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The textbook definition of a WAN is a computer network spanning regions, countries, or even the world. [3] [4] However, in terms of the application of communication protocols and concepts, it may be best to view WANs as computer networking technologies used to transmit data over long distances, and between different networks.
For example, the sample diagram does not indicate the physical type of connection between the PCs and the switch, but since a modern LAN is depicted, Ethernet may be assumed. If the same style of line was used in a WAN (wide area network) diagram, however, it may indicate a different type of connection.
A residential gateway is a small consumer-grade gateway which bridges network access between connected local area network (LAN) hosts to a wide area network (WAN) (such as the Internet) via a modem, or directly connects to a WAN (as in EttH), while routing. The WAN is a larger computer network, generally operated by an Internet service provider.
A Heterogeneous wireless network (HWN) is a special case of a HetNet. Whereas a HetNet may consist of a network of computers or devices with different capabilities in terms of operating systems, hardware, protocols, etc., an HWN is a wireless network that consists of devices using different underlying radio access technology (RAT). [8]
The WAN Interface Card (WIC) may contain an integrated CSU/DSU that can be inserted into a router slot. An example of a WIC is the 1-port 56/64-kbit/s DSU/CSU WIC (WIC-1DSU-56K4) by Cisco Systems. DTE is generally a router, but can also be a terminal, computer, printer, or fax machine if they connect directly to the service provider network.
The Frame Relay network exists between a LAN border device, usually a router, and the carrier switch. The technology used by the carrier to transport data between the switches is variable and may differ among carriers (i.e., to function, a practical Frame Relay implementation need not rely solely on its own transportation mechanism).
A WIC is inserted into a WIC (or HWIC, or EHWIC) expansion slot in a Cisco device. According to Cisco, "Cisco interface cards are classified according to the technologies they support. For example, WAN interface cards (WICs) support WAN technologies, such as Gigabit Ethernet; and voice interface cards (VICs) support voice technologies.
For wider area communications, wireless local area network (WLAN) is used. WLANs are often known by their commercial product name Wi-Fi. These systems are used to provide wireless access to other systems on the local network such as other computers, shared printers, and other such devices or even the internet.