Introduction

In today’s world of connectivity, Wide Area Networks (WANs) play a major role in connecting different networks irrespective of the location. This further assists in smooth communication and data transfer among clients and organizations. As cloud computing and remote work become more prevalent, having a good knowledge of the WAN types is crucial for companies that aim to enhance their network setup. In this blog, we will discuss what WAN is, types of WAN, and its architectural components.

Let’s begin by first understanding what WAN really is.

What is Wide Area Network (WAN)?

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that covers a large geographical area that directly bridges multiple local area networks (LANs) and other network forms. Businesses and institutions commonly utilize WANs to strengthen communication and data sharing across multiple sites like branch offices or data centers.

Let’s take an example for better understanding. Consider a company with offices in New York, London, and Tokyo. To allow communication among these sites, the organization would require a WAN to interconnect their networks and enable staff members to exchange resources and information between such locations.

We now have a basic understanding of WAN; let’s discuss the types of WAN in detail.

Different Types of WAN

Businesses have several options when it comes to selecting the suitable type of WAN based on their distinct needs and criteria.

There are 12 Types of WANs, which are:

1. Circuit-Switched WANs
2. Packet-Switched WANs
3. Leased Line WANs
4. MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) WANs
5. PUBLIC WANs (Internet-based WANs)
6. Private WAN
7. SD-WAN
8. Wireless WAN
9. Hybrid WAN
10. Satellite WAN
11. VPN WANs
12. Cloud-based WANs

Let’s understand the different types of WANs in detail.

1. Circuit-Switched WANs

These types of WANs require a dedicated communication path between the two endpoints to remain uninterrupted for the duration of a session. Such networks create a set connection before data transfer begins.

Examples of Circuit-Switched WANs:

• Public Switched Telephone Networks, or PSTN: The PSTN system is associated with the traditional telephone system, where calls and telephonic conversations are connected through dedicated circuits.
• Integrated Services Digital Network, or ISDN: This is a digital version of PSTN that is upgraded in terms of speed and reliability when it comes to data transmission.

Advantages

• Reliable and consistent connection.
• Suitable for voice and video communication.
• Low latency compared to packet-switched networks.

Disadvantages

• Ineffective use of bandwidth.
• Expensive due to dedicated circuits.
• Slow setup time for each session.

Before the rise of more flexible and efficient networking technologies, circuit-switched WANs were the most common type. Today, they have largely been replaced by packet switched and software-defined WAN systems.

2. Packet-Switched WANs

Unlike circuit-switched networks, packet-switched WANs divide the data into a number of smaller, identifiable, and manageable units known as packets. These packets are sent to their desired location through different paths, and are able to independently reach the destination, where they would reassemble.

Examples of packet-switched WANs:

• Frame Relay: This is a LAN and WAN interconnection packet switching technique. For example, this technology is used to connect remote LANs to the main office of a firm through the Internet.
• Multiprotocol Label Switching, or MPLS: This is an up-to-date technology that is said to use different packet switching techniques; in fact, it is said to enhance the speed and efficiency that previously existed.

Advantages of packet-switched WANs

• Utilizes bandwidth more efficiently than circuit switching.
• Offers more cost effectiveness than leased lines.
• Scalable for developing networks.

However, for applications requiring real-time attention, such as voice and video calls, packet-switched WANs are not ideal as they may suffer from latency and jitter due to congestion.

3. Leased Line WANs

Leased line WANs offer a dedicated connection between two locations with an always-on capability. Offices, data centers, and even remote sites can be interconnected using leased lines, providing businesses with great flexibility.

Common Use Cases

• Enterprise communication
• Interconnection of data centers
• Access to high-speed internet

Advantages of Leased Line WANs

• Always up, making it very reliable.
• Provides fast response times and good output.
• High Security because of private lines.

Disadvantages of of Leased Line WANs

• Very costly when compared to shared networks.
• Not easily scalable; adding locations means more costs.

Leased lines, despite their cost, are still preferred by many organizations for data transmission due to their uninterrupted secure format.

4. MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) WANs

MPLS is a blend of circuit-switching and packet-switching technologies. Efficient data routing is directed through label-based routing.

How MPLS Operates?

MPLS does not solely depend on IP addresses. Instead, it assigns labels to data packets, which helps the router figure out how each packet travels most effectively and quickly.

Key Features and Benefits

• Enhanced routing within networks compared to switching IP-based packet routing.
• Greater efficiency due to lower latency, ideal for real-time purposes.
• Unmatched safety features because MPLS traffic is not combined with the public’s internet.

5. PUBLIC WANs (Internet-based WANs)

Distinct from all the discussed public-use WANs, these Wide Area Networks depend primarily on the internet for data interchange. Both businesses and users use it for communicating, cloud computing, and access from remote locations.

Examples of Public WANs:

• VPN: Create a virtual network allowing scrambling of important data being transferred within a public network.
• SD-WAN: Transfer data over the WAN internet system while effectively using software.

Advantages of Public Wide Area Networks (WAN)

• These types of WANs are cheaper than private ones.
• They have limitless scale as new regions can be added with ease.
• They are available across the world. All over the world, people have access to their Wide Area Networks (WAN).

Disadvantages of these types of WAN

• Data and information can be misused and misplaced as there is no form of encryption.
• Performance is low due to a lag and loss of packets.
• The WAN is reliant on Internet service providers; this reliance goes two-way.

6. Private WANs

A private WAN is a dedicated network that connects various locations securely without using the public internet.

Examples:

• Virtual SD LAN like MPLS
• Leased Private Lines
• Private VPNs

Benefits for Private WANs

• No security threats from the internet; privacy is at its peak.
• Steady performance with a constant rate of flow of information and minimal delays.
• Can be adapted to suit the goals or plans of the enterprise.

Challenges of Private WANs

• Having a private wide area network means an increase in expenditure due to the required hardware and the infrastructure.
• Public WANs have so much more variety than this type of private WAN.

These Private WANs are suitable to those corporations that outline government bodies. With their mission being to maximize security and decrease trust, their systems become multi-layered.

7. Software-defined WANs

SD-WAN is a modern approach to Wide Area Network. It uses software to intelligently manage and optimize traffic. It leverage software-based tools to enhance network performance and traffic management, offering businesses flexibility and improved control over their network operations to meet evolving needs.

How SD-WAN Works?

• It employs several internet connections, such as broadband, LTE, and MPLS.
• Traffic is routed dynamically depending on performance metrics.
• Oversees security, reliability, and costs.

Key Benefits of SD-WAN

• Reduced reliance on expensive MPLS lines translates to lower costs.
• Real-time traffic management improves performance.
• Inbuilt encryption enhances security.

SD-WAN provides a combination of cost savings and high performance, thus revolutionizing the WAN technology.

8. Wireless WAN

Wireless WANs offer long-distance coverage using radio signals.

Examples of Wireless WANs:

• Mobile and enterprise connections through 4G LTE and 5G networks.
• Satellite WANs for communication in remote locations and maritime regions.

Advantages

• Removes the need for physical cables.
• Ideal for businesses on the go since it provides mobility.
• Use in rural and remote areas comes with expanded coverage.

Limitations

• Interference from signals impacts performance.
• Satellite networks usually come with a higher latency.
• Large-scale usage comes with expensive costs and data caps.

Wireless WANs play a vital role for mobile users, IoT devices, and emergency networks.

9. Hybrid WANs

Performance and cost optimization are achieved by combining two or more types of WAN connections in a hybrid WAN.

Common Hybrid WAN Configurations:

• MPLS + Internet (Broadband or LTE)
• Leased Line + SD-WAN

Benefits of hybrid WANs

• Cost savings, uses cheaper internet alongside MPLS.
• Improved redundancy, ensures network uptime.
• High scalability, easy to add new sites.

Hybrid WANs are increasingly adopted by large enterprises for their cost-effectiveness and flexibility.

10. Satellite WANs

Wired satellite systems allow for remote and rural areas to obtain internet access, allowing for global connectivity.

How Satellite WANs Work?

• Data that is sent is forwarded to either a geostationary or low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite.
• The satellite forwards the data to ground stations or receivers.

Common Applications

• Military and defense
• Maritime and aviation communication
• Remote business operations (e.g., oil rigs, research stations)

Advantages

• Global coverage; works where fiber or wireless networks don’t.
• Ideal for disaster recovery.

Disadvantages

• High latency (especially with geostationary satellites)
• Complicated and cost inefficient to setup and maintain

With advancements like Starlink, broadband satellite will become more affordable and faster.

11. VPN (Virtual Private Network) WANs

With VPN WANs, you are able to communicate publicly or privately, all with an additional layer of security.

Types of VPN WANs:

• IPSec VPN: Supports encrypted connections between different sites.
• SSL VPN: Provides remote access to corporate networks.
• MPLS VPN: private VPN service offered to companies.

Advantages

• Enhanced security by encrypting data over public networks.
• More economical compared to dedicated private WANs.
• Employees can connect remotely from anywhere safely.

Disadvantages

• Quality of service is determined by the internet service provider.
• Must be well configured to avoid exploitable loopholes.

VPN WANs are popular for secure communications, telecommuting, and business activities.

12. Cloud-Based WANs

Cloud WANs utilize cloud services to efficiently connect different geographical regions.

Main Providers:

• AWS Cloud WAN
• Microsoft Azure Virtual WAN
• Google Cloud Interconnect

Advantages

• Grows easily as business expands, offering better scalability.
• Infrastructure expenses are low.
• AI-driven traffic management offers optimized performance.

Cloud WANs are suited best to the companies looking to adopt a cloud-first approach to networking.

These are the various types of WAN. Now, let’s discuss the components that complete the WAN architecture.

WAN Architecture Components

Wide Area Network (WAN) architecture consists of various components that work together in order to establish connectivity, support communication, and guarantee data transmission across different locations. Some of the key components of WAN architecture are:

Edge devices

Edge devices such as routers, switches, and firewalls are strategically placed at the network edges in order to connect local area networks (LANs) with the WAN. These gadgets handle the flow of information, enforce safety rules, and guide data packets to their desired destinations in the wide area network.

Core Network

The core network serves as the support system for the WAN infrastructure and facilitates connections between different network nodes and sites. Core routers and switches manage the flow of data across the WAN, ensuring transmission and optimal operation.

Communication Channels

WANs make use of a variety of communication channels, such as fiber optic cables, dedicated lines, satellite links, and wireless connections to send data between network endpoints. The selection of communication channels depends on factors like needs, distance, reliability, and cost considerations.

Connectivity Links

Connectivity links in WANs establish links between network sites to enable data exchange among different locations. Common types of connectivity links include T1/E1 lines, T3/E3 lines, MPLS circuits, broadband internet connections, and virtual private networks (VPNs).

Communication Protocols

WANs rely on communication protocols to regulate how data is structured, transmitted, and received across the network. Protocols like TCP/IP, BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), OSPF (Open Shortest Path First), and MPLS define regulations for data exchange processes, routing mechanisms, addressing systems, and error detection methods to ensure functioning and reliability within the WAN.

Networking Services

WANs provide a range of networking services to facilitate communication and collaboration across dispersed locations. Services like voice over IP (VoIP), video conferencing, unified communications, and cloud connectivity enhance productivity and enable seamless interaction between users on the WAN.

Security Mechanisms

Security plays a major role in WAN architecture. With a range of security measures in place to safeguard data prevent access as well as combat cyber threats. Firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), virtual private networks (VPNs), encryption, and access control mechanisms are utilized to protect the WAN infrastructure and secure sensitive information.

Management and Monitoring Tools

WAN management tools and monitoring solutions help IT teams oversee network performance, troubleshoot issues, optimize resource utilization, and ensure compliance with service level agreements (SLAs). Network monitoring tools provide real-time visibility into network traffic, bandwidth utilization, and device status, enabling proactive network management.

By integrating these architectural components effectively, organizations can design and deploy a robust WAN infrastructure that meets their connectivity requirements, supports business operations, and enables seamless communication and collaboration across distributed locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Are there two types of WAN?

Yes, there are two types of WAN. These are:

1. Switched WAN
2. Point-to-point WAN

Q2. What are the 3 major WAN topologies?

The three major WAN topologies are:

• Point-to-point WANs
• Multipoint WANs
• Mesh WANs

Q3. What is the most common type of WAN?

The most common types of WAN are:

• PSTN
• ISDN

Apart from these two, there are many others, such as MPLS WAN, VoIP WAN, etc.

Q4. What are two types of WAN providers?

The two types of WAN providers are satellite and telephone companies.

Conclusion

Wide Area Networks (WAN) are essential for businesses looking to connect geographically dispersed locations and enable seamless communication and data transfer. In this blog, we have explained what WAN is, the different types of WAN, and the different components of WAN architecture.

If you have any queries or suggestions, please feel free to use the comment section below.