Difference between WAN and WWAN

The most advanced form of computer networks are Wide Area Network (WAN) and Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN). 

Both Wide Area Network and Wireless Wide Area Network are interrelated and share moreover same characteristics. Wide Area Network is a form of computer network which is been used in several areas of the world. Whereas, Wireless Wide Area Network is a kind of computer network which is of recent origin and now been widely used by many people around the globe. 

What is WAN?

WAN stands for Wide Area Network. It is a network that connects devices over a large geographic area, such as cities, countries, or even continents. WANs are used to transmit data, voice, and video over long distances, often via telecommunication networks. Examples of WAN include the internet, private networks used by businesses, and public networks provided by service providers.

Advantages of WAN:

• Connectivity: WANs provide connectivity over long distances, making it possible for geographically dispersed locations to communicate and share resources.
• Scalability: WANs are scalable and can be expanded to accommodate more users or additional locations as a business grows.
• Security: WANs can be designed with strong security measures, such as firewalls, encryption, and authentication protocols, to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches.
• Centralized Management: WANs can be centrally managed, allowing IT administrators to monitor and manage the network from a central location.
• Reliable: WANs use high-quality communication links, such as leased lines and dedicated circuits, to ensure reliable and consistent connectivity.

Disadvantages of WAN:

• Cost: WANs can be expensive to implement and maintain, as they require specialized equipment and infrastructure.
• Complexity: WANs can be complex to set up and manage, requiring specialized technical expertise and support.
• Bandwidth limitations: WANs can be subject to bandwidth limitations, particularly over long distances, which can impact performance and user experience.
• Security vulnerabilities: WANs can be vulnerable to security breaches, particularly if proper security measures are not implemented and maintained.
• Maintenance: WANs require regular maintenance to ensure proper functionality and to address any issues that arise.

What is WWAN?

WWAN stands for Wireless Wide Area Network. It is a wireless network that connects devices over a large geographic area, similar to WAN. However, unlike WAN, which can use both wired and wireless connections, WWAN only uses wireless connections. WWAN typically uses cellular networks, such as 3G, 4G, or 5G, to transmit data, voice, and video over long distances.

Advantages of WWAN:

• Mobility: WWANs provide mobile connectivity, allowing users to access the internet and other network resources while on the move.
• Cost-effective: WWANs can be more cost-effective than WANs, particularly for small businesses or individuals who require mobile connectivity.
• Availability: WWANs are widely available, as they rely on existing cellular networks.
• Easy to use: WWANs are easy to use and require minimal setup or configuration, particularly for devices that are preconfigured for cellular connectivity.
• Coverage: WWANs can provide connectivity in areas where other types of network connectivity may not be available.

Disadvantages of WWAN:

• Speed: WWANs can be subject to network congestion and signal interference, which can impact performance and speed.
• Security: WWANs can be vulnerable to security risks, such as eavesdropping, interception, and hacking, particularly if proper security measures are not implemented and maintained.
• Limited Bandwidth: WWANs can be subject to limited bandwidth, particularly in areas with poor network coverage or congestion, which can impact performance and user experience.
• Dependent on signal strength: WWANs are dependent on signal strength, which can vary depending on location and environmental factors.
• Limited Data Caps: WWANs typically come with limited data caps, which can be costly to exceed and can limit usage.

Similarities between them:

• Provide connectivity: Both WAN and WWAN provide connectivity to devices over a large geographic area. While WANs are typically used to connect remote locations to a central data center, WWANs provide mobile connectivity to devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
• Require network infrastructure: Both WAN and WWAN require network infrastructure to function. WANs may use various types of media, such as copper wires, fiber-optic cables, or wireless connections, while WWANs rely on cellular networks.
• Subject to network congestion: Both WAN and WWAN are subject to network congestion, which can impact performance and user experience.
• Vulnerable to security risks: Both WAN and WWAN can be vulnerable to security risks such as eavesdropping, interception, and hacking, particularly if proper security measures are not implemented and maintained.
• Offer scalability: Both WAN and WWAN are scalable and can be expanded to accommodate more users or additional locations as a business grows.
• Require maintenance: Both WAN and WWAN require regular maintenance to ensure proper functionality and to address any issues that arise.

Let’s discuss something about Wide Area Network as well as Wireless Wide Area Network.

WAN	WWAN
WAN stands for Wide Area Network	WWAN stands for Wireless Wide Area Network
WAN connections can include wired and wireless technologies	WWAN connections are completely wireless
WAN covers a wide geographical area	WWAN also covers a wide geographical area
In WAN, Wired systems are less expensive, faster, and more secure than wireless networks.	As WWAN has only wireless connection, it’s reliably expensive than WAN connections. Also Wireless connections are also considered to be non-secure
The network speed and the speed of which data are transported, is comparatively slower for a WAN than for a WWAN.	The network speed and the speed of which data are transported, is faster for a WWAN than for a WAN
WAN provides good performance when it’s been wired and comparatively lower performance than WWAN when acting as wireless	WWAN ensures perfectly good performance until interrupted by any external agents like poor climate etc..
The cost of installation is less and setting the connection is moderately difficult	The cost of installation is more and setting the connection is easier
Mobility limited	Outstanding Mobility
connections cannot be interrupted easily	chances of connection interruption is high

Conclusion:

 WAN and WWAN are two types of networks used to provide connectivity over long distances, but they differ in terms of the technology used, coverage, speed, cost, and security. While WANs are typically used to connect remote locations to a central data center, WWANs are designed to provide mobile connectivity to devices while on the move. Understanding the differences between these two networks is important when choosing the appropriate network architecture for your business or personal needs.