In networking, a network is classified into several types, such as LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), WLAN(Wireless Local Area Network), MAN(Metropolitan Area Network), CAN (Campus Area Network) and so on. Now We talk about the WAN(Wide Area Network) and its advantages here today.
What is WAN?
A wide area network (WAN) is a network that exists over a large-scale geographical area. A WAN connects different smaller networks, including local area networks (LANs) and metro area networks (MANs). This ensures that computers and users in one location can communicate with computers and users in other locations. WAN implementation can be done either with the help of the public transmission system or a private network.
Advantages of WANS
WANS benefit our network business a lot, they make it possible to communicate internally faster and more efficiently.
- Centralizes IT infrastructure
It considered to be the top advantage. A WAN eliminates the need to buy email or file servers for each office. Instead, you only have to set up one at your head office’s data center. Setting up a WAN also simplifies server management, since you won’t have to support, back-up, host, or physically protect several units. Also, setting up a WAN provides significant economies of scale by providing a central pool of IT resources the whole company can tap into.
- Increases bandwidth
Corporate WANS often use leased lines instead of broadband connections to form the backbone of their networks. Using leased lines offers several pluses for a company, including higher upload speeds than your typical broadband connections. Corporate WANS also generally offer unlimited monthly data transfer limits, so you can use these links as much as you like without boosting costs. Improved communications not only increase efficiency but also boost productivity.
- Eliminates Need for ISDN
WANs can cut costs by eliminating the need to rent expensive ISDN circuits for phone calls. Instead, you can have your WAN carry them. If your WAN provider “prioritizes voice traffic,” you probably won’t see any drop off in voice quality, either. You may also benefit from much cheaper call rates when compared to calls made using ISDN circuits. Some companies use a hybrid approach. They have inbound calls come over ISDN and outbound calls go over the WAN. This approach won’t save you as much money, but it will still lower your bill.
- Guaranteed uptime
Many WAN providers offer business-class support. That means you get a specific amount of uptime monthly, quarterly, or yearly as part of your SLA. They may also offer you round the clock support. Guaranteed uptime is a big plus no matter what your industry. Let’s face it. No company can afford to be down for any length of time in today’s business environment given the stringent demands of modern customers.
- Cuts costs, increase profits
In addition to eliminating the need for ISDN, WANs can help you cut costs and increase profits in a wide variety of other ways. For example, WANS eliminate or significantly reduce the costs of gathering teams from different offices in one location. Your marketing team in the United States can work closely with your manufacturing team in Germany using video conferencing and email. Saving on the travel costs alone could make investing in a WAN a viable option for you.
- Boosts your privacy
Setting up a WAN allows you to share sensitive data with all your sites without having to send the information over the Internet. Having your WAN encrypt your data before you send it adds an extra layer of protection for any confidential material you may be transferring. With so many hackers out there just dying to steal sensitive corporate data, a business needs all the protection it can get from network intrusions.
WANS also provide some key technical advantages as well. In addition to providing support for a wide variety of applications and a large number of terminals, WANs allow companies to expand their networks through plug-in connections over locations and boost interconnectivity by using gateways, bridges, and routers. Plus, by centralizing network management and monitoring of use and performance, WANS ensure maximum availability and reliability.