What is a WAN? Wide Area Network definition and examples

What is a WAN router?

The next question that naturally follows, “What is WAN network?” is “What is WAN router?”. Also known as an edge router or border router, a Wide Area Network (WAN) router is a device that is responsible for routing data packets between WAN locations. 

This provides an organisation with access to a carrier network. A number of wide-area network protocols have been created over the course of time. Some include Frame Relay, Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), ATM, and Packet over SONET/SDH (PoS).

In simpler terms, a wide area network router is a network device connecting several Local Area Networks (LANs) across a large geographical area. Its primary function is facilitating data transfer/communication over a wide area network. When it comes to routing traffic between local area networks and external networks (the internet or other remote networks), a wan architecture plays an important role.

Purpose of a WAN connection

The lack of a wide area networking services/connections will effectively confine a particular organisation to a geographically restricted region. Businesses will be able to do internal operations through the WAN, but they will need help to connect to the outside world (whether that be other cities or even other nations).

With WAN, businesses can preferably share information, interact, and stay connected between branches in a secure manner as they expand internationally. Nowadays, businesses rely on wide-area networking services as their foundation. Generally, businesses use WANs to:

• Gain access to data storage and perform remote data backups
• Process and host internal apps
• Communicate using video/voice
• Pool their resources between customers and employees 
• Connect with apps that run in the cloud

Securing your WAN

One of the main concerns with wide-area networks has always been the potential for security breaches, particularly when users are connecting from different locations, (along with their homes). To stop this unauthorised access, antivirus software and firewalls must be implemented to provide extra security measures.

Organisations can establish connectivity and encrypt data using a virtual private network (VPN). However, VPNs might still not offer complete safety. If the organisation's security needs are not met accurately, IT specialists may need to implement additional security protocols. 

Ideally, securing a wide area network involves implementing multiple layers of protection to shield it against potential threats. Here are some key strategies to secure your WAN:

Firewalls

• Implement Firewalls: Use firewalls, both host- and network-based, to keep tabs on and manage incoming and outgoing network traffic in accordance with the predetermined security protocols.
• Configuration and Setup: Keep firewall rules up-to-date so they can prevent illegal access while enabling legitimate communication.

Permissions and Access Control

• User Authentication: Verify the identity of users using robust authentication methods, such as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
• Access Policies: To ensure users have the bare minimum of access needed for their jobs, you should set up and strictly enforce access control regulations.

Encryption

• Data Encryption: To avoid eavesdropping and interception, encrypt sensitive data while it is in transit by using protocols like SSL/TLS or IPsec.
• VPNs: Set up VPNs to establish encrypted and secured connections over the wide area network, which is particularly useful for remote access.

Training and Security Policies

• Create Policies: Lay down thorough and comprehensive security rules that specify incident handling, acceptable use, and other security practices.
• Employee Training: Regularly train employees on phishing awareness, security best practices, and how to report suspicious activities.

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)

• Deploy IDS/IPS: Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) are not inherently a part of WAN topology, but they are integral to the security and management of a WAN. Implement intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to automatically respond to potential threats by monitoring network traffic for suspicious activities.

Maintaining Firmware Updates and Patch Management

• Patch Systems: Update and patch all software, operating systems, and network devices on a regular basis to fix vulnerabilities.
• Firmware Updates: Update the firmware on all network devices, including switches, routers, and computers.

Network Segmentation

• Segment the Network: To confine and mitigate the effects of any potential security breaches, it is recommended to divide the network into smaller portions or subnets.
• VLANs: Use Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) to separate different network parts logically.

Logging and Monitoring

• Consistent Monitoring: Keep an eye on your network traffic for anything out of the ordinary by using a monitoring tool.
• Log Management: Collect and analyse data stored in log files generated by different network devices to identify and probe security breaches.

Redundancy and Backups

• Redundant Paths: Design the network with redundancy to make sure the network can keep running even if something goes wrong. 
• Backup your Data: Regularly backup critical data, ensuring that it is secure and can be quickly restored.

Example of WAN solution

You won’t need an external solution provider to run a WAN environment; your in-house staff can do it all. Leased lines and Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) allow your telecommunication carrier to let you manage the network while they offer connectivity between numerous locations. Below are some examples of WAN solutions.

1. MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching): Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) is an approach for building scalable and efficient networks. It streamlines and accelerates data transfer by rerouting it based on short path labels instead of lengthy network addresses.
2. VPN (Virtual Private Network): VPNs establish encrypted tunnels across the internet, allowing remote users or sites to access the main network with the same level of access as if they were physically there. This example is a cost-effective solution for ensuring secure data transmission.
3. SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN): SD-WAN uses software-based technology for managing and optimising WAN’s operation. By directing traffic across the most effective channels, be it MPLS, broadband, or LTE, SD-WAN offers scalability, improved performance, and flexibility.
4. Leased Lines: These are private, dedicated lines used for point-to-point communication. Enterprises generally use leased lines to connect across various offices because of their high-speed and reliable connectivity.
5. Satellite WAN: In remote or rural locations where traditional wired connections are not feasible, satellite WANs provide connectivity by using satellite dishes and links, enabling communication over vast distances.
6. 4G/5G LTE WAN: 4G and 5G LTE WANs use cellular networks to deliver high-speed internet connectivity. In order to guarantee business continuity and network redundancy, this solution is especially helpful for off-site/remote locations, backup connections, or temporary setups.
7. Carrier Ethernet: Carrier Ethernet is a high-speed WAN solution offered by telecommunications providers. It takes ethernet connections outside a LAN and establishes reliable, high-bandwidth connections across different locations (other cities, regions, or countries).

All in all, every wan example listed above speaks about the diverse methods that may be used to build and administer wide area networking services, each tailored to specific requirements and environments. 

These strategies and technologies are part of a wide area network definition, which is entirely committed to providing reliable, scalable, robust, and secure connectivity across different locations.