Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)
A Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) is a large-scale wireless network that connects devices over a wide geographical area. Unlike Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), WWANs typically utilize mobile telecommunication technologies like 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G to transmit data. This allows users with WWAN-enabled devices, such as laptops and smartphones, to access the internet, email, and VPNs from anywhere within the coverage area of the cellular network.
WWANs can also be closed networks that cover large areas, such as mesh networks or MANETs with nodes distributed on buildings, towers, and vehicles. Additionally, low-power, low-bit-rate WWANs (LPWANs) are designed for transmitting small amounts of data from battery-powered sensors, typically for IoT applications.
Security is a key concern for WWANs, as radio communications systems do not provide a physically secure connection. To address this, WWANs incorporate encryption and authentication methods. While early GSM encryption techniques had flaws, later UMTS (3G) encryption has not yet been compromised.
WWANs facilitate data transmission for a variety of applications, including telephone calls, web browsing, and video streaming. They are typically offered by wireless service providers and are available regionally, nationwide, or even globally.