A bank connects its offices in several countries together.
Define the term 'wide area network (WAN)'.
Mark scheme
Award one mark for any of the following up to a maximum of two marks:
- A network that covers a large geographical area / connects locations in different cities/countries (1)
- Two or more LANs/local area networks connected together (1)
- Uses infrastructure owned by a third party / rented from a telecoms provider (1)
- Uses leased lines (1)
Allow 'two or more networks connected together' only if the answer says they are in different/remote locations.
Do not accept a network that covers a small area / is on one site, as this describes a LAN.
Do not accept 'wide' on its own without saying what it means.
Do not accept that devices can share data/resources over a long distance on its own, as this is a purpose of a WAN and not a defining feature.
Example answers and how they were marked
A WAN connects two or more LANs together over a large geographical area, for example in different countries.
Why: Large geographical area (1) and two or more LANs connected together (1).
A network that covers a large area.
Why: Large geographical area (1) but does not say it connects LANs or uses third-party/leased infrastructure.
A network in one building that lets computers share a printer.
Why: Describes a LAN on one site, which the mark scheme says not to accept, so no creditworthy point is given.