WANs
Large-scale computer networks
WANs is the plural of WAN, a wide area network—a computer network spanning large geographic distances, connecting local networks across cities, countries, or continents.
The internet is the largest WAN.
Organizations use private WANs to link offices: The company's WANs connect headquarters to regional branches worldwide.
Packet-forwarding network device
- switchCircuit-breaking toggle device
- firewallNetwork access control system
- modemDigital-to-analog signal converter
- gatewayPoint of access
protocol · TCP/IP · VPN · ATM · packet · topology · infrastructure · datacenter
Fast internet access
- DSLTelephone-line broadband service
- cableHeavy-duty woven line
- satelliteOrbiting celestial body
- 4GFourth-generation mobile technology
5G · wireless · fiber-optic · dial-up · T1 · T3 · microwave · cellular
Data transmission capacity
- latencyDelay in system response
- throughputProcessing rate over time
- MbpsMegabits per second
- GbpsData transmission speed unit
ping · jitter · packet loss · data transfer · uptime · reliability · optimization · load balancing
Remote corporate location
- headquartersCentral command location
- private networkRestricted-access communication system
- intranetOrganization's internal web system
- extranetExternal-facing private network
Spanning multiple continents
- transoceanicCrossing a major sea
- cross-borderSpanning national boundaries
- internationalConcerning relations among countries
- regionalRelating to an area
metropolitan · long-haul · undersea cable · satellite link · terrestrial · nationwide
router
Packet-forwarding network device
- switchCircuit-breaking toggle device
- firewallNetwork access control system
- modemDigital-to-analog signal converter
gateway · protocol · TCP/IP · VPN · ATM · packet · topology · infrastructure · datacenter · Ethernet
broadband
Fast internet access
4G · 5G · wireless · fiber-optic · dial-up · T1 · T3 · microwave · cellular · ISDN
bandwidth
Data transmission capacity
- latencyDelay in system response
- throughputProcessing rate over time
- MbpsMegabits per second
Gbps · ping · jitter · packet loss · data transfer · uptime · reliability · optimization · load balancing · compression
branch office
Remote corporate location
- headquartersCentral command location
- private networkRestricted-access communication system
- intranetOrganization's internal web system
intercontinental
Spanning multiple continents
- transoceanicCrossing a major sea
- cross-borderSpanning national boundaries
- internationalConcerning relations among countries
regional · metropolitan · long-haul · undersea cable · satellite link · terrestrial · nationwide
Self-sufficient computing arrangements