What Is WAN (Wide Area Network)?

A wide-area network (WAN) is a computer network that connects smaller networks. Since WANs are not tied to a specific location, they allow localized networks to communicate with one another across great distances. They also facilitate communication and the sharing of information between devices from anywhere in the world.

After knowing the answer to "what does WAN stand for?" the next question is "what is a WAN network technology used for?"  

WANs allow organizations to create unified networks so that employees, customers, and other stakeholders can work together online, regardless of location.

1. In an enterprise, a WAN is created to connect branch offices with one another or to connect remote employees working at home with the company's main office. In a university or campus setting, students might rely on WANs to access library databases or university research.  
2. A bank, including its branch offices and ATM machines, is another example of an organization using a WAN. The branches may be in multiple U.S. states, or even global locations, but they are all linked through various secure connections. Both bank employees and customers are users. 
3. It can be said that the internet is the world’s largest WAN because it’s the largest and most diverse form of a computer network in the world.
    

Though WANs cover a wide area, connections can be either wired or wireless. Wired WANs usually consist of broadband internet services and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS), which is a form of data-forwarding technology used to control traffic flow and speed up connection, while wireless WANs normally include 4G/5G and Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks.  

The pros generally revolve around security. In a wired network architecture, devices must be physically wired into the network, making it more difficult for cyber attackers to gain unauthorized access. Additionally, with a physical connection required, organizations can control the number of devices that have access to the network. With fewer devices accessing the network, the risk of malware potentially infecting the infrastructure is reduced. 

The other benefit is speed. Unlike a wireless system that can be subject to outside interference, a wired network allows for a faster connection.  

The cons involve hardware. The more cabled connections, the more wires to manage. Further, when using a cabled network, employees can only gain access when there is a physical connection available, limiting mobility.

The benefits of a wireless WAN are the opposite. The workplace can be anywhere, giving employees flexibility. The cons include both risks, as wireless networks are generally more vulnerable to attacks, and speed, as wireless networks are often slower. 

To reduce costs, an organization might lease its WAN infrastructure as a service from a third-party service provider. The WAN may operate over a dedicated, private channel, or in a hybrid scenario, have parts of it operating via a shared, public medium like the internet.