Wide Area Network Types

Definition and Overview
- WANs link multiple Local Area Networks (LANs) together, covering vast areas, such as countries or globally.
Structure of WANs
- In an enterprise, multiple LANs (e.g., from headquarters and branch offices) are interconnected.
- Routers facilitate the connections; dedicated telecommunications lines may also be utilized.
Management
- WANs are centrally managed, enabling IT teams to oversee the entire network from a single location.
- Uniform rules apply across geographical locations, simplifying management.
Advantages of WANs
- Enables seamless communication and information sharing across the organization.
- Users can access the same applications, firewalls, and resources regardless of location.
VPN Usage
- Many WANs are paired with Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) for secure remote access, employing data encryption to maintain privacy.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
- A MAN links smaller LANs within a city; larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN.
- Commonly implemented by educational institutions or larger municipalities.
Cloud-based WANs
- Example: Amazon Web Services (AWS) utilizes cloud infrastructure for flexibility in scaling.
Internet as a WAN
- The Internet functions as a large WAN connecting various smaller networks globally.
- Unlike many WANs that are privately owned, the Internet is publicly accessible.
Definition of a MAN
- A MAN covers an area of a city, typically not exceeding tens of kilometers.