A network that connects computers over a large geographic area, a wide area network (WAN) spans cities, countries, or the globe. WANs may link two or more smaller computer networks called local area networks (LANs). The largest WAN is the Internet, which connects numerous smaller WANs worldwide. As its name suggests, it is a network of networks.
Communications in a WAN typically occur over cables, fiber optics, or satellites, but most computer users access the network with a modem, using telephone or cable lines. A technology known as WiMax is used to wirelessly deliver high-speed Internet service to large geographic areas via microwaves.