What does WAN stand for in networking terms?

The term WAN stands for Wide Area Network. A Wide Area Network refers to a telecommunications network that covers a broad geographic area, which can span cities, countries, or even continents. It is designed to connect different local area networks (LANs) and enable communication and data transfer over large distances. WANs are commonly used by businesses and organizations to link remote offices or branches, allowing for centralized data access and communication.

This definition emphasizes the expansive coverage of a WAN compared to a local area network (LAN), which is restricted to a smaller geographical area, typically a single building or campus. Understanding the scope and function of WANs helps clarify why this term is critical in discussions about networking infrastructures and how they facilitate connectivity across various locations.