Wide-Area Network

Wide-Area Network is a Network of Computers spread across cities,  countries, continents, and the world. The Network is present over a wide area indeed.

WAN can be thought to be an information system. This information system is based on Computers. These Computers are somehow connected.

A LAN ( Local Area Network ) may be connected on WAN ( Wide-Area Network). LANs are marked by Personal Computers ( PCs ) or microcomputers. These Personal Computers ( PCs ) become a part of WAN.

Mainframe Computers may also be connected on WAN. WAN supports Mainframe Computers as well.

WAN Computers use communication media to connect with each other. Communication media is used to share information. Communication media supported by WAN are:

A ) Lines or Trunks 

B ) Satellites 

C) Microwave

D) Medium and Long Range Radio Waves

WAN communication takes time. Information travels from one Computer to another. There is some delay in this communication process. It is natural because such activity starts, continues, and stops. So, we can see that there is something that is done and we can call it transportation of information. Transport service  cannot be completed without consumption of  time.

WAN may use dedicated communication lines.These lines serve to link and help the WAN Computers in the communication process. Data is sent over such lines. The path of communication is reserved. For the entire  communication process the lines are active to support data communication.

WAN may use communication lines that are set up for a certain time. Communication process is completed using these lines. WAN Computers participate in communication and share information. The set up lines are temporary indeed. When no longer needed they cannot be said to form a connection. The communication lines are broken, we can say. When needed, the lines are set up.