WAN(Wide Area Network)

WAN short form of wide area network.This type of network covers a large area.It connects
computer and other devices in different cities and countries.WAN usually consists of several
LANs connected together.Computers in a WAN are often connected through telephone lines.
They can also be connected through leased lines or satellites.WAN can reach the parts of the
world that is not possible with LANs.WAN is expensive than LAN.WAN is not as fast as LAN.
The transmission rate of WAN is typically 56 Kbps to 50 Mbps.

Advantages of WAN
Some important advantages of WAN are as follows:

1.communication Facility:A big company may exist at multiple locations in a country.The
employees can communicate using WAN.It saves long distance phone calls and etc.Video
conferencing is another use of WAN where users can communicate through their computer
system.
2.Remote Data Entry:Remote data entry is possible in WAN.The user can sit at any location
and enter,Update and process data on any computer attached to WAN.For example,the user
can access the data on a computer located at any city and while sitting in other city.

3.Centralized Data:The centralized data storage is an important advantage of WAN.It means
that data can be stored in single location even if the organization is spread over many cities.
WAN can manage critical data in a better way by storing it at a centralized server.The
centralized data can be shared among different users anywhere in the world.

4.Entertainment:WAN such as the Internet can provide many types of games and songs
entertainment to the user.Many multi-player games are available that can be played over WAN.

Disadvantages of WAN
some important disadvantages of WAN are as follows:

1.Hardware,software & Setup Costs:Setting up a WAN requires an investment in hardware,software,planning,designing and implementing.The cost of devices used in WAN
is very expensive.
2.Hardware & Software Management Costs:Managing a WAN is complicated.It requires
intensive training.A network manager usually needs to be employed.
3.Data Security Concerns:A poorly-secured WAN puts critical data at risk.It may expose
data to hackers,unauthorized access and even sabotage.Virus can spread quickly across the
WAN if it enters the central backing store.
4.Failure of server:If a server fails,all computers connected with the server are affected.