What is a WAN (Wide Area Network)?

Understanding the basics of WAN (Wide Area Network) is very important in the modern IT world. In this article, I will give you a comprehensive overview of WAN, from its basic definition to various topologies and network types.

Additionally, if you want to expand your networking knowledge, I recommend that you know these structures. Now, let’s dive into the world of WAN networking and explore the potential of these structures together!

What is a WAN Network?

WAN (Wide Area Network) connects computers in large geographical areas. These areas can cover hundreds or even thousands of square kilometers.

We also use WAN networks to run user programs. We can usually refer to terminal equipment as nodes or hosts. The communication subnet provides communication between hosts. In this case, WAN consists of transmission lines and routers.

Different subnets can be combined to form more extensive wide-area networks. For example, this combination is the Internet environment. We usually connect hosts to WANs via LAN (Local Area Network).

However, we can also connect terminals directly to a router in the WAN network. However, when a host sends a data packet, routers store these packets.

It then forwards the packet to the next router over the appropriate transmission line. In short, this process continues until it reaches the destination.

Creating a Wide Area Network – WAN

This networking infrastructure consists of ECDs connected by high-speed leased channels. Each ECD is responsible for the correct routing of data. It also provides support to the computers and terminals of end users.

On the other hand, the ETD provides support functions to the user terminals. This support function is sometimes called PAD. Finally, the ECD isolates the ETDs from the structure. The Network Control Center is responsible for the efficiency and reliability of the network.

Switching Lines Classification

• Switched Lines: These are lines that require a code to communicate with the other end of the connection.
• Dedicated Lines: These are communication lines that provide a permanent connection between two or more points. So these can be two or four wires.
• Point-to-Point Lines: Two DTE Connections are Multipoint Lines: Three or more DTEs.
• Digital Lines: In these types of lines, we transmit bits in the form of digital signals. However, we represent each bit with a voltage variation. So, we do this through digital coding.

What are WAN Network Types?

1) Switched by Circuits

In this type of WAN, we first use a paging method to communicate. Then, when the connection works smoothly, we provide a direct connection to the users through different parts of the web.

2) Switched by Message

This type of network accepts traffic from computers and terminals connected to the switch. The computer examines the address specified in the message header and forwards it to the DTE.

This technology allows the information to be recorded and stored later. Therefore, the user can delete, store, forward, or reply to the message.

3) Package Switched

In a packet-switching network, we divide user data into small pieces. Then, these pieces work independently in the structure along with the protocol information.

4) Connection-Oriented Networks

These networks are based on the concept of a virtual circuit or channel. Users use resources as if they were private when, in reality, they are shared with others.

5) Non-connection Oriented Networks

These networks transfer data directly from the free state. They do not provide general acknowledgment, flow control, or error recovery for all webs.

However, these functions are available for each connection. For example, we can, of course, say the Internet.

6) Public Telephone Switching Network – PSTN

In this WAN structure, they were initially designed for voice and analog systems. Switching involves establishing a connection by dialing a number that corresponds to the numerical identification of the target point.

What are WAN Topologies?

A WAN network offers different physical topologies based on the layout of routers and subnets. These topologies vary depending on the shape and connectivity of devices.

1. Point-to-Point Network

We observe that in the PPP structures, each node is connected to other nodes using dedicated circuits that are constantly present between the two points.

2. Ring Network

In a ring design, nodes are formed by lines that form a ring. They can send packets to their destinations in both directions of the ring.

3. Ring Intersecting Network

A two-ring topology consists of one or more devices.

4. Tree Network

Nodes are hierarchical in the form of a tree, meaning that packets are sent to other branches by passing them through higher nodes.

5. Fully Connected Tree Network

In fully connected designs, each node is directly connected to other nodes in the network.

6. Star Network

A central node provides connectivity between all other nodes.

7. Irregular Network

The combination of subnetworks with different topologies forms the WAN topology. These areas are irregular and have no apparent pattern.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of WAN Topologies?

The topology selection for the WAN network is essential for its performance, reliability, and cost. Therefore, you should know the advantages and disadvantages of these topologies for both your structure and your business.

1) Point-to-Point Topology

In a point-to-point topology, we connect two nodes directly. In fact, we implement this structure with leased lines, VPNs, or dedicated circuits.

Pros:

• Simplicity: Easy to set up and manage, especially for small networks or connections between two locations.
• High Performance: Offers direct connection without minimum latency and shared bandwidth. So, in this case, we get high performance.
• Security: Direct connections between two endpoints reduce the risk of tampering and unauthorized access.

Cons:

• Scalability: Each additional connection requires a new connection between nodes. Therefore, we do not prefer it for networks with many locations.
• Cost: Expensive if multiple connections are required to connect multiple locations.
• Redundancy: It lacks built-in redundancy. That is, if a connection fails, it completely breaks the connection.

2) Hub and Spoke Topology

In a hub and spoke topology, a central hub connects to many spokes. This creates a star-like pattern. In short, all communication between spokes goes through the hub.

Pros:

• Cost Effective: Each speaker has only one connection to the hub. This reduces the number of connections required.
• Centralized Management: It is easier to manage and monitor traffic from a centralized hub.
• Scalability: Adding new speakers involves connecting them to the hub. This is actually relatively simple.

Cons:

• Single Point Failure: The hub is a critical point. So, if this device fails, the entire design can be disrupted.
• Latency: Traffic between speakers goes through the hub. Of course, this can increase latency.

3) Full Mesh Topology

In an entire mesh topology, each node directly connects to all other nodes.

Pros:

• High Redundancy: Multiple paths keep the network running even if links fail.
• Best Path Selection: Traffic follows the most efficient route, reducing latency.
• Reliability: Multiple connections provide high reliability and fault tolerance.

Cons:

• Complexity: Management becomes more complex as the number of nodes increases.
• Cost: Multiple connections are expensive to set up and maintain.
• Resource Intensive: Multiple connections require significant bandwidth and processing power.

4) Partial Network Topology

Partial mesh topology is a design in which some nodes are connected. However, we cannot connect all nodes directly. But we can connect only the critical nodes, of course.

Pros:

• Balanced Redundancy and Cost: Provides redundancy compared to the cost of a whole design.
• Improved Performance: Traffic follows more efficient routes, bypassing the central hub.
• Resilience: Reduces costs by focusing connections on essential nodes.

Cons:

• Complexity: More complex, but not as much as a whole design.
• Potential Bottlenecks: If we don’t provide enough connectivity, we will experience high traffic loads on some nodes.
• Management Overhead: Requires careful planning and management for good performance.

5) Dual-Host Topology

In dual-host topology, we connect each device to two different hubs. In fact, we provide redundancy and load balancing at this stage.

Pros:

• High Availability: If the primary link fails, the backup link takes over.
• Load Balancing: It increases performance by distributing traffic across multiple links.
• Fault Tolerance: It increases mesh resilience by routing data through various routes.

Cons:

• Cost: More expensive due to additional equipment and connections.
• Complex Configuration: It is challenging to prevent routing loops.
• Potential for Loops: We must watch out for routing loops that can degrade performance.

6) Data Path Topology

In a bus topology, we connect all devices to one central bus, so we only transmit data in one direction along that bus.

Pros:

• Simplicity: Since it is easy to install, we need fewer cables.
• Cost Effectiveness: It is low-cost and has fewer cables and connections.
• Ease of Expansion: Since adding new devices is simple, it does not require significant changes.

Cons:

• Limited Bandwidth: All nodes share the same data path, which leads to congestion.
• Single Point Failure: If the central data path fails, it affects the entire mesh.
• Troubleshooting Difficulties: Failures can impact the data path, which makes it difficult for us to troubleshoot.

7) Ring Topology

In ring topology, we connect each node to two other nodes so that data moves along a circular path.

Pros:

• Efficient Data Flow: Data moves predictably, reducing collisions.
• Redundancy: In a dual-ring configuration, if one ring fails, the other takes over.
• Predictable Performance: Data transmission times are consistent.

Cons:

• Single Point Failure: In a single ring topology, a failure affects the entire mesh.
• Delay: Data passes through many nodes, causing delays.
• Complexity: Installation and maintenance are complex compared to simpler topologies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About WAN Network

Conclusion

In summary, if I were to conclude, WAN networks play a critical role in global communication. For this reason, they connect individuals and organizations in large areas. In addition, we need to know the wide PC topologies and types.

However, I must say that as time goes by, the IT world will become an increasingly influential network topic. For example, point-to-point connections and ring designs show the versatility of WANs.

In conclusion, WAN infrastructures are indispensable in the digital world. In short, using these structures in our environment offers new opportunities for innovation and collaboration.