Wide Area Network (WAN): The Data and voice communication network which extends beyond the geographical limitations of a local area network (abbreviated as LAN). In a usual configuration, a WAN consists of numerous LANs at dispersed positions interconnected through gateways over leased or dedicated telephone and or wireless links. The Airline and hotel reservation services include of WANs, and the internet is the worlds largest WAN. Extranets, Intranets, and virtual private networks are all WANs simulated above internet connections.