noun
wide area network; WAN
Computing term for a network that spans a large geographic area, as opposed to a local area network (LAN).
広域ネットワークを介して支社と本社が接続されている。
The branch office and the head office are connected via a wide area network.
Refers to a local area network (LAN), which is limited to a small area like a building or campus, whereas 広域ネットワーク covers a wide geographic area.
Compound of 広域 (こういき, 'wide area') and ネットワーク ('network'), a direct calque of the English term 'wide area network'.