Wide Area Network - Advantages & Disadvantages Network Types

Wide Area Network - Advantages & Disadvantages Network Types 

Advantages of WAN 

• In WAN, the users at different locations are connected to a central server.
• It is used to monitor distant locations and offices.

Disadvantages of WAN

In WAN, security is a big issue.

• Setting up a network can be an expensive and complicated task.
• Management, maintenance and troubleshooting WAN is a difficult task. 

1.1.5 Communication Devices

Most commonly used communication devices are:

• Dialup Modem 
• Network Interface Card (NIC)

Dialup MODEM

A Dialup MODEM (Modulator-Demodulator) is a communication device. used to connect to the Internet, exchange information, and to send and receive data from one computer to the other. It translates computer information into form that can be transmitted over telephone lines. Figure 1.7 shows the working of Modem.

A modem can be located inside or outside the computer. Figure 1.8 shows different types of Modem.

In computers, information is stored digitally, whereas information transmitted over telephone lines is in the form of analog signals. Modem converts digital signals to analog signals (Modulation) and then analog signals to digital signals (Demodulation).