Wide Area Network (WAN):
- WAN interconnects different Sites, User Terminals, and enable LANs to Communicate with each other.
- They exist in an unlimited geographical area.
- Used to Communicate to Nationwide or Worldwide.
- Transmission medium used are Telephone Lines, microwave and Satellite links.
- Devices used are HUB, Switches, Routers (etc.)
- Speed of Data Transmission is 1800 to 9600 bits per second.
- Very High Installation cost as Compare to LANs.
- Not owned by a single organization.
- Complex structure than LAN
- There is more chance of errors due to the distance data travels.
- Success Rate of Data Transmission is less than LAN.
- (e.g.) Internet, Network of all Branches of a Bank.