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.