While it is true, the term “ network ” is used in different areas of everyday life. However, in the computer world it is widely used to refer to the set of computers that are interconnected and thus share resources .
In this sense, it is worth noting that it is possible to classify a network in different ways. Either according to its scope, its connection method or by the functional relationship of its components. However, experts generally detail two types of networks; LAN networks and WAN networks .
In this post, we want to refer to WAN networks that are very important when it comes to a network according to its scope. Thus detailing, what they really mean, their uses, the types that exist and also what their components are.
What is a Broad Real Network and what is it used for? the WWAN?
As for the definition of a WAN network , we can specify that it refers to a large computer connection that allows local networks and equipment to be communicated over long distances . Since, they have a remarkable speed and have the ability to cover a large geographical portion of the planet.
In this sense, these communications networks are responsible for connecting equipment that is specially designed to execute user programs around thousands of square kilometers , that is, in entire regions, countries and even continents .
Thus, it is appropriate to refer to the Internet as a precise example of a WAN network. Since, this can keep both local networks and equipment connected thousands of kilometers away. Taking into account that its acronym refers to the English phrase “ Wide Area Network “, which means “ Wide Area Network “; thus having a powerful objective of interconnecting all the elements that make up the network in question.
Now, referring to the uses of this type of computer network, it is first relevant to highlight that it can be developed specifically by a company, an organization for private employment or by an Internet provider. That way, could be used to :
- Cover and cross great distances , perfectly supporting a remarkable amount of data traffic. What happens when it comes to Internet service provider companies.
- Control an extraordinary amount of information required and managed by large companies and government organizations. This in the case of private WAN networks.
In short, WAN networks are the ones that enable the existence of the Internet and public access to all kinds of information . Therefore, today, the presence of these networks is necessary and very significant in the world.
What types of extended area networks exist?
It is no secret to anyone that, WAN networks show the ability to be the computer integration technology of the future , since they can allow instant communication to be even more effective in the world and in different sectors that develop day after day, such as work, documentation, shopping, entertainment, etc. Therefore, different types of WAN networks could be developed.
However, at present, extended area networks are basically classified into three very stringent types that we indicate below:
By packages
As the name implies, the information handled by this WAN network is divided into small parts or portions . Thus, when they reach their destination, they are integrated into the original message again. Therefore, may be faster than those mentioned above.
By circuits
As for this type of WAN, it refers to those dial-up networks that are responsible for receiving all bandwidth delivery at the time the telephone line is used. Therefore, they can occupy this line and thus, they are characterized by being truly slow .
By message
It is a type of WAN that consists of several computers that accept the traffic of each of the terminals of the network in question. In addition, they manage to manage the flow of information through messages , specifically. Which are automatically answered, redirected or deleted.
Components of a WAN network What do you need to create one?
In order to create a WAN network, requires the typical components that include the same . Bearing in mind that, a network of this class can be detailed, basically, as a group of individual networks that connect from very wide geographical distances .
In this sense, an extended area network is made up of:
- Two or more networks from independent local area . These are commonly known as LANs.
- The required amount of routers connected to each LAN .
- It is also very valuable to have access devices to the link connected to each router . These devices are identified as LADs.
- Wide area inter-network links that can be connected to each LAD used. It should be noted that the term “ inter-network ” refers to the combination of routers, LADs and links.
However, this combination “ inter-network ” when combined with independent LANs or local area networks, is what allows the creation of the WAN network. So all the indicated components are absolutely necessary to achieve this, since, with the minimum lack of any of them, the operation of the network would be truncated .
Apart from this, it is appropriate to indicate that LADs or link access devices play a very important role in the creation of a WAN. Since, they have the ability to convert the signals to transmit them from the LAN in a format that is compatible with the wide area inter-network link .
Thus, the clearest examples of LAD devices are the following:
- Modem
- Terminal Adapter ( TA )
- Data service unit / channel service unit ( DSU / CSU )
- Frame Relay access device ( FRAD )
- Packet assembler / disassembler ( PAD )
Further indicating that, the connections between these devices must be point-to-point through the intermediate network of a network service provider. Therefore, they communicate over a telecommunications circuit that can be permanent (data line contracted to a provider) or temporary (public switched telephone network), but always directly .