What is a WAN service?

WAN services, short for Wide Area Network services, encompass a variety of technologies and solutions designed to connect geographically dispersed networks.

Unlike a Local Area Network (LAN), which typically covers a single location like an office or a campus, a WAN extends over larger areas—potentially even across the globe—by linking multiple LANs through public or private communication channels.

What you’ll learn:

• A deeper understanding of what WAN services are
• Types of WAN connections
• Key benefits of WAN services
• Why WAN network services are important to a business
• Management challenges in WAN services
• How to choose the right WAN services
• WAN security best practices
• Why you should partner with Meter for your WAN solution

What are WAN services?

WAN services connect multiple Local Area Networks (LANs) across different locations, allowing data to travel efficiently and securely over long distances. These services are important for businesses with dispersed offices or remote workers, enabling them to operate as a unified network.

At the heart of WAN services is the interconnection of LANs using various methods such as leased lines, MPLS, SD-WAN, or Internet-based VPNs:

• Leased lines provide a dedicated connection with consistent performance and reliability. However, they can be costly and may not offer the flexibility of modern alternatives like SD-WAN.
• MPLS routes data across a private network, offering predictable performance and quality of service (QoS). It optimizes the prioritization of traffic rather than inherently reducing latency.
• SD-WAN takes a flexible approach by dynamically managing and routing traffic across multiple types of connections, such as broadband, LTE, and MPLS, to improve performance, reduce costs, and enhance scalability.
• Internet-based VPNs, while more affordable, offer secure connections over public Internet but may not match the performance of dedicated options.

Key components that make WAN services effective include routers, switches, and firewalls:

• Routers direct data between different networks (not just segments), and switches manage traffic within a single network, typically within a LAN.
• Firewalls protect the network by filtering traffic, allowing only authorized data to pass through.
• Communication links, whether through leased lines, MPLS, or VPNs, are the physical channels that connect the networks, and their reliability is pivotal to maintaining continuous operations.

Key benefits of WAN services

WAN services are integral to business operations, particularly for organizations that require reliable and secure communication across multiple locations, including global networks. These services are foundational for organizations aiming to link offices, data centers, and remote workers into a unified network.

Scalability

As companies expand by adding new branches or increasing their workforce, the network infrastructure must keep pace. WANs provide the ability to scale bandwidth and connectivity options, accommodating increased data traffic without sacrificing performance.

For instance, when a new office is established in a different city, WAN services can quickly integrate this location into the existing network, providing the same level of access and security as the central office.

Reliability

Some WAN services incorporate redundancy and failover mechanisms, but this depends on the specific solution and configuration used (e.g., MPLS may include these features, but not all WAN technologies do by default). These features include backup routes and automatic switchovers that activate when the primary connection fails.

An example of this would be if a company’s primary leased line experiences an outage, the WAN service can switch to a secondary connection, such as an MPLS or Internet-based VPN, preventing any disruption to operations.

Centralized network management

Managing a network that spans multiple locations can be complex, but WAN services simplify this task by offering centralized management. IT teams can monitor, configure, and troubleshoot the entire network from a single, unified platform.

Centralized management not only simplifies operations but also enables quicker identification and resolution of issues, reducing the time and resources spent on network maintenance. This central oversight is invaluable to network engineers, as it provides visibility across all network segments, allowing potential problems to be addressed before they escalate.

Why are WAN services important for businesses?

WAN services are indispensable for businesses, particularly those with multiple locations or a distributed workforce. The ability to maintain effective communication and collaboration across geographically dispersed teams is no longer a luxury; it’s a fundamental requirement for staying competitive in today’s global market.

Remote work and branch connectivity

As remote work becomes a standard practice, WAN services provide the infrastructure that links employees across different locations. Accessing shared resources, collaborating on projects, and communicating in real time are all made possible through WANs.

Employees, regardless of their location, can access the same tools and information, enabling them to perform their tasks as efficiently as if they were in the same office.

For network engineers, implementing a WAN that meets the specific needs of their organization—whether through dedicated leased lines, MPLS, or SD-WAN solutions—requires careful consideration of both performance and security.

Network redundancy and disaster recovery

Downtime can be costly for any business, and WAN services offer the redundancy needed to maintain operations during network failures. Not all WANs inherently include multiple transmission pathways. It depends on the WAN architecture and redundancy planning, such as implementing backup links or SD-WAN configurations.

For instance, in the event of a natural disaster or major outage, a well-designed WAN can reroute traffic through alternative paths, maintaining the continuity of business operations. It helps to prevent productivity losses but also protects the company’s bottom line by avoiding the financial impacts of prolonged downtime.

Traffic prioritization and improved data flow

Some applications and processes are more important than others, and WAN services allow network administrators to prioritize traffic accordingly. Making sure that applications—such as VoIP, video conferencing, or cloud-based business tools—get the necessary bandwidth, WAN services can help to prevent bottlenecks and maintain optimal network performance.

Effective data flow management is important for maintaining business continuity and delivering consistent user experiences, especially during peak usage times. Configuring these priorities within a WAN is a key task that directly impacts the overall efficiency of the organization.

Management challenges of WAN services

Managing WAN services presents unique challenges that require a focused approach, especially in areas like security, complexity, and performance. For network engineers, tackling these challenges is key to maintaining an effective and secure wide-area network.

Security concerns

One of the primary challenges in WAN management is safeguarding data as it moves across diverse networks. Unlike local data transmission, WAN traffic often passes through multiple touchpoints, each posing potential security risks.

Key security elements in WAN management require focused attention:

• Encryption: Encryption of data in transit is highly recommended, especially for sensitive data, but not universally implemented. Some businesses may use encryption selectively based on risk assessments and compliance requirements. Protocols such as IPsec and SSL/TLS play a central role in protecting data during transfer, making intercepted information unreadable and useless to unauthorized parties.
• Firewalls and secure protocols: Firewalls act as a gatekeeper, filtering traffic and blocking unauthorized access. Their configuration must account for the varied nature of WAN traffic, which includes different data types and applications. Additionally, secure tunneling protocols, like VPNs, add an extra layer of protection by creating encrypted channels for data exchange.
• Compliance and data privacy: For businesses handling sensitive information, adherence to regulations like GDPR or HIPAA is a must. WAN configurations need to enforce stringent data privacy measures across all connections, backed by comprehensive security policies that are uniformly applied throughout the network.

Complexity in configuration and management

WANs are inherently more complex than LANs, given their scale and the variety of technologies involved. Managing this complexity requires a thorough understanding of networking principles and the ability to integrate various systems cohesively.

Managing WAN complexity requires a strategic approach:

• Vendor and technology diversity: A WAN can involve multiple service providers or a single provider offering various technologies. It's common for businesses to use multiple technologies within a single WAN, but this isn't always the case. Coordinating these diverse elements into a single, cohesive network demands careful planning and precise execution. Misconfigurations or incompatibilities can lead to inefficiencies or security vulnerabilities.
• Management tools: The complexity of WANs necessitates the use of advanced management tools that provide comprehensive visibility and control over the network. These tools are indispensable for real-time monitoring, automated alerts, and configuration management, all of which help minimize the risk of human error. Network engineers must be adept with these tools to maintain optimal network performance.
• Staff expertise: Managing a WAN requires specialized knowledge beyond basic networking skills. Network engineers need to be proficient in advanced configurations, troubleshooting, and staying updated with the latest technologies and industry best practices. Ongoing training and education are essential for maintaining a skilled IT team capable of managing a WAN effectively.

Latency and bandwidth issues

WANs, by their nature, span large geographical areas, which introduces challenges related to latency and bandwidth. These factors can significantly impact the performance of applications, particularly those that are time-sensitive or data-intensive.

WANs present unique challenges that impact application performance over large distances:

• Latency: This term means the total time it takes for data to travel from one point to another across a network, not just the delay before the transfer begins. It’s influenced by the physical distance between locations, the quality of communication links, and the number of network hops data must make. High latency degrades the performance of real-time applications like VoIP or video conferencing. Network engineers must consider solutions like SD-WAN to optimize routing and reduce latency.
• Bandwidth management: Managing bandwidth is another critical aspect, as inadequate bandwidth can lead to congestion, where multiple data streams compete for limited resources, resulting in slowdowns and packet loss. Implementing Quality of Service (QoS) policies allows for prioritizing critical traffic and allocating bandwidth more effectively. Regular monitoring and bandwidth assessments help in identifying potential bottlenecks before they impact performance.
• Scalability: As businesses grow, so do their bandwidth needs. WAN solutions must be designed to scale with the organization, allowing for additional capacity to be integrated with minimal disruption.

How to choose the right WAN service for your business

Choosing the right WAN service is a key decision that affects your network’s performance, security, and ability to scale with your business.

Assess bandwidth, reliability, and security needs

Start by evaluating your business’s current and projected requirements:

• Bandwidth: Understand the data flow within your organization. High-demand applications like video conferencing and large file transfers require a WAN service that can handle significant data traffic without introducing latency.
• Reliability: Consider how dependent your operations are on constant connectivity. Businesses that require uninterrupted access to data should prioritize WAN solutions with strong failover capabilities to reduce the risk of downtime.
• Security: Evaluate the sensitivity of the information traveling across your network. Businesses dealing with confidential data should choose WAN services that support strong encryption and secure protocols, but they must also implement these features appropriately within their specific network setup.

Compare WAN technologies

Each WAN technology has its strengths, so understanding them is key:

• MPLS: Known for reliable performance and quality of service (QoS), MPLS is ideal for businesses that require guaranteed data delivery and low latency. However, it may be less flexible and more costly than other options.
• SD-WAN: Offers flexibility by allowing the use of various transport services, such as MPLS, broadband, and LTE, with centralized control for better management and security. It's often more cost-effective and scalable, making it suitable for growing businesses.
• Internet-based VPNs: Provides a secure connection over the Internet, making it a cost-effective choice. However, it may not offer the same level of performance and reliability as MPLS or SD-WAN, particularly for latency-sensitive applications.

Plan for future growth

It’s important to choose a WAN solution that can grow with your business:

• Scalability: Look for a WAN service that can accommodate increasing data traffic and the addition of new locations as your business expands. SD-WAN is particularly effective in this regard, allowing for easy integration of new sites with minimal configuration.
• Adaptability: Consider how the WAN service can evolve with your business. A flexible WAN solution should be capable of integrating new applications and supporting future technological advancements, such as IoT deployments or edge computing.

Final considerations

You must balance the technical requirements with financial implications:

• Cost vs. value: While the initial cost is important, consider the long-term benefits of investing in a reliable and scalable WAN solution. A more advanced option might help avoid future expenses related to network downtime, security breaches, or system upgrades.
• Vendor support: Evaluate the level of support offered by the WAN service provider. Effective support can be a significant factor in maintaining your network's performance, especially during critical times like outages or upgrades.

WAN security best practices

Securing your WAN is important to protecting your network and sensitive data. Here are practical measures to enhance WAN security:

• Encryption, firewalls, and secure protocols: Encrypt data as it travels across the network to keep it inaccessible without proper decryption. Use firewalls to filter traffic and secure protocols like IPsec for VPNs to safeguard communication between remote sites.
• Threat detection: Implement real-time monitoring tools like IDS/IPS to detect and respond to suspicious activities promptly. These systems can identify threats based on known signatures or unusual patterns, helping you act quickly to mitigate risks.
• Regular updates and patches: Apply security patches regularly to all network devices. Automating this process can help minimize vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of attacks that exploit outdated software.

Next steps: Advantages of Meter Connect for WAN services

Meter offers comprehensive WAN services that simplify network management and enhance security. Adopting Meter’s WAN services allows businesses to optimize network performance while reducing the workload on their IT teams.

Discover how Meter Connect can simplify your business’s WAN services needs for you by negotiating with Internet service providers, setting up a new connection, and offering ongoing maintenance. Plus, Meter also offers complete NaaS services with features like managing your entire WAN through a unified Dashboard patented by Meter for easier network monitoring.