Wireless WAN Fundamentals

A wireless wide area network (WWAN) provides wireless network connectivity over broad geographical areas, connecting multiple local area networks (LANs) or individual users across cities, regions, or countries without requiring physical cables.

WWANs primarily use cellular technologies such as:

• 2G (e.g., GSM, GPRS)
• 3G (e.g., UMTS, CDMA2000)
• 4G (e.g., LTE)
• 5G

Satellite communication is also used for WWANs, especially in remote areas or for global coverage.

These technologies are fundamental to modern connectivity, supporting mobile internet, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and remote access. Continued advancements in cellular standards, such as 5G and its future iterations, ensure WWANs remain an integral and expanding part of future network infrastructures.