Wide Area Network (WAN)

Interface Worldwide

A wide area network or WAN is a computer network covering a wide geographical area, involving a vast array of computers. This is different from personal area networks (PANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs) or local area networks (LANs) that are usually limited to a room, building or campus. The best example of a WAN is the Internet.

WANs are used to connect local area networks (LANs) together, so that users and computers in one location can communicate with users and computers in other locations. Many WANs are built for one particular organization and are private. Others, built by Internet service providers, provide connections from an organization's LAN to the Internet. WANs are most often built using leased lines. At each end of the leased line, a router connects to the LAN on one side and a hub within the WAN on the other. Network protocols including TCP/IP deliver transport and addressing functions. Protocols including Packet over SONET/SDH, MPLS, ATM and Frame relay are often used by service providers to deliver the links that are used in WANs. X.25 was an important early WAN protocol, and is often considered to be the "grandfather" of Frame Relay as many of the underlying protocols and functions of X.25 are still in use today (with upgrades) by Frame Relay.

Interconnecting multiple company sites on a WAN is now a common practice, as is connecting the corporate network to the Internet, partners and customers.

Our knowledge of routing techniques and protocols is fundamental in ensuring your communications are reliable. We can make your services resilient - routers that exist as single points of failure can directly affect your business if they go offline.

We are vendor independent, but always select tried and trusted technologies for this key networking element.

We are also able to help you build a load balanced Internet gateway, using high availability protocols such as VRRP, HSRP and BGP.

Cisco Systems

Cisco pioneered routing, and continues to develop market leading WAN technology.

Cable & Wireless Ireland integrates a wide range of Cisco routing products, ranging from small SOHO models to high-end enterprise class devices.

Our comprehensive coverage means we are able to deliver an entire wide area network based around Cisco technology. We can understand your remote locations, desired connection speeds and the applications you plan to use across the network, and help you select the right products.