Wide Area Network facts for kids
A Wide Area Network, or WAN, is a large computer network. It connects many smaller networks together. Think of it like connecting several cities with highways. These networks often belong to the same company or school. They can span across cities, countries, or even the world.
WANs help people and computers in different places talk to each other. For example, a company with offices in New York and London uses a WAN. This lets employees share files and information easily. Many WANs are private, built just for one organization. Others are built by Internet service providers (ISPs). These ISPs connect an organization's local network to the Internet.
How WANs Connect Places
WANs often use special connections called "leased lines." Imagine these as dedicated phone lines. They are always open for data traffic. These lines can be quite expensive. Because of the cost, other methods are also used. These include "circuit switching" or "packet switching." These methods are often more affordable.
Sending Information on a WAN
To send information across a WAN, special rules are needed. These rules are called "network protocols." One very important protocol is called TCP/IP. It helps make sure data gets from one place to another correctly. Other protocols are used by service providers. They help create the links that form the WAN.
Why WANs are Important
WANs are super important in today's world. They allow global communication and collaboration. Without them, large companies couldn't operate across different locations. Schools couldn't connect their campuses. And the internet itself, which is the biggest WAN, wouldn't exist! They make it possible to share resources and information widely.
See also
In Spanish: Red de área amplia para niños
