AQA · GCSE · Computer Science
Course version: 8525 · Version from Sept 2020
Fundamentals of computer networks: Wide Area Network (WAN).
A WAN is a network that connects devices or smaller networks across a large geographical area, such as different towns, countries or continents.
Checked against the AQA 8525 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 7 of 50
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
A WAN is a network that connects devices or smaller networks across a large geographical area, such as different towns, countries or continents. Unlike a LAN, the hardware linking the sites is usually not owned by one organisation; a telecommunications provider supplies the long-distance links, and the customer pays for that connectivity. A school with two campuses in different cities, joined so staff can share files, is using a WAN. The internet is the largest example of a WAN. In a multiple-choice question you must pick the option that matches this definition: large geographical spread and links between separate sites, rather than a single building or a single owner.
What earns the marks
- A WAN covers a large geographical area, connecting sites across towns, countries or continents.
- A WAN links separate networks or devices that are not in the same location.
- The long-distance infrastructure is typically provided by a telecommunications company rather than owned by the user organisation.
- The internet is the largest example of a WAN.
- A WAN is distinguished from a LAN, which is confined to a single site such as one building.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Choosing an option that describes a network in one building.
Put it right: That is a LAN, not a WAN, because a WAN spans a large geographical area.
Assuming the organisation always owns all the cabling.
Put it right: In a WAN the long-distance links are usually supplied by a telecommunications provider.
Confusing the internet with the only possible WAN.
Put it right: The internet is the largest example, but private WANs linking an organisation's sites also exist.
Exam tips
- Read every option and reject any that describes a single site or single room, since that indicates a LAN.
- Look for the phrase about geographical scale; the correct option will mention a large area or links between distant sites.
- If two options seem similar, choose the one that also reflects external telecommunications infrastructure rather than sole ownership.
Try the lesson
The start of the Fundamentals of computer networks: Wide Area Network (WAN). lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A company has offices in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. The offices need to share a central database. Which type of network is most suitable for connecting these offices?
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