Lesson 9 Introducing Wide Area Networks

Estimated Duration: 35 minutes

Diagram showing a WAN connecting to smaller LANs. — VTECH Vector and Footage/Shutterstock

Defining Wide Area Networks

A wide area network (WAN) connects computers and devices across long distances, sometimes across cities, countries, or even continents. Large companies with offices in different locations often use a WAN to link their local networks (LANs) together. This allows employees in different cities or countries to work together and access shared resources, like files, printers, or cloud-based applications.

With the right permissions, users in one location can open files or use tools stored in another location, just as if they were on the same local network.

From the user’s point of view, working on a WAN feels the same as working on a LAN; it’s seamless and doesn’t require them to know where files or programs are physically stored.

Once a WAN is set up, the goal is for users to not even notice that they’re working with remote systems. As long as the connection is reliable and fast, they can access everything they need without worrying about where it’s located.

How is a WAN Controlled?

Graphic showing system administrator upkeeping NOS. — Buravleva stock/Shutterstock

Just like a LAN, a WAN is managed by a network operating system (NOS). But because WANs cover a much larger area and often support thousands of users and devices, the NOS plays an even more important role.

The NOS helps network administrators organize users, assign permissions, and protect sensitive data. It also ensures that files, devices, and services across the entire network are available to those who need them without slowing down the system or risking security.

Thanks to powerful NOS tools and modern cloud infrastructure, WANs are more secure, efficient, and easier to manage than ever before.

Creating WANs

In the past, creating a wide area network (WAN) meant physically connecting multiple local area networks (LANs) using high-speed communication lines called backbones.

Organizations would connect to these backbones at special access points known as points of presence (POPs). While this still happens today in some cases, many modern WANs are now built and managed using cloud-based technology, offering greater flexibility, lower costs, and easier setup.

Cloud-Based WANs

Graphic showing Google Cloud. — ArsalArts/Shutterstock

Today’s WANs often use cloud services like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure to host applications and store files.

This means users in different locations can access the same tools and data over the internet rather than through a traditional physical connection. These cloud-based WANs are scalable, cost-effective, and easier to manage, especially for businesses and schools with many users in different places.