What Is a WAN and Is It Important for My Business?

What is a WAN? For expanding businesses, overcoming connectivity challenges is crucial. Secure and reliable data sharing across distant locations is pivotal for the success of any growing enterprise. To ensure teams stay interconnected and maintain productivity, business owners should focus on establishing a robust network.

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a dependable solution to enhance your company’s connectivity, supporting seamless communication and data exchange between widespread offices.

What is a WAN?

Simply put, a WAN is an IP-based network that connects two or more business locations. It’s generally designed to support everything your various teams might need to share — like internal communications, computer systems and your intranet.

There are two types of WANs: Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks and Virtual Private Networks.

P2P networks are designed to link local sites within a radius of 45 km of one another — so this type of Wide Area Network is useful for businesses with multiple branches within the same general area. P2P networks are able to link various business locations by creating a WAN path that goes from one location and through a network provider to another remote site. P2P networks are also sometimes called “leased lines”.

The biggest benefit of using a P2P network is that you don’t have to share bandwidth with other companies, and so these networks are generally faster than ordinary broadband connections.

The other type of WAN is a VPN. This type of network is essential if your offices or branches are sprinkled throughout the country, but you want each location to have access to the same IT systems and sensitive data.

VPNs work sort of like ordinary Internet connections that are encrypted. That means all the data you send on your network is completely private, and only people and locations that are invited to connect to your private network can have access to it.

Why is a WAN Important for My Business?

Now that you know the answer to what a WAN is, why would you want to use one at your small business?

If you want to share sensitive data between multiple business locations, it makes perfect sense to invest in a Wide Area Network. There simply isn’t a more reliable or more secure way to keep your business connected. But there are quite a few other benefits that come hand-in-hand with developing a P2P network or VPN, too.

First and foremost, a WAN enables you to totally centralize your company’s IT infrastructure. If you’ve got a P2P network or VPN, you don’t need to buy a separate file server or email server for each business location — which will not only keep things simple, but also keep things cheap. WANs can also carry phone calls so that you don’t have to rent ISDN circuits, either.

Companies that use WANs also generally get things done quicker. VPNs and P2P networks are made up of leased lines rather than broadband connections — which means WANs offer much faster upload speeds. Commands are effectively made in real-time, and most corporate WANs come with unlimited data transfer.

At the end of the day, very few growing companies have got anything to lose by investing in a WAN. If your business is growing rapidly, you have multiple branches or offices and you’ve got to share secure data between those offices in order to keep things running smoothly, the benefits of P2P networks or VPNs are staggering.

Just remember to do your homework. Every Wide Area Network service is a little bit different, and each provider comes with its own unique setup. That means you should sit down, take stock of your company’s needs and do your homework before jumping into any sort of service agreement.

Ensuring a Smooth WAN Implementation

Implementing a Wide Area Network (WAN) is a strategic move for businesses, but it’s essential to ensure a smooth transition and operation. Here are key considerations:

Assess Network Needs

Before diving into the selection of a WAN solution, a comprehensive assessment of your network needs is essential. This involves understanding the volume of data traffic, types of applications used, the geographical location of offices, and future growth plans.

Analyzing these factors will provide a clear picture of what you require from a WAN solution, whether it’s high bandwidth, low latency, reliability, or security. This step is crucial in ensuring that the chosen WAN solution aligns perfectly with your business objectives and operational demands.

Select the Right WAN Type

Choosing the appropriate Wide Area Network type is a pivotal decision that depends on the specific needs of your business. For companies with geographically dispersed branches, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) might offer the flexibility and security needed for remote access.

Conversely, businesses with locations within closer proximity may benefit from the high-speed and reliability of a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network. Consider factors such as data sensitivity, required speed, and the physical distance between locations to determine the best WAN solution for your business.

Evaluate Providers

Selecting the right service provider is crucial for the successful implementation and operation of your WAN. Look for providers with a robust network infrastructure, reliable customer service, and competitive pricing.

Assess their service level agreements (SLAs) to ensure they meet your business’s uptime and support requirements. Additionally, consider providers that offer added value through complementary services such as cloud connectivity, managed security, and network monitoring.

Plan for Scalability

As your business grows, so will your network needs. It’s important to choose a WAN solution that can scale with your business without requiring a complete overhaul of the existing infrastructure.

Discuss scalability options with potential providers, including the ability to add bandwidth, connect new sites, and integrate advanced technologies. Planning for scalability from the outset will save time and resources in the long run and support your business’s expansion efforts.

Prioritize Security

The security of your WAN is paramount, especially when transmitting sensitive data across multiple locations. Ensure that the WAN solution you choose offers robust security features, including end-to-end encryption, firewall services, and intrusion detection systems.

Consider implementing additional security measures, such as multi-factor authentication and secure access protocols, to further protect your network against potential threats.

Train Your Team

The successful deployment and ongoing management of your Wide Area Network require a knowledgeable and skilled team. Invest in training for your IT staff to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills to configure, manage, and troubleshoot the system.

Additionally, educate end-users on best practices for secure network usage to minimize risks and enhance overall network performance.

Monitor and Maintain

Continuous monitoring of your WAN is essential to ensure optimal performance and quickly identify any issues. Implement network monitoring tools that provide real-time insights into traffic patterns, bandwidth utilization, and potential security threats.

Regular maintenance, including software updates and hardware inspections, will help prolong the life of your WAN infrastructure and maintain its efficiency.

Backup and Redundancy

To ensure network reliability and minimize downtime, implement backup and redundancy strategies for your WAN. This might include secondary connections, failover systems, and redundant hardware.

These measures provide a safety net in case of network failures, ensuring that your business operations can continue uninterrupted.

Compliance and Regulations

Stay informed about relevant compliance standards and regulations that affect your WAN, especially if you operate in industries subject to strict data protection and privacy laws. Ensure that your WAN solution and practices adhere to these regulations to avoid legal penalties and protect customer data.

Regularly review compliance requirements and adjust your network security policies accordingly.

Disaster Recovery

Develop a comprehensive disaster recovery plan that includes provisions for your WAN. This plan should outline steps to restore network connectivity in the event of natural disasters, cyberattacks, or other catastrophic events.

Regular testing of the disaster recovery plan will ensure that your business is prepared to quickly respond and recover from disruptions.

Regular Audits

Conducting regular audits of your WAN infrastructure and policies is crucial for identifying potential improvements and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

These audits can help uncover vulnerabilities, assess the effectiveness of security measures, and evaluate the overall performance of the network. Insights gained from regular audits can guide strategic decisions and enhancements to your WAN solution.

By following these strategic steps, businesses can effectively implement a WAN solution that meets their connectivity needs, supports growth, and ensures the security and reliability of their network infrastructure.

Consideration	Description
Assess Network Needs	Conduct a thorough assessment of your organization's network requirements and communication needs.
Select the Right WAN Type	Choose between P2P networks and VPNs based on geographical distribution and data privacy requirements.
Evaluate Providers	Research WAN service providers, compare pricing, SLAs, and support options, and choose a reliable partner.
Plan for Scalability	Anticipate future growth and ensure that the selected WAN solution can scale without disruptions.
Prioritize Security	Implement robust security measures, including encryption and firewalls, to protect data in transit.
Train Your Team	Ensure IT teams and employees receive proper training to effectively manage and utilize the WAN.
Monitor and Maintain	Implement monitoring tools to continuously assess WAN performance and perform regular updates and maintenance.
Backup and Redundancy	Establish backup connections and redundancy protocols to minimize downtime during network failures.
Compliance and Regulations	Stay informed about data privacy regulations and compliance requirements, especially for handling sensitive customer data.
Disaster Recovery	Develop a disaster recovery plan that includes WAN contingencies to maintain business continuity.
Regular Audits	Conduct periodic audits of the WAN infrastructure to identify areas for improvement and optimization.

The Evolution of WAN Technology

Wide Area Networks (WANs) have evolved significantly over the years, adapting to the changing needs of businesses. Here’s a look at the key trends and advancements:

• SD-WAN Revolution: Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN) has gained prominence, offering enhanced flexibility and centralized control. It simplifies network management and optimizes application performance.
• Cloud Integration: WANs now seamlessly integrate with cloud services, allowing businesses to access cloud-based applications and resources efficiently. This aligns with the shift toward cloud computing.
• Hybrid WANs: Many organizations adopt a hybrid WAN approach, combining traditional WAN technologies with SD-WAN for a cost-effective and agile network solution.
• Security Enhancements: WAN security has become paramount. Advanced encryption, threat detection, and zero-trust network access (ZTNA) technologies protect data during transit.
• 5G Connectivity: The emergence of 5G networks has the potential to revolutionize WANs, offering faster speeds and lower latency, enabling more robust remote work and IoT connectivity.
• Edge Computing Integration: WANs now extend to the edge, supporting edge computing and IoT devices, reducing latency for real-time processing.
• AI and Automation: Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation play a role in optimizing WAN performance. Predictive analytics and AI-driven routing enhance efficiency.
• Global Connectivity: Businesses with a global presence benefit from WANs that provide global connectivity, enabling seamless communication across borders.
• Customization and Scalability: WANs are increasingly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor their networks to specific needs. Scalability ensures growth readiness.
• User Experience Focus: WAN design prioritizes the end-user experience, ensuring that applications and services perform optimally for remote and on-site employees.

Evolution of WAN Technology	Description
SD-WAN Revolution	Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN) offers flexibility and centralized control, simplifying network management and optimizing application performance.
Cloud Integration	WANs seamlessly integrate with cloud services, enabling efficient access to cloud-based applications and resources, aligning with the shift to cloud computing.
Hybrid WANs	Organizations adopt hybrid WANs, combining traditional WAN technologies with SD-WAN for cost-effective and agile network solutions.
Security Enhancements	WAN security is enhanced with advanced encryption, threat detection, and zero-trust network access (ZTNA) technologies to protect data during transit.
5G Connectivity	The emergence of 5G networks has the potential to revolutionize WANs, offering faster speeds and lower latency for robust remote work and IoT connectivity.
Edge Computing Integration	WANs extend to the edge, supporting edge computing and IoT devices, reducing latency for real-time processing.
AI and Automation	Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation optimize WAN performance through predictive analytics and AI-driven routing.
Global Connectivity	WANs provide global connectivity for businesses with a global presence, enabling seamless communication across borders.
Customization and Scalability	WANs are increasingly customizable, allowing businesses to tailor networks to specific needs, ensuring scalability for growth.
User Experience Focus	WAN design prioritizes the end-user experience, ensuring optimal performance for remote and on-site employees.

Conclusion: Enhancing Business Connectivity with Wide Area Networks (WANs)

The integration of Wide Area Networks (WANs) marks a significant milestone in the journey towards advanced business connectivity. These networks have become essential in overcoming geographical barriers, enhancing collaboration, and improving operational efficiency across various sectors.

WANs are not just about linking remote locations; they embody the foundation for a digitally interconnected ecosystem that supports robust communication, secure data exchange, and streamlined workflows.

Key Highlights:

• Bridging Geographical Gaps: WANs enable organizations to connect multiple locations, fostering a cohesive operational environment.
• Supporting Collaboration: By facilitating efficient data sharing and communication, WANs enhance teamwork across distances.
• Optimizing Operations: The centralization of IT resources and streamlined data transfers contribute to improved organizational efficiency.

WAN technology is continuously evolving, driven by advancements like SD-WAN, cloud computing, and forthcoming 5G networks. These developments promise even greater flexibility, scalability, and performance, positioning them at the forefront of future business strategies.

Strategic Considerations:

• Customization to Business Needs: Selecting the right WAN configuration—be it P2P or VPN—is crucial for meeting specific organizational objectives.
• Security and Compliance: Implementing robust security measures and adhering to regulatory standards are paramount for protecting sensitive data.
• Future-Proofing: Planning for scalability and integrating emerging technologies ensure businesses remain competitive and resilient.

WANs have become more than just infrastructure components; they are dynamic platforms that drive business innovation and connectivity. As we look to the future, the role of WANs in facilitating seamless, secure, and efficient communication will only grow, underscoring their importance in a globally connected business environment.

Embracing WAN technology, with an eye on current trends and future possibilities, is essential for any organization aiming to capitalize on the opportunities of the digital age.

Network Photo via Shutterstock

This article, "What Is a WAN and Is It Important for My Business?" was first published on Small Business Trends