WAN, or wide area network, connects networks across large geographic areas. Learn what a WAN is, how it works, and how it compares to LANs.

In its simplest form, a wide-area network (WAN) is a collection of local-area networks (LANs) or other networks that communicate with one another. A WAN is essentially a network of networks, with the …

WANs are used to connect LANs and other types of networks together so that users and computers in one location can communicate with users and computers in other locations.

For example, businesses with many international branch offices use a WAN to connect office networks together. The world’s largest WAN is the internet because it is a collection of many international …

Wide Area Network (WAN) is a telecommunication network that is used to simply extend a LAN over a large geographical distance. Technically, two or more local area networks can be connected via …

WAN connections serve to link multiple LANs, extending network access across significant geographical distances. This interconnection helps organizations achieve several key objectives.

Wide area networks (WANs) function by connecting a series of LANs across a geographical area, enabling devices using the LANs to exchange information and resources through a service provider.

Jul 2, 2025 · A LAN is two or more devices connected together, while a WAN is two or more LANs connected together. A LAN connects two or more devices together using a device called a switch, …

Oct 24, 2024 · SD-WAN uses software to manage WAN connections. It provides centralized control and real-time routing. Businesses use SD-WAN to boost performance while managing costs. It routes …

Nov 25, 2024 · A wide area network spans a large geographic area such as a city, state, or country. It can be private to connect parts of a business, or it can be public to connect smaller networks.