What is a WAN and how does it work?
The internet is a WAN because, using ISPs, it connects many smallerlocal area networksor metro area networks.
The WAN, in this case, connects those sections of the business.
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This framework protects communications between sites.
Therefore,fiber optic cablesare sometimes used to facilitate communication between the WAN links.
Older X.25 networks used 56 Kbps dial-up modem connections.
The Quality of Service feature of MPLS was key to its success.
Triple-play web link services built on MPLS increased in popularity during the 2000s and eventually replaced Frame Relay.
Long-distance, point-to-point Ethernet links can also be used to build dedicated wide area networks.
Problems With Wide Area Networks
WANs are more expensive than home or corporate intranets.
WANs that cross international and other territorial boundaries fall under different legal jurisdictions.
Disputes can arise between governments over ownership rights and data pipe usage restrictions.
Global WANs require the use of undersea internet cables to communicate across continents.
Undersea cables are subject to sabotage and unintentional breaks from ships and weather conditions.
Compared to underground landlines, undersea cables tend to take longer and cost more to repair.
