What Is a Large Computer Network Usually Spanning a City?

Author Cory Hayashi

Posted Jul 29, 2022

Reads 86

Circuit board close-up

Large computer networks usually spanning a city are typically used by businesses and organizations to share data and resources. Such networks usually employ a variety of networking technologies, including Ethernet and fiber optic cabling, to connect various types of computers and other devices. The network typically has a central server that stores data and applications, which can be accessed by authorized users. Depending on the size of the network, it may also have additional servers for specific purposes, such as email or Web hosting.

, a country, or even a continent

There is no one answer to this question, as it depends on the country or continent in question. However, some tips on writing a long essay about a country or continent might include discussing its history, culture, values, and current affairs. Additionally, it could be helpful to compare and contrast the country or continent with others in order to highlight its unique qualities. Whatever approach is taken, it is important to maintain a clear and well-organized argument throughout the essay.

What is a WAN?

A network of interconnected computers is termed as Wide Area Network or WAN. The computers are spread over a wide geographical area, may be miles apart and are connected through telephone lines, leased lines or satellites. WANs can be implemented using circuit-switching or packet-switching techniques.

Circuit switching is the earlier and most commonly used method to establish connection between two distant points. In this method, the link between the two selected points is dedicated for the entire duration of the connection. A physical circuit is set up between the two ends before any data can be transmitted. The advantage of this method is that once the circuit is set up, the data can be transferred at high speeds. The disadvantage is that the circuit can carry only one data stream at a time and the cost increases with increase in the distance between the two points.

Packet switching is a more modern technique that overcomes the disadvantage of circuit switching. In this method, the data to be transmitted is divided into small packets each containing the address of the destination. These packets can be sent over any available route. At the receiving end, the packets are reassembled in the correct order to reconstruct the original data. The advantage of this method is that many data streams can be multiplexed on a single link and the cost is independent of the distance between the two points.

What are the benefits of using a WAN?

A wide area network, or WAN, is a type of computer network that spans a large geographical area such as a city, state, or country. A WAN is often used to connect smaller networks, such as local area networks (LANs) or metro area networks (MANs), together to create a larger network.

There are many benefits of using a WAN, such as:

1. Increased reach and connectivity: A WAN can connect multiple LANs and MANs together, allowing for increased reach and connectivity. This can be especially beneficial for businesses with multiple locations, as it allows for easier communication and collaboration between employees.

2. Increased bandwidth: A WAN can provide increased bandwidth than what is available on a single LAN or MAN. This can be beneficial for businesses that need to transfer large amounts of data between multiple locations.

3.Improved reliability: A WAN can provide improved reliability through the use of multiple connection types and redundant links. This can be beneficial for businesses that require a high level of uptime for their critical applications.

4. Improved security: A WAN can provide improved security through the use of encryption and other security measures. This can be beneficial for businesses that need to protect sensitive data from being accessed by unauthorized individuals.

5. Reduced costs: A WAN can often be less expensive to operate than multiple LANs or MANs. This can be beneficial for businesses that are looking to save on their telecommunications costs.

Overall, there are many benefits of using a WAN. A WAN can provide increased reach and connectivity, increased bandwidth, improved reliability, improved security, and reduced costs.

What are the challenges of using a WAN?

The challenges of using a WAN can be divided into two categories: technical challenges and non-technical challenges.

Technical challenges include issues such as latency, throughput, and packet loss. Latency is the time it takes for a packet to travel from one point to another. Throughput is the amount of data that can be transferred in a given period of time. Packet loss is the number of packets that are lost in transit.

Non-technical challenges include issues such as cost, complexity, and reliability. Cost is the amount of money that is required to maintain and operate a WAN. Complexity is the difficulty of managing and troubleshooting a WAN. Reliability is the likelihood that a WAN will be available when needed.

What is the difference between a WAN and a LAN?

WANs (Wide Area Networks) and LANs (Local Area Networks) are both types of computer networks. They differ in a few key ways, however.

WANs are typically much larger than LANs, spanning multiple buildings or even multiple cities. They are also usually slower than LANs, due to the greater distance the data has to travel.

Another key difference is that WANs usually require specialised equipment to connect the different locations, whereas LANs can typically be connected using cheaper, off-the-shelf hardware.

Finally, WANs are usually used to connect different organisations or different parts of the same organisation, whereas LANs are typically used to connect devices within a single office or building.

What is the difference between a WAN and the Internet?

A wide area network (WAN) is a computer network that extends over a large geographical area. A WAN connects computers and other devices in a large area, such as across cities, states, or countries. The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) to serve billions of users worldwide. It is a network of networks that consists of millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global scope, linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless, and optical networking technologies.

What are the components of a WAN?

A WAN, or Wide Area Network, is a computer network that spans a large geographic area, usually connecting multiple smaller networks, such as LANs. WANs can be used to connect devices in different buildings, cities, or even countries.

WANs are typically made up of two main components: a WAN router and a WAN link. A WAN router is a device that connects the WAN to the smaller networks that make up the WAN. The WAN link is the network connection that carries data between the WAN router and the WAN.

The WAN link can be any type of network connection, including a copper wire, fiber optic cable, or even a satellite link. The type of WAN link used will depend on the distance between the WAN router and the devices on the WAN.

WANs can be used to connect anything from a few computers to a large number of devices. The size of a WAN can be limited only by the number of devices that can be connected to the WAN router and the amount of bandwidth that the WAN link can provide.

What are the benefits of using a WAN over the Internet?

There are many benefits of using a WAN over the Internet, including:

1. WANs can provide much higher speeds than the Internet.

2. WANs can be used to connect multiple locations, whereas the Internet can only connect two.

3. WANs can be used to connect devices that use different protocols, whereas the Internet can only connect devices that use the same protocol.

4. WANs can be used to connect to private networks, whereas the Internet can only connect to public networks.

5. WANs are more secure than the Internet, as they can be encrypted and have firewalls.

6. WANs can be used for voice and video applications, whereas the Internet can only be used for data applications.

7. WANs can be used to connect to legacy systems, whereas the Internet cannot.

8. WANs are more reliable than the Internet, as they are not susceptible to outages.

9. WANs can be used to connect to remote servers, whereas the Internet cannot.

10. WANs can be used to connect to storage devices, whereas the Internet cannot.

What are the challenges of using a WAN over the Internet?

When it comes to Wide Area Networks (WANs), there are several challenges associated with using the Internet as the primary means of connectivity. One of the biggest challenges is the potential for bandwidth concerns. Internet connectivity can be unpredictable, and often WANs require more bandwidth than what is available on a typical Internet connection. This can often lead to decreased performance or even complete outages.

Another challenge is related to security. When using the Internet to connect disparate WAN locations, there are a number of potential security risks that must be considered. These risks can include everything from data breaches to unauthorized access to the WAN itself. As such, it is critical to have strong security measures in place to protect against these threats.

Finally, another challenge that can be encountered when using the Internet for WAN connectivity is related to latency. Due to the physical distance that data must travel when using the Internet for WAN connectivity, there can be significant delays in communications. This can impact everything from VoIP calls to video conferencing, and can make it difficult to effectively collaborate with remote team members.

While there are certainly challenges associated with using the Internet for WAN connectivity, there are also a number of benefits that can make it a worthwhile investment. These benefits can include increased flexibility, scalability, and cost-savings. When properly implemented, a WAN connecting over the Internet can provide a reliable and secure means of connectivity for businesses of all sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a man (metropolitan area network)?

A metropolitan area network is a network spanning a physical area larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, such as a city. A MAN is typically owned and operated by a single entity such as a government body or large corporation.

What is Lan in computer network?

LAN refers to the method of connecting computers in an office, school or home. A LAN connects devices together by using a cable. Devices that are connected to a LAN can share files, printers and other resources.

What is a computer network?

A computer network is a collection of interconnected computers that can exchange data.

What is system area network (can)?

A system area network (CAN) is a type of cluster area network. CANs are specifically designed to link high-performance computers with high-speed connections in a clustered configuration. CANs facilitate the exchange of data and information between these systems using a message-based architecture.

What is a metropolitan area network (Mas)?

A metropolitan area network (Mas) is a private data network used by a single organization in several buildings or by several organizations interconnected in the same geographic vicinity. It is typically larger than a LAN in a single building but not large enough to be considered a WAN. The size would typically range from 5 kilometers to 50 kilometers.

Cory Hayashi

Cory Hayashi

Writer at Go2Share

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Cory Hayashi is a writer with a passion for technology and innovation. He started his career as a software developer and quickly became interested in the intersection of tech and society. His writing explores how emerging technologies impact our lives, from the way we work to the way we communicate.

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