A computer network style that covers a broad area (any network whose communication links cross metropolitan, regional, or national boundaries). or, less formally, a network that uses routers and public communications links. in contrast with personal area networks (pan’s), local area networks (lan’s), campus area networks (can’s), or metropolitan area networks (man’s) which are usually limited to a room, building, campus or specific metropolitan area (e.g., a city) respectively. the largest and most well-known example of a wan is the internet.
