What is a wireless WAN?

A wireless wide area network (WWAN), is a form of wireless network. The larger size of a wide area network compared to a local area network requires differences in technology. Wireless networks of all sizes deliver data in the form of telephone calls, web pages, and streaming video.

A WWAN often differs from wireless local area network (WLAN) by using mobile telecommunication cellular network technologies such as LTE, WiMAX (often called a wireless metropolitan area network or WMAN), UMTS, CDMA2000, GSM, cellular digital packet data (CDPD) and Mobitex to transfer data. It can also use Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS) or Wi-Fi to provide Internet access. These technologies are offered regionally, nationwide, or even globally and are provided by a wireless service provider. WWAN connectivity allows a user with a laptop and a WWAN card to surf the web, check email, or connect to a virtual private network (VPN) from anywhere within the regional boundaries of cellular service. Various computers can have integrated WWAN capabilities.

Wireless WAN is a wide area network in which separate areas of coverage or cells are connected wirelessly to provide service to a large geographic area.

WWAN services are typically delivered to smart phones and other handheld devices sold by cellular service providers and their retail partners but other mobile devices can use them as well. Some netbooks are available with WWAN cards installed; you can also purchase wireless WAN cards to install yourself. Unlike Wi-Fi cards, which can be used in just about any hotspot, WWAN devices must be provisioned specifically for access to your service provider's network. Your service provider will take care of billing for roaming access that involves other provider networks.

The three families of WWAN technologies are GSM/UMTS, CDMA One/CDMA2000 and WiMAX. In the United States, service providers include AT&T, Clearwire, Sprint and Verizon. Wireless WAN services are expected to become increasingly available as 4G technologies mature.

A wireless wide area network (WAN), is a form of wireless network. The larger size of a wide area network compared to a local area network requires differences in technology.