What might be a disadvantage of a Wide Area Network?

A disadvantage of a Wide Area Network (WAN) is indeed higher operational costs. WANs typically span large geographic areas, connecting multiple locations over considerable distances. This often involves various infrastructure components such as leased lines, specialized routers, and advanced networking equipment, all of which contribute to increased expenses. Additionally, maintenance and management of a WAN require skilled personnel, further driving up operational costs.

In many cases, the costs associated with data transfer can also be significant, especially if the WAN relies on third-party connections or services. As such, organizations planning to implement or maintain a WAN must carefully consider their budgets and resources to ensure sustainability and performance at a manageable cost.