wide area network
Cross-country digital infrastructure
A wide area network is a computer network spanning a large geographic area, connecting devices across cities, countries, or continents.
The Internet is the most prominent example.
Wide area networks contrast with local area networks, which connect devices within a building or campus.
Usually abbreviated WAN.
Vertebral column, or courage
- routerPacket-forwarding network device
- switchCircuit-breaking toggle device
- gatewayPoint of access
- fiber-opticLight-carrying cable technology
satellite · microwave · ATM · ISDN · hub · repeater · bridge · modem
Encrypted network connection
- telecommutingEmployment from afar
- remote desktopSoftware for distant computer control
- SSHCryptographic remote access protocol
- dial-upPhone-line internet connection
branch office · telework · off-site · zero trust · authentication · access control
Data transmission capacity
- latencyDelay in system response
- throughputProcessing rate over time
- jitterSmall, rapid variation
- packet lossFailed data delivery
uptime · redundancy · failover · load balancing · mesh · point-to-point · multipoint · dedicated line
Central command location
- multinationalOperating across multiple countries
- ISPWeb access company
- carrierOne that transports
- service providerEntity delivering ongoing services
backbone
Vertebral column, or courage
fiber-optic · satellite · microwave · ATM · ISDN · hub · repeater · bridge · modem · access point
VPN
Encrypted network connection
- telecommutingEmployment from afar
- remote desktopSoftware for distant computer control
- SSHCryptographic remote access protocol
dial-up · branch office · telework · off-site · zero trust · authentication · access control
bandwidth
Data transmission capacity
- latencyDelay in system response
- throughputProcessing rate over time
- jitterSmall, rapid variation
packet loss · uptime · redundancy · failover · load balancing · mesh · point-to-point · multipoint · dedicated line
headquarters
Central command location
- multinationalOperating across multiple countries
- ISPWeb access company
- carrierOne that transports
TCP/IP
Internet's core protocol suite
wide area networklocal area network
Nearby devices connected together
LAN · PAN · home network · office network · intranet
wide, area, network, widen, wider, widest, widely, width, wideness