When we talk about the Internet, when we mention networks, there are many terms we can use. There are many protocols and types of networks, especially when it comes to wireless networks. In this article we are going to talk about two of those types that we have at our disposal. Sometimes they can be confused and it is convenient to keep in mind what each type is. We will explain what WMAN and WWAN are and what each one is for. A review of its most important points.
Wireless networks, increasingly present
It is a reality that we increasingly connect to the Internet through wireless networks . The rise of mobile devices has played a fundamental role. This has made it necessary to have viable options and offer us the possibility to navigate smoothly and with stability.
Keep in mind that not all wireless networks are designed for the same type of users. Each group may have different needs. The Wi-Fi router of a private home is not the same as a much more complex system for giving wireless connection in a shopping center.
In this sense we can say that there are different types of wireless networks with a different terminology. That is why in this article we wanted to mention two of them. Let’s explain what WMAN and WWAN are. We will explain their meaning, as well as the use they have.
What is WMAN
When we talk about WMAN we mean a type of wireless network that is installed within the same metropolitan area . That is, the objective in this case is to establish different wireless connections within that space. This means that they will have a range of several tens of kilometers. It is, as we can imagine, much more complex than a simple home Wi-Fi network or in a mall.
This type of networks avoids having to have a lot of wiring. We can simply connect wirelessly thus saving costs. Use radio waves or infrared light to transfer the data. This allows you to have a much greater range of action than a common WLAN, as we have mentioned.
Where can we see an example of WMAN? As we have indicated, it serves to connect different connections within a specific area. For example we can find it on a university campus , where there are different connected buildings. Also in large companies where they have different departments within the same area.
Basically what it does is interconnect WLAN networks with each other and thus expand the range of action. It could even be used in hard-to-reach areas, such as remote places within a municipality, rural areas, etc.
What is WWAN?
On the other hand we have WWAN networks. In this case we are facing wireless networks that can cover a larger space. Basically we are facing the networks that use our mobile devices .
We can say that 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G are part of this type of networks. It can cover, in short, a large area. They use different nodes that can be installed in large buildings, towers, etc.
This type of networks also allows connecting a large number of users at the same time. Each cell, each block, allows you to deliver connection to a certain number of customers at the same time. This is something that is also present in a WLAN network, for example, only in this case the figure is much higher. That is why at certain times, in large crowds, we can see that the connection is slower or there are problems.
In short, WMAN and WWAN are two types of networks that can cover large areas. As we have seen there are differences between both terms, as well as the use they are given. They are two terms that are sometimes confused, but we have seen that there are differences. In the first case it is limited to the same metropolitan area, while in the other it can cover much larger areas.
