A communications network used to connect computers and other devices across a large area. The connection can be private or public.

Also known as a WAN, a wide area network is a network of computers distributed over a large area.

computers linked into a network in a large geographic area and primarily used for sharing data.

network in which the interconnected computers and LANs are distributed widely across a large geographical area. Contrast with local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), and personal area network (PAN).

(WAN) A computer network extending beyond a local area such as a campus or office.

network of machines in a wide area, such as one or more metropolitan areas. Can consist of multiple Local Area Networks (LAN).

Also known as a WAN. These are large scale versions of a LAN, covering a much larger area.

A network that links multiple locations together. A WAN encompasses a much larger geographic area than that of a Local Area Network ( LAN).

(WAN) (n.) A network which consists of many systems that provide file transfer services. This network can cover a large physical area, sometimes worldwide.

A computer network that directly connects computers separated by long distances.

Network which interconnects over large geographical regions -- often over telephone lines.

A computer network that spans a relatively large geographical area and typically consists of more than one LAN. See Local Area Network (LAN).

Wide Area Network is connection of PC's over a wide geographical area using high speed long distance communications hardware such as long-distance phone line and satellites. WWWebfx Home Page

A group of Local Area Networks (LANs) connected into a larger network system. In school districts, each campus could have its own LAN and all the LANs could be connected into a WAN using fiber-optic cable or telephone lines.

links between two or more computers that allow people and machines to exchange information. A WAN is usually a collection of one or more LAN's, and will often span large geographical distances. The Internet is one example of such a wide-area network.

A telecommunication network that links geographically separate locations.

Usually a moderate to large network in which communications are conducted over the telephone lines using modems.

A geographically dispersed network that connects two or more LANs; typically involves dedicated high-speed phone lines or satellites.

A communication system that connects computers across a wide geographic area, such as across a state or between countries.

A network that covers a larger geographic area than a single work site (LAN) or metropolitan area (MAN). A WAN is usually based on X.25 packet-switching and may be implemented privately or by a public telecommunications operator (PTO).

A computer network that spans a relatively large geographical area. Also WAN.

A system of Local Area Networks connected together over distance via telephone lines and radiowaves. See also Local Area Network

(WAN): A set of widely separated computers connected together. Video networking requires a broad range of WAN connections that can be directed to multiple locations at different bandwidths on a call-by-call basis. [Source: York Telecom

The connection of several computers across a wide area, normally using telephone lines, leased-lines, public communication facilities or private facilities.

A "Wide Area Network" is a computer network covering a larger area.

A collection of local area networks (LANs) connected together over distance via telephone lines and/or radiowaves.

Level: Component A wide area network or WAN is a computer network covering multiple buildings, often across the world. This is different from personal area networks (PANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs) or local area networks (LANs). The best example of a WAN is the Internet. See also: network

Data communication networks that provide long-haul connectivity between separate networks located in different geographic areas.

Group of computers located geographically apart, usually belonging to a single company or organisation, connected together using dedicated lines or by satellite to simulate a local network.

( WAN) A computer network that connects nodes in widely dispersed geographic areas. (Contrast with local area network.)

A network system that connects a LAN-based system, usually over leased phone lines, at various physical locations.

A combination of computer hardware and software that interconnects numerous computers and peripherals over a wide geographic area. WANs provide communication with and access to shared data. See local area network.

A wide area network consists of many computer systems (and computer networks) that are interconnected, over a wide geographic area.

A geographically dispersed communications network, with many owners, linking computers for the purpose of communicating with each other, such as a national network for airline reservations.

A communications network that covers wide geographic areas such as states and countries. Contrast with LAN, MAN.

WAN implementation usually involves the use of a Telco service such as ISDN, F-Relay, X.25, ATM, SMDS. Data rates for WAN have traditionally been lower than that of LAN due to noise factors and the cost of leasing high-bandwidth links. One normally associates WAN implementations with a greater communications throw (distance); however a WAN service can equally be used to traverse a few hundred meters

A WAN is a Wide Area Network. A WAN is comprised of two or more networks that are connected together through an intermediary network. For example, a LAN in Phoenix needs to connect to a LAN in Dallas. When these two are connected together a WAN has been created.

is a network of networks that extends over a large geographic area.

A computer network spanning long distances and using specialized computers for connectivity.

A network that spans a greater distance and needs the involvement of a public carrier.

Wide Area Network is a geographically dispersed telecommunications network. The term implies a broader telecommunication structure from a that of a local area network (LAN). A wide area network may be privately owned or rented, but usually includes public or shared-user networks.

Basically a linked Network of LAN s. The Internet can be considered to be the largest WAN there has ever been.

A network, usually constructed with serial lines, extending over distances greater than 1 kilometer.

Computer network that spans a large area, usually made up of two or more local area networks. The Internet is a WAN.

Wider in geographic scope than a LAN. Provides digital communications (voice / video / data) over switched ( ISDN, switched 56) or unswitched (fractional T1, T1) networks. Some consider commercial dial-up networks (America OnLine, the Internet) to be WANs.

A network that communicates over a long distance, such as across a city or around the world. It can be comprised of or incorporate one or more local area networks. Local Area Network (LAN)

A network that is distributed over several locations. See also LAN.

A network which covers a larger geographical area than a LAN or a MAN and where telecommunications links are implemented, normally leased from the appropriate Private Telephone Operator(s). Examples of WANs include packet switched networks, public data networks and Value Added Networks (VANs).

Pronounced "wan" to rhyme with "LAN". A geographically dispersed network formed by linking several computers or local area networks (LANs) together over long distances, usually using leased long distance lines. WANs can connect systems across town, in different cities, or in different regions of the world.

A network that exists over multiple sites.

is a geographically dispersed telecommunications network, sometimes global in nature. The term distinguishes a broader telecommunication structure from a local area network (LAN) or a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). A wide area network may be privately owned or rented, but the term usually connotes the inclusion of public (shared user) networks.

a computer network that spans a wider area than does a local area network

a linking of computers not physically attached through conventional network connectivity

an established network that encompasses computers in more than one unique geographical area

an interconnected set of LANs, or the connection of PCs over a long distance such as between building, cities, states or countries

a voice, data, and/or video network that provides connections from within an eligible school or library to other locations beyond the school or library

Technologies that enable computers, printers, and other devices to work together and share data over a wide area, often many kilometers apart.

An interconnected set of LANs or the connection of PC over a longer distance.

One or more electronic circuits that connect computers in different locations.

A communication system of connecting PCs and other devices across a large local, regional, national, or international geographic area.

Series of computers all linked together, over a wide area. Example of a WAN is the internet.

Whereas a local area network (LAN) creates a private network within a limited space such as a building, a wide area network (WAN) creates a network that spans many buildings and can cross wider geographic areas.

The interconnection of items of computing and telecommunication equipment over a very large geographical area, eg countrywide or internationally. Such systems enable the sharing and transmission of data and information between LANs and individual users of the system.

A computer network whose components are farther apart than those in a LAN.  A WAN typically includes multiple LANs and utilizes public connections, such as the telephone system or the Internet.

(WAN) - A computer network that uses high speed, long distance communications networks or satellites to connect computers over distances greater than the one or two miles traversed by local area networks.

A data network typically extending a LAN outside a building or beyond a campus, over IXC or LEC lines to link to other LANs at remote sites. Typically created by using bridges or routers to connect geo-graphically separated LANs. Examples of WANs include packet switched networks, public data networks and Value Added Networks.

A network that connects devices located in a large geographical area.

A data communications network that is geographically unlimited (typically larger than 1 km radius) allowing easy interconnection of LANs.

(WAN) A network of computers spread over a large physical area, from regional to global. WANs may be operated and used by single organizations, or used by many. Perhaps the ultimate WAN is the Internet. See also LAN, MAN.

A wide area network (WAN) is any data communications system that lies within a very large geographic area or region such as a state or territory, has a specific user group and a specific topology, and is not a public switched telecommunications network but may be connected to one.

This is a network which spans a large geographic area. The Internet is the ultimate example of a WAN.

Large network formed by bridging smaller LANs or using dial-up lines. WANs can span the globe.

A network that covers a large geographic area.

A network, usually constructed with serial lines, extending over distances greater than one mile. A library system may use a WAN to connect branch libraries to the greater automation system.

Similar to LAN, but allows the computers to be farther apart (e.g. all the computers are on a university campus as opposed to all the computers being in a single building)

A voice, date, and/or video network that provides connections from within an eligible organization to other locations beyond the organization.

is a geographically dispersed telecommunications network. The term distinguishes a broader telecommunication structure from a local area network (LAN). A wide area network may be privately owned or rented, but the term usually connotes the inclusion of public (shared user) networks. is that serendipitous, quintessential, unknown "something" that we have not explained in this glossary. Please contact your local sourcing lawyer for further details or if you have any further questions.

A network of computers located at different locations, but which are connected together on a continuous basis. WANs perform the same functions as Local Area Networks (LANS), however the connected machines may be located at great distances from each other.

Network covering a wide geographical area. All the LAN's on Hill AFB comprise a WAN.

Communications network that covers a large geographical area, and uses telephone cables, microwaves, satellites, or a combination of communications channels. 6.26

A network that spans a large geographic area, such as a national or international telephone or data network.

A network which links computer systems together over a wide area, such as between different towns or provinces. Similar in purpose to LANs (local area networks) which allow files to be shared and data transferred over shorter distances

Allows companies with multiple locations to link them together. A WAN encompasses a much larger geographic area than a LAN.

A network of computers utilizing high speed long-distance communications technology to connect computers over distances greater than those accessible from local area networks.

(WAN): A computer network capable of spanning a wide geographic area, and connecting multiple local area networks.

A computer communication network that serves users within a wide geographic area, such as a state or country. WANs consist of servers, workstations, communications hardware (routers, bridges, network cards, etc.), and a network operating system.

Number of computers connected together to form one network over several locations. Could be made up of several LANS all connected together across the world for example.

A network in which computers are connected to each other over a long distance, using telephone lines and satellite links.

A network that interconnects multiple local area networks.

A data communications network designed to serve an area of hundreds or thousands of miles--for example, public and private packet-switching networks, and national telephone networks. Contrast with local area network (LAN).

A computer network which connects LANs or single computers in different geographic areas together.

The connection of multiple computers across a wide area.

A network covering an area larger than a city or a metropolitan area.

A network that extends across distance and is not confined to a single site. This type of network typically involves connecting multiple sites that use multiple physical topologies.

A network that connects computers and other devices across a large local, regional, national, or international area.

Wide Area Network (WAN) is a computer network covering a large geographical area, usually consisting of two or more LANs.

A group of LAN's interconnected across a campus or region.

A network in which information is transmitted over long distances.

A wide area network (WAN) is a voice, data, or video network that provides connections from one or more computers or networks within a business to one or more computers or networks that are external to such business.

A set of computers that are to far apart to constitute a LAN. In fact, WANs are very often composed of a number of Local Area Networks interconnected together.

WAN. A long distance link used to extend or connect remotely located local area networks. The Internet is a large WAN.

A network of connected computers spread out over a large distance. All congressional offices operate wide area networks (WANs) that connect the LANs in their Washington offices with the LANs in their district or state offices. The World Wide Web can also be considered a WAN.

Local area networks linked together across a large geographic area.

Any network that spans more than one location. Typically at least one of the locations is fairly remote. Compare this to a MAN that may encompass several...

A network that connects computers over distances, not within a building.

A network that connects host computers and sites across a wide geographical area.

A data communications approach for linking computers distributed over a large geographic area.

A data communications network designed to work over a large geographical area. Corporate WANs can connect employees across many branch offices by using various telecommunication link technologies.

Any network that covers a large geographic area (50 miles or more) and may include packet switching, public data, and value-added networks.

A communications system used to connect computers and other devices across a large area. It can be a private connection or a public (phone) network.

Laneís internal computer network which contains a variety (WAN, Intranet) of college information. This information can be modified by authorized employees within the Wide Area Network system, but cannot be modified from outside the network such as through the Internet.

A network of computers spread out over a large distance. Some of the connections in a WAN are typically through telephone lines or over satellites. WANs are also often networks of networks, linking local area networks (LANs) into a large single network.

A network in which building networks in different communities are connected together using private or leased infrastructure such as telephone lines, fibre-optic cable, or wireless services (including satellite communications). Contrast with local area network (LAN).

are a number of computers separated by distance, but joined via dedicated lines.

A network, usually constructed with serial lines, which covers a large geographic area. See also: Local Area Network, Metropolitan Area Network.

A WAN is a computer and voice network that is larger than a city or metropolitan area. WAN's are treated differently to a MAN due to speed, light timing considerations, and the Modified Final Judgement, which prohibits Regional Bell Operating Companies from carrying traffic across Local Access Transport Areas.

a data communications linkage (e.g. dedicated line, radio waves) designed to connect computers over distances greater than the distance transmitted by local area networks (e.g. building to building, city to city, across the country, internationally) that allows users to communicate and share information, such as the Internet, America Online, etc.

A Wide Area Network, or WAN, is a network that links computers across large distances, as opposed to a Local Area Network, which connects computers in the same building or nearby buildings. A WAN might rely on telephone lines or satellite links for the long-distance connection. If your organization has two different sites, you might use a WAN to allow all the computers to access the same files and applications. Source: TechSoup.org

Any internet or network that covers an area larger than a single building or campus. See also Internet, internet, Local Area Network, Network.

A group of computer networks connected together over long distances. The Internet is a WAN.

A private long distance network that uses leased lines to connect computers or LANs.

(WAN): A data communications linkage (e.g., dedicated line, radio waves) that allows users to communicate and share information over distances greater than the distance transmitted by local area networks (e.g., building to building). The Internet is an example of a WAN.

(WAN) Is a designation used to connect LAN s together.

This is a network that connects clients over a tele-communication line.

A network using common carrier transmission services for transmission of data over a large geographical area.

A communications network that covers a wide geographic area, such as state or country.

Usually used to refer to a network spanning large geographic distances.

see WAN.

A Wide Area Network is a connected set of computers that are not located in the same geographic location. The internet itself can be considered the biggest WAN.

Refers to the integrated parts of a computer communications network that may be very distantly located.

A geographically dispersed network that connects two or more local area networks (LANs).

Local area networks connected together by using telephones or other types of communications equipment. (See also Local Area Networks/LAN)

A network that interconnects geographically-distributed computers or LANs.

A network that encompasses interconnectivity between devices over a wide geographic area. Such networks would require public rights-of-way and operate over long distances.

Network spanning multiple geographic distances, usually connected by telephone lines, microwave, or satellite links

A WAN is a data communications network that covers a relatively broad geographic area and often uses transmission facilities provided by common carriers, such as telephone companies. WAN technologies function at the lower three layers of the OSI reference model: the physical layer, the data link layer, and the network layer.

a system of interconnecting many computers over a large geographic area, making use of telephone lines, satellite links, and other long-range communications technologies. Because of the much greater hardware expense, reduced bandwidth, and the reliance on existing infrastructure that is shared by general-purpose communications, different protocols are used in WANs from those typically used in LAN s. Banyan's Vines was an early leader in WAN software, but now TCP/IP has emerged as the preferred WAN protocol because it is the basis for the Internet as well as LAN-based intranets.

Communication network covering long distances, often using public network facilities.

A data network typically extending a LAN outside a building or beyond a campus, over third-party lines to link to other LANs at remote sites. Typically created by using bridges or routers to connect geographically separaten LANS.

A network that covers a large geographical area.

A WAN is a communications network that uses devices such as telephone lines, satellite dishes, or radio waves to span a larger geographic area than can be covered by a LAN.

Network that covers a large geographic area (such as a city, country, or the world) using a communications channel that combines many types of media such as telephone lines, cables, and air waves. A WAN can be one large network or can consist of two or more LANs connected together. The Internet is the world's largest WAN. 1.16, 1.33, 9.14

A communications network connecting geographically separated computers, printers, and other devices. A WAN allows any connected device to interact with any other on the network. See also: device; local area network (LAN)

A network that uses telephone lines, satellite dishes, or radio waves to span a larger area than is covered by a Local Area Network. Example: The “Internet” is an example of a Wide Area Network.

A group of geographically separated computers connected via dedicated lines or satellite links. The Internet enables small organizations to simulate a wide area network without the cost of one.

A computer network which usually spans larger geographic area, such as cities, counties, states, nations and planets. WAN's usually employ telephone-type topologies, like T1, T2, T5, ATM, etc. The Internet is held together by lots of WANs which hold together LANs, which network computers.

in contrast to a local area network (which links computers at the same site), a network which links computers over a large geographical area, including telecommunication links such as satellites.

A public or private data communication system for linking computers distributed over a large geographic area.

1. A network that provides communication services to a geographic area larger than that served by a local area network or a metropolitan area network, and that may use or provide public communication facilities. 2. A data communications network designed to serve an area of hundreds or thousands of miles; for example, public and private packet-switching networks, and national telephone networks. 3. (IRM) A computer network that links multiple workstations and other devices across a large geographical area. A WAN typically consists of multiple LANs that are linked together.

WAN): A physical or logical network that provides capabilities for a number of independent devices to communicate with each other over a common transmission-interconnected topology in geographic areas larger than those served by local area networks or metropolitan area networks.

A collection of long-distance telecommunication links and networks used to connect local area networks and end stations across regional, national or international distances. Commercially available WAN links include TI, EI, SONET, 64kbps leased lines, switched 56, and x.25. Networks services include ISDN, SMDS, ATM and frame relay.

Grand réseau (WAN), réseau étendu (WAN) A network of remote LANs linked by bridges, routers, or gateways Source: BC Government Information Management Group Glossary

a communications network that connects geographically separated areas.

A network that connects computers and LANs within a wide geographical area.

(WAN) A network, usually constructed with serial lines, which covers a large geographic area.

Wide Area Network (WAN) is a computer network that covers a broad area (i.e., any network whose communications links cross metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries