N-GEN Communications Web-based Seminars ©NGCS

Seminar - An Overview of Communications Technologies

Module 7 - LAN, WAN, VPN, WLAN, MAN, FDDI and Optical MANS                                                      Slide 22 of 45 _________________                                                                                  __________

                                    What is a WAN ?

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A WAN connects two or more geographically located remote networks. This term commonly refers to connecting remote LANs. The distances between LANs are beyond the capabilities of LAN technologies. A WAN is different than a LAN and a MAN. WAN uses specialized data carrier technologies to connect dispersed LANs.  Normally a WAN in a city is referred to a MAN.

A WAN uses a variety of connections including telephone facilities, leased lines and cable TV networks facilities.