6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Wide Area Network | Limitations & Benefits of Wide Area Network

 

WAN: What is it?

Network of Wireless Areas (WAN) is a kind of network that offers speech, data, picture, and video transmission over a wide geographic region. It consists of combinations of LAN and MAN. Modems, routers, hubs, and switches are used to facilitate the transmission process.

What is the purpose of WAN?

It is one of these effective business tools that helps big companies interact more quickly and effectively within. Users may assume that WAN would be faultless given these kinds of advantages. Nevertheless, that is untrue. WAN offers benefits and drawbacks of its own that must be considered. To fully benefit from WAN, as with other technology tools, you must use it appropriately.


Let's examine the 6 Advantages and Disadvantages of Wide Area Network | Limitations & Benefits of Wide Area Network in this essay. You will learn about the pros and cons of WAN network use from this post.

Now let's get started,

Advantages of Wide Area Network

1. Area Coverage

Wide area networks (WANs) typically cover vast geographic areas, 1000 km or more. All of your branches can easily communicate with one another over WAN if your company's offices are spread out across multiple places. 

 

Internet service providers (ISPs) can offer leased lines for this use.


2. Centralized Data

By using WAN, you can share the data linked to every device within that specific network. You could set up a head office server and share the data with every office branch, for instance. 

 

Therefore, buying separate email, file, and backup servers is not necessary. Alternatively, you can use the head office server for all backup and support.


3. Updated Files

Users can access the servers' updated files and data over WAN. In order for all linked devices to obtain the updated files, businesses might work to update the files from the servers. And in a matter of seconds as well.


4. Increased Bandwidth

Corporate LANs frequently use leased lines to build the backbone of their own networks. More bandwidth is available when using leased lines as opposed to a regular broadband connection. In the end, there is observable productivity growth for businesses. 

 

5. Message Exchange

The development of LAN and Internet of Things (IoT) has led to an unexpected rise in WAN-based devices. As a result, messaging can be completed quickly with the aid of well-known apps like WhatsApp and Messenger.


6. Assured Uptime

The fact that WANs provide uptime guarantees is one of their greatest advantages. Uptime is provided weekly, quarterly, or annually by WAN providers. It is covered by the SLA. Whatever the industry, there is a guarantee of uptime. 

 

Disadvantages of Wide Area Network

1. Security

Compared to LAN and MAN, WAN experiences more security problems since it combines more technologies. This can create a security void that invites malicious assaults and identity theft. 

 

Furthermore, WANs have broad coverage, which users of various PCs may find detrimental.


2. Need of Security Solutions

As was already discussed, WAN regularly has security problems. most likely as a result of the data transfer, which gives hackers easy access. Therefore, the firewall needs to be turned on in every PC. 

 

Furthermore, there is a possibility of malevolent attacks. Thus, installing antivirus software is also necessary.


3. Installation Cost

WANs' inherent complexity stems mostly from their wide geographic reach. They are therefore costly to set up. WAN configuration necessitates the purchase of switches, routers, and security products.


4. Disconnection Problems

Certain places, particularly those that are isolated, lack a suitable electrical supply or grid infrastructure. Customers commonly have disconnection troubles as a result. Customers must buy a dedicated line from the ISP in order to eliminate this.


5. Troubleshooting Issues

It takes longer and is more difficult to troubleshoot WAN faults. Because of the network's extensive geographic coverage, it might be challenging to identify the precise cause of any problems. 

 

Additionally, WAN wires cross under the ocean. It can be difficult to fix those wires if they break because it takes a lot of resources.


6. Maintenance Issues

WAN maintenance is a challenging operation to complete. The most difficult task of all is maintaining a data center that is open around-the-clock. The work is full-time and requires support from technicians and network administrators.