5.3.4 Wide Area Network Types

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to Wide Area Networks and their types, advantages, and management.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Links many Local Area Networks (LANs) together to cover huge areas, such as countries or the whole world.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Covers an area of a city, linking smaller LANs into one larger, centralized network.

Router

A device used to connect LANs to WANs and facilitate communication between different networks.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Allows users in remote locations to connect to a WAN using the Internet, providing secure access to network resources through data encryption.

Advantages of WANs

Provide seamless communication, shared applications, firewalls, and resources for users across an organization.

Example of a WAN

The Internet, which is a giant WAN that connects numerous smaller networks around the world.

Management of WANs

WANs are often managed from one central location, allowing IT teams to oversee the entire network effectively.

Cloud-based WANs

WANs that utilize cloud networks, like AWS, offering flexibility and consistent availability.