Q. Explain about Wide Area Network?

Wide Area Network (WAN) usually refers to a network, which covers a large geographical area as well as use communications subnets (circuits) to connect intermediate nodes. A major factor which impacts WAN design and performance is a requirement that they lease communication subsets from telephone companies or other communications carriers. Transmission rates are generally 2 Mbps, 34 Mbps, 155 Mbps, 625 Mbps (or sometimes considerably more). Elementary purpose of subnet is to transmit message from one end to another end via intermediate nodes.

In most WAN a subnet comprises two types of elements: (i) Transmission lines (ii) Switching element.

Transmission lines also known as channels move about from one machine to another machine. The fundamental purpose of switching element is to select outgoing path for forwarding the message.

Many WANs have been constructed, including large corporate networks, public switched networks, banking networks, military networks, stock brokerage networks as well as airline reservation networks. A WAN is entirely owned and used by a single company is often referred to as an enterprises network.