What is a Wide Area Network?

A Wide Area Network is a large-scale telecommunications network that connects smaller, localized networks over a significant geographical distance. It works by using service provider circuits to link corporate headquarters, branch offices, and remote workers, allowing them to communicate and share information securely. Understanding what is a wide area network is crucial for any IT leader, as these systems form the essential infrastructure for modern business operations and resource sharing.

Types of Wide Area Networks

Historically, the most common type of wan was Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), known for its reliability and security. This traditional wan definition focused on private circuits connecting corporate sites.

Today, Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN) offer more flexibility by using various connections, including the public internet. These modern wans help to define wan in a more software-centric way.

It is also important to understand the wan vs lan distinction. A LAN connects local devices, while a WAN connects multiple LANs over large geographic areas.

Advantages of Wide Area Networks

A well-structured WAN provides numerous benefits for a distributed organization. Understanding what is a wide area network and its advantages is key to scaling business operations effectively.

• Centralization: Manage IT infrastructure and data from a single location.
• Scalability: Easily add new branch offices or remote users to the network.
• Security: Enforce uniform security policies across all connected sites.
• Collaboration: Share files, applications, and resources among geographically dispersed teams.
• Reach: Connect with employees, customers, and partners regardless of their physical location.

Wide Area Network vs. Software-Defined Networking

While they are related, understanding the difference between a traditional wide area network and software-defined networking is key to choosing the right architecture.

• Hardware-centric: Traditional WANs rely on physical hardware and dedicated circuits. This makes them highly reliable and secure, which is often a priority for large enterprises, but they can be rigid and costly to scale.
• Software-centric: SDN abstracts network control from the underlying hardware, offering greater flexibility and centralized management. This approach is ideal for companies needing to manage hybrid networks or adapt quickly, though it introduces a different layer of complexity.

Common Uses of Wide Area Networks

Wide Area Networks are the backbone for many critical business functions, enabling companies to operate across multiple locations. They are essential for connecting distributed teams and centralizing access to corporate resources.

• Connectivity: Linking branch offices, data centers, and cloud environments into a single, cohesive network.
• Collaboration: Facilitating real-time communication and data sharing through applications like VoIP, video conferencing, and shared databases.
• Access: Providing secure remote access for employees to internal applications and resources from anywhere in the world.

Challenges and Considerations for Wide Area Networks

While powerful, implementing and managing a wide area network comes with its own set of hurdles. Organizations must carefully consider these factors to ensure their network supports business goals effectively.

• Cost: High expenses for deployment, dedicated circuits, and ongoing maintenance.
• Complexity: Managing diverse hardware, software, and carrier relationships across multiple sites.
• Security: Protecting data from threats across a broad attack surface.
• Performance: Battling latency and bandwidth issues that can impact application responsiveness.
• Management: Requiring significant IT resources for monitoring, troubleshooting, and administration.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wide Area Network

How do I know if my business needs a WAN?

If your business has multiple locations that need to share resources, understanding what is a wide area network is your first step. It connects these disparate sites into a single, cohesive network, which is essential for distributed operations and secure data sharing.

Is the public internet considered a WAN?

Yes, the internet is the largest example of a WAN. However, when businesses procure a “WAN service,” they typically mean a private network that uses dedicated circuits or secure tunnels over the internet for improved performance, reliability, and security.

What is the best way to manage multiple WAN carriers?

Juggling multiple carriers often leads to billing and support headaches. Using a dedicated software platform can centralize procurement and management, simplifying the entire lifecycle and giving you clear visibility over all your services, contracts, and locations.

Automate your enterprise telecom management with Lightyear today

Automate your enterprise telecom lifecycle with software that uses the best network and pricing intelligence on the market. Drive savings across procurement, inventory management, and bill payment for your internet, WAN, voice, and colocation services with Lightyear. Sign up for a free account to get started.