WAN: Definition, Functions, How it Works and Its Advantages

WAN is an abbreviation of Wide Area Network. This network is usually used in various sectors, such as offices, education, business, and others that require the internet to get information or do a job. So, don’t be surprised if WAN is called a wide computer network.

WAN itself is divided into several examples, ranging from the internet and international companies. However, between the two examples of WAN, the internet is a WAN with the largest network area and can cover the whole international world. More fully, the internet is a collection of many international networks that are connected to each other.

Unfortunately, wide WAN coverage requires a very large cost. These cost factors usually depend on transmission speeds starting at 2 Mbps, 34 Mbps, 45 Mbps, 155 Mbps, 625 Mbps or even more.

What is a WAN Network?

In reaching internet needs in various sectors, WAN conditions are needed. According to the book Basic Introduction to Computer Networks, WAN is a computer network that has a wide scope reaching a country or even a continent. The existence of this network itself is due to the combined results of LAN and MAN.

In building your own WAN network, you need fiber optic cables, telephone cables, or you can also use satellites. Therefore, the range is very wide and requires a very large cost. Among the many types of computer networks, WAN networks have quite unique characteristics, including:

1. Networks used to connect devices that cannot be reached by other networks, such as LANs and MANs.
2. The network used to make connections over long distances.
3. Can send data packets between switches, routers, and between networks that have been built.
4. Networks used to access bandwidth over long distances required serial connections of various types.
5. Networks that work on the OSI layer in the physical layer and data link layer.

WAN Network Devices

In order to have this WAN network and make good use of it, several network devices are needed. The network devices consist of routers, modems, antennas, and so on. To get a more complete explanation, here are the WAN network devices, including:

1. Routers

Routers is a device that functions to transmit data packets from the internet network to other devices through the routing process. Not only that, the router also functions to support the network while doing its job, namely connectivity, flexibility, and so on.

2. Modems

Modem (modulator demodulator) is an electronic device used to connect computers, laptops, mobile phones or other devices to the internet. The modem also acts as a data sender on the telephone line by modulating and demodulating signals.

3. Antenna

The antenna is a sophisticated tool that was discovered through a process over a long period of time. The presence of an antenna certainly makes it easier for a communication tool to capture signals which are then transformed into images, writing, and sound.

Nevertheless, the antenna is not the main part of the WAN network, but is useful for spreading signals. Not only that, the antenna also makes the signal more stable and the range is quite wide.

WAN function

The main function of a WAN network is to connect one computer to another. However, besides these functions, there are more detailed functions of WAN networks, such as facilitating communication, integrating LAN & MAN, and so on. More clearly, here are some WAN functions, including:

1. Facilitate communication

WAN network coverage is quite wide, so that companies with several offices in different areas can communicate and carry out data transmission activities easily and quickly. Therefore, WAN networks greatly facilitate integration between devices because many computers are connected on the same network.

2. Integrate LAN & MAN

In addition to facilitating communication, WAN also functions to integrate LAN & MAN. That is, WAN becomes an integration bridge from networks that are smaller in scope, namely LAN and MAN networks. That way, companies can more easily get the latest information and updates.

3. Support the company’s operations

Another function of the WAN network is to support company operations. That way, both national and multinational companies, the company’s operations will run better. But before supporting the company’s operations, it is necessary to build a network that complies with existing regulations.

4. Reduce operational costs

In fact, at the beginning of building a WAN network, the costs that must be incurred are very large. However, this network is still relatively affordable for companies that are limited by countries or continents.

5. Improve network security

In addition, the WAN function is to improve network security. By using security technologies such as VPNs or firewalls, users can send and receive data safely and are protected from cyber attacks. So it is very important to avoid data leakage and loss of important information.

How WAN Networks Work

In the process, WAN networks use two components of communication technology, namely cable transmission and switching components. The transmission cable has the function of moving the bits from one computer to another. Meanwhile, the switching component is a component of a special computer that is used to connect two or more transmission cables.

To find out how a WAN network works, the following will explain in an example case, including:

1. A company will choose and place 1 server computer for its database access needs.
2. Then, the server computer will send database information and data packets to all networks that have been built according to the topology.
3. With the network topology that has been built, the client computer or user can access all information on the server computer even if it is outside the island or even between countries.

Advantages and Disadvantages of WANs

WAN networks do have many advantages and disadvantages that need to be known by its users. By knowing the advantages and disadvantages, prospective users can get a broader picture of the use of WAN networks in everyday life. In more detail, here are the advantages and disadvantages of WAN, including:

1. Excess WAN network

1. Used for transmission of files, data, and resources with a network of workstations.
2. Can get information in real time.
3. By utilizing workstations connections, WAN networks can be used to share resources or resources.
4. The bandwidth that can be used by WAN networks is very large.
5. WAN has a wide and large network system so that it can reach countries, continents, and even the whole world.

2. Lack of WAN network

1. The costs for network construction, facilities and maintenance are very high, due to its very wide coverage.
2. In terms of settings or settings, WAN networks are more difficult and complicated. The tools needed to build this network are also not cheap.
3. The wide coverage scale of the WAN network makes this network vulnerable to attacks and threats from the outside world such as hackers.
4. It is mandatory to use a firewall if you do not want the network to be disrupted.