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− | [[Image:UnderConstruction.png]] | + | '''WAN''' or '''Wide Area Network''' is a data communications network in which computers, separated by a distance of more than half a mile, can be connected.<ref>[http://www.google.com.pk/search?hl=en&biw=1366&bih=667&q=wide+area+network&tbs=dfn:1&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=sVt_TrCvFI7z-gb_np2SDQ&ved=0CC4QkQ4 Google Dictionary]</ref> A WAN can consist of several [[LAN|Local Area Networks]] (LANs) or [[MAN|Metro Area Networks]] (MANs). The largest WAN in existence is the Inetrnet itself.<ref>[http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/lanvlanwan/g/bldef_wan.htm ComputerNetworking at About.com]</ref> |
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− | '''WAN''' or '''Wide Area Network''' is a data communications network in which computers, present at the distance of more than half a mile, can be connected.<ref>[http://www.google.com.pk/search?hl=en&biw=1366&bih=667&q=wide+area+network&tbs=dfn:1&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=sVt_TrCvFI7z-gb_np2SDQ&ved=0CC4QkQ4 Google Dictionary]</ref> WAn can consist of several Local Area Networks - [[LAN]]s or Metro Area Networks - [[MAN]]s. The largest WAN in existence is Inetrnet itself.<ref>[http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/lanvlanwan/g/bldef_wan.htm ComputerNetworking at ABout.com]</ref>
| + | Generally WANs are built by collaboration of different corporations, banks, military or [[ISP]]s. Local stores or corporations may use a WAN to connect with their customers. WANs are an effective way of communication between companies, or within a single company's own divisions and locations.<ref>[http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-wide-area-network.htm WiseGeek]</ref> |
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− | Generally WANs are built by collaboration of different corporations, banks, military or [[ISP]]s. Local stores or corporations may use WAN to facilitate their customers. WANs are an effective way of communication between companies or within a company between its different departments.<ref>[http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-wide-area-network.htm WiseGeek]</ref> | |
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| ==Structure== | | ==Structure== |
− | WAN may seem a bigger version of [[LAN]] but in reality its structure is quite different. Two LANs must exist in order to create a WAN. The WANs built by [[ISP]]s provide connectivity from LAN to Internet. WANs do not directly connect one computer to another, which is the role of [[LAN]].<ref>[http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/technology-explained-wide-area-network-wan-tutorial/ MakeUseOf]</ref> Local Area Networks are connected by a device named router which then connects them to WAN.<ref>[http://compnetworking.about.com/od/basicnetworkingconcepts/a/network_types.htm ComputerNetworking at About.com]</ref> In WAN the data transmission is generally provided by telephone lines. However it can also be connected through Packet Switching, Circuit Switching, Cell Relay or leased lines.<ref>[http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-wide-area-network.htm WiseGeek]</ref><ref>[http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/technology-explained-wide-area-network-wan-tutorial/ MakeUseOf]</ref> The main features of each connectivity option are given below: | + | A WAN may seem like a bigger version of [[LAN]] but in reality its structure is quite different. Two LANs must exist in order to create a WAN. The WANs built by [[ISP]]s provide connectivity from LAN to Internet. WANs do not directly connect one computer to another, which is the role of a [[LAN]].<ref>[http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/technology-explained-wide-area-network-wan-tutorial/ MakeUseOf]</ref> Local Area Networks are connected by a device named router which then connects them to WAN.<ref>[http://compnetworking.about.com/od/basicnetworkingconcepts/a/network_types.htm ComputerNetworking at About.com]</ref> In a WAN, the data transmission is generally provided by telephone lines; however, it can also be connected through [[Packet Switching]], Circuit Switching, Cell Relay or leased lines.<ref>[http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-wide-area-network.htm WiseGeek]</ref><ref>[http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/technology-explained-wide-area-network-wan-tutorial/ MakeUseOf]</ref> The main features of each connectivity option are: |
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− | '''Leased Lines''' provide Point-to-Point connection between Local Area Networks. | + | '''Leased lines''' provide Point-to-Point connection between Local Area Networks. |
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− | '''Circuit switching''' creates a dedicated circuit path between end points as used in Dial-Up connections. | + | '''Circuit switching''' creates a dedicated circuit path between end points as used in Dial-Up connections. |
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| '''Packet switching''' creates packets of data which are then transferred through different variable length virtual circuits. | | '''Packet switching''' creates packets of data which are then transferred through different variable length virtual circuits. |
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− | '''Cell relay''' also creates packets but these packets are tranferred through fixed length virtual circuits. | + | '''Cell relay''' also creates packets but these packets are tranferred through fixed length virtual circuits.<ref>[http://www.answers.com/topic/wide-area-network Answers]</ref> |
− | <ref>[http://www.answers.com/topic/wide-area-network Answers]</ref> | |
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| ==Technologies== | | ==Technologies== |
− | Several technologies and protocols can be used in Deployment of WAN. Some of these include: | + | Several technologies and protocols can be used in WAN deployment, including:<ref>[http://docwiki.cisco.com/wiki/Internetworking_Technology_Handbook#WAN_Technologies CISCO DocWiki]</ref><ref>[http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/lanvlanwan/g/bldef_wan.htm ComputerNetworking at About.com]</ref> |
| * Frame Relay | | * Frame Relay |
| * High-Speed Serial Interface | | * High-Speed Serial Interface |
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| * Sonet | | * Sonet |
| * ATM | | * ATM |
− | <ref>[http://docwiki.cisco.com/wiki/Internetworking_Technology_Handbook#WAN_Technologies CISCO DocWiki]</ref><ref>[http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/lanvlanwan/g/bldef_wan.htm ComputerNetworking at ABout.com]</ref>
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| ==References== | | ==References== |