure data transmission.
Cell Relay: Transmits data in variable-length packets (e.g., ATM technology).
Question-4 : What are the common uses of a WAN?
Answer-4 : WANs are commonly used in the following scenarios:
Business Communication: Connecting branch offices and remote employees across different locations for seamless
communication and collaboration.
Global Operations: Multinational companies use WANs to operate efficiently across various countries and regions.
Cloud Services: WANs enable access to cloud-based applications and services for users spread over large geographical areas.
Question-5 : How does WAN ensure data security ?
Answer-5 : Due to its vast coverage, WANs require robust security measures to protect data, such as:
Firewalls: Used to block unauthorized access and monitor traffic.
Encryption: Ensures data is transmitted securely over the network, making it unreadable to unauthorized users.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Create secure, encrypted connections over the WAN, ensuring privacy and security
for sensitive data.
Question-6: What are the advantages of WAN?
Answer-6: WANs connect multiple geographically dispersed locations, enabling effective communication and data sharing between offices. They facilitate centralized management of resources, support high-speed data transfer over long distances, and enhance redundancy and reliability through diverse connectivity options.
Question-7: What are the disadvantages of WAN?
Answer-7: WANs can be costly to set up and maintain due to the need for specialized hardware and connections. They may experience latency issues, pose security risks due to data transmission over long distances, and often rely on third-party service providers, which can lead to potential downtime and less control over the network.