Computer Network Tutorial

Introduction of Computer Network Types of Computer Network Network Topology Computer Networking Architecture Transmission Modes (Data Flow) Basic Networking Devices Integrate Services Digital Network (ISDN)

Model

OSI Model TCP/IP Model

Physical Layer

Digital Transmission Analog Transmission Transmission Media Switching

Data Link Layer

Error detection and Error correction Data Link Control Multiple Access Aloha

Network Layer

Network Layer - Logical Address Address Mapping Unicast Routing Protocol

Transport Layer

Process to Process Delivery User Datagram Protocol Transmission Control Protocol Stream Control Transmission Protocol Session Layer and Presentation Layer

Application Layer

Domain Name System Application Protocol E-mail Cryptography

Misc

Classes of Routing Protocols Classification of Routing Algorithms Controlled Access Protocols in Computer Networks Differences between IPv4 and IPv6 Fixed and Flooding Routing Algorithms Advantages and Disadvantages of Fibre Optics Cable APIPA Difference between Active and Passive FTP Fiber Optics and its Types Method of Joining and Fusion of Fiber Optic Cable Define Framing in Computer Network Disadvantages of Computer Network Mesh Topology Diagram in Computer Network Ring Topology in Computer Network Star Topology in Computer Networks 4G Mobile Communication Technology Advantages and Disadvantages of LAN Advantages and Disadvantages of MAN Advantages and Disadvantages of WAN Application Layer in OSI Model Cyclic Redundancy Check Example Data link layer in OSI model Difference between Transport and Network Layer Hamming Code Example Network Layer in OSI Model Session Layer in OSI Model Transport Layer in OSI Model Two Port Network in Computer Networks Uses of Computer Networks What is Computer Network What is Framing in a Computer Network Advantages and Disadvantages of Bus Topology Difference between Star Topology and Bus Topology Subnetting in Computer Network Subnetting Questions and Answers What is Bus Topology What is Network Topology and Types in Computer Networks Access Control in Networking Basic Characteristics of Computer Network Benefits of SOCKS5 Proxy in Computer Networks Computer Network viva Questions Difference between BOOTP and RARP Difference Between Network Topologies and Network Protocols Difference between NFC and RFID Difference Between Point-to-Point Link and star Topology Network Differences Between MSS and MTU Differences Between Trunk Port and Access Port Different Modes of Communication in Computer Networks MIME Protocol in Computer Networks Modes of Communication in Computer Networks Network Attack in Computer Network Port Address in Networking Simplest Protocol in Computer Network Sliding Window Protocol in Computer Network Stop And Wait Protocol in Computer Networks TCP 3-Way Handshake Process in Computer Networks What is a Proxy Server What is APPN What is ICMP Protocol What is Point-to-Point Protocol What is Port Address in Networking What is the HDLC Protocol What is VRRP Protocol Difference Between Analog and Digital Signals Difference Between Hub and Repeater Difference between Repeater and Switch Difference Between Transparent Bridge and Source Routing Bridge Source Routing Bridge in Computer Networks Transparent Bridge in Computer Networks Transport Protocol in Computer Networks Types of CSMA in Computer Networks What is Wired and Wireless Networking Network Security in Computer Network Disadvantages of Extranet Difference Between TELNET and FTP Define Protocol in Computer Networks Guided Transmission Media in Computer Network What is a Gateway in a Computer Network IGMP in Computer Networks LAN Protocols in Computer Networks MAN Meaning in Computer Modulation Techniques in Computer Networks Switching in DCN TCP/IP Applications What is IGMP? What is Modem in Networking What is Non-Persistent CSMA Difference between Cell Splitting and Cell Sectoring Forouzen Computer Network

Advantages and Disadvantages of WAN

Before we move to advantages and disadvantages of WAN, first we discuss about what is WAN and what are its features.

A wide area network is a vast network of information that is not connected to a single location. WAN can facilitate worldwide device communication, information exchange, and much more.

The fact that the Internet is the largest WAN in the world means that in addition to being vital for daily use, WANs can also be important for international businesses. Continue reading to learn more about WANs, their uses, how they differ from other networks, and how they might benefit businesses and individuals.

Wide Area Networks are telecommunications networks that connect hardware devices or computer peripherals from different locations all over the world. WAN is currently the most used and largest type of computer network.

These networks are usually built by service providers, who then lease out their wide-area networks (WANs) to organizations like businesses, colleges, governments, or the general public. It does not matter that where the WANs are located, if the clients have access to running WAN, then they can use the network to communicate with other users or store data on the devices.

Wide Area Network Features

  • The biggest network is the wide area network.
  • It is also possible to connect two nations using WAN.
  • A wide area network can also connect tens of thousands of machines.
  • The initial cost of constructing a WAN network is significant.

Advantages of WAN

Following are the some advantages or benefits of the Wide Area Network (WAN):

  • Efficiency: WAN increases the efficiency. The centralized IT infrastructure can provide customers with a better service because it can utilize all available bandwidth and capacity. With this, you can convey information more swiftly and effectively.
  • Speed: You don't need to worry about the speed of your network connection when having a simple conversation online with someone in a different country or even on a different continent. You can send communications quickly and easily using WAN technology while retaining confidentiality and anonymity.
  • Communication: This type of network allows you to communicate with anyone on the planet via a computer or cell phone at any time by the extensive geographic coverage provided by this technology. You'll have immediate access.

  • Make information available to a large audience: Using this technology, you may easily share information with large number of users on social media platforms anywhere in the world, and you won't have to worry about your internet connection speed slowing down because there isn't enough bandwidth or capacity to handle all concurrent users. Through WAN networks, you can share software and computer resources with others.
  • File Storing and Resource Sharing: With the help of WAN, we may safely keep all of our files on a single server computer and share the resources to others. Other computers connected to the WAN can uses the resources available on the server. You can use WAN to download new files and data from the server. All associated devices can instantly access the new file if the server's data is changed.
  • Purchasing and Selling Goods: Using WAN networks, entrepreneurs may now sell and purchase the goods online within their city, state, country and outside country.
  • Connect Nation: The WAN, which is the biggest network, can link two or more nations.

Disadvantages of WAN

Following are the some disadvantages or limitations of the Wide Area Network (WAN):

  • Security Issue: The main disadvantage of WAN is that it faces more security issues because it uses more technologies than LAN and MAN. This could lead to a security gap that opens the door to malicious attacks and identity theft. Furthermore, the WAN has extensive coverage that users of other workstations can negatively exploit.
  • WAN is a vast network, so compared to other networks, its data transfer speed is slower.
  • Require Firewall: As was already mentioned, Wide Area Network has security issues. Most likely due to data transit, which hackers might easily obtain. Therefore, every PC needs to have its firewall enabled. Furthermore, destructive attacks may take place. Therefore, the WHO must also install antivirus software or firewalls.
  • High Cost to Setup: WANs are inherently complicated and broad in their geographic scope. As a result, huge money is required to install a WAN. Setting up a WAN requires the purchase of routers, switches, and security equipment.
  • Connection problems: Several locations need more energy or line structure, especially in remote areas. So, customers face the connection problems or errors.
  • Maintenance issues: Maintenance is the biggest disadvantage of the WAN which require an experienced network administration to run the network efficiently.