The 3 topologies and most common types of WAN explained

‍A Wide Area Network (WAN) connects multiple office locations, allowing businesses to share data and resources over large geographical areas. WANs are useful for organizations needing to link branches, remote offices, or data centers to maintain communication and access to important information.

The various types of WANs can be set up in different ways, known as topologies. The three main topologies—point-to-point, multipoint, and mesh—each come with features that fit specific needs. This guide will cover the main WAN types to help you choose the best option to keep your network connected and secure.

Discussed in this article:

• WAN technology types with different topologies
• A deeper look into the three WAN topologies
• Choosing the best possible WAN for your business needs
• A few best practices to follow for the best setup
• How Meter Connect simplifies WAN management

WAN technology types with different topologies

Knowing how WAN technology types fit with each topology helps you choose the best option for your business. Below, we show how different WAN types align with each topology.

Leased line WAN

Leased Line WANs provide a dedicated, private link between two locations. They typically fall under the point-to-point topology and provide consistent high-speed data transfer. Financial institutions and organizations handling sensitive data often prefer leased lines because they are reliable and secure. But these benefits come with higher costs compared to shared WAN options.

Circuit-switched WAN

Circuit-switched WANs create a dedicated circuit path, like traditional telephone lines. The circuit stays active for the entire session, providing stable performance.

Circuit-switched WANs aren't as common today. But they fall within the point-to-point topology and still work well for simple, legacy systems needing reliable short-term connections. They are being replaced by newer, flexible technologies but are still useful for basic, temporary needs.

Packet-switched WAN

Packet-switched WANs split data into packets and send it over a shared network. They are flexible, cost-effective, and typically fall under the multipoint topology. These WANs work well for growing businesses handling variable traffic.

Both MPLS and Frame Relay are subtypes of packet-switched WANs. MPLS is still a popular choice today. It manages traffic efficiently and keeps delays low, ideal for real-time applications. Frame Relay is outdated due to limits in scalability and speed. It has been replaced by newer technologies like MPLS and SD-WAN.

Wireless WAN

Wireless WANs are common in multipoint topologies. They offer fast and flexible deployment. Technologies like 4G, 5G, and satellites send data over long distances without cables. They work well for temporary sites, like construction projects or events, and in remote areas where cables aren't practical.

We recommend wireless WANs for businesses needing quick network setup, especially in rural areas. Environmental conditions can affect performance, so it's important to use strong security measures to protect data.

SD-WAN (Software-defined WAN)

SD-WAN uses software to manage WAN connections. It provides centralized control and real-time routing. Businesses use SD-WAN to boost performance while managing costs. It routes data smartly across WAN links.

SD-WAN also combines WAN types, like MPLS and broadband, for a reliable hybrid setup. We think SD-WAN is ideal for businesses needing flexibility, control, and savings, especially when managing multiple WAN links. This type typically falls under a mesh topology but can also be found in multipoint.

MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)

MPLS offers low delays and reliable connections, which is ideal for businesses needing consistent performance. MPLS is our third entry under mesh topology. It labels data packets and sends them through efficient paths, reducing delays. It's a good choice for real-time uses like voice and video calls.

We see MPLS as a top choice for businesses needing dependability and adaptability. Many choose MPLS over newer options like SD-WAN because it consistently performs well.

WAN topologies and finding the best fit

WANs can be set up in different ways based on a company's needs. Below, we explore the three main topologies used for most WAN setups.

Point-to-point WAN topology

Point-to-point topology is a dedicated connection between two locations. It works well for secure and steady communication between two sites.

Characteristics of point-to-point WANs include:

• It has limited scalability because each new connection needs a dedicated line.
• A private link between two locations creates a direct and reliable data transfer.
• Data moves without intermediaries, reducing delays.

Common WAN types in point-to-point topology:

• Leased line WAN:
  • A private, dedicated connection between two sites for reliable data transfer
  • Provides a constant, symmetrical bandwidth for uninterrupted communication and data flow
  • Great for high-performance connections between offices or data centers
• MPLS:
  • Routes traffic based on labels rather than IP addresses
  • Directs packets along predefined paths, reducing latency and congestion
  • Perfect for prioritizing traffic
• Point-to-point protocol:
  • Not a traditional WAN type but often used over leased lines, such as T1/E1, T3/E3, or other dedicated links, in WAN environments
  • Provides secure, reliable transmission of data over serial links, with support for authentication, error detection, and compression
  • Used to create stable, point-to-point WAN connections
• Ethernet private line (EPL):
  • A dedicated point-to-point Ethernet service for connecting two distant locations
  • Provides high-speed, private connectivity with guaranteed bandwidth and low latency over fiber
  • Used for secure, reliable data transfer between sites, often for critical applications and business continuity

Point-to-point WANs are a popular choice for industries like banking and finance that can’t afford to mess around with unreliable connections. These businesses deal with sensitive data, so they need a solid, direct link between their main office and branches.

Multipoint WAN topology

Multipoint topology lets many locations connect using shared infrastructure. It's great for businesses wanting to scale without high costs, using a central hub to manage data between sites.

Characteristics of multipoint WANs include:

• Traffic prioritization ensures priority during congestion
• Hubs that manage multiple connections
• Allows many sites to connect without needing dedicated links between each pair

Common WAN types in multipoint topology:

• Packet-switched WAN:
  • Data is broken into packets and transmitted across multiple possible paths to its destination.
  • It dynamically routes data packets through the most efficient network paths.
  • This type is used for its flexibility, scalability, and efficient bandwidth utilization
• MPLS
  • Routes traffic according to labels instead of IP addresses
  • Sends packets on predefined paths
  • Ideal for traffic prioritizing
• Metro Ethernet:
  • High-speed, Ethernet-based network service
  • Common in point-to-point as well, offering great scalable bandwidth and low-latency communication
  • Reliable and cost-effective for connections between branch offices, data centers, and cloud services in the same region
• SD-WAN:
  • Manages and controls WAN traffic via software
  • Optimizes network performance by routing traffic through the most efficient paths
  • Great for enhancing application performance across geographically dispersed locations
• VPLS:
  • Creates a Layer 2 connection over an ISP to connect multiple sites as if they were a single location
  • Allows geographically dispersed locations to appear on the same Ethernet LAN
  • Simplifies management by extending Ethernet LAN across a WAN

Multipoint WAN is a great choice for retail chains or franchise businesses. Picture if you will, a company with multiple stores and distribution centers needs a central hub to keep everything connected and organized. A multipoint WAN makes it easy to keep all locations in sync, especially when it comes to inventory management.

Instead of managing dedicated connections for each site (which would get expensive fast), this setup uses shared infrastructure to manage data efficiently across locations. It’s like giving your network the power to multitask, saving both time and money, all while keeping the communication flow steady.

Mesh WAN topology

Mesh topology connects multiple nodes, allowing communication between all points. It works well for environments needing strong network reliability. The interconnection creates a stable web, providing multiple fallback options if a link fails.

Characteristics of mesh WANs include:

• Self-healing capabilities to reroute data if a link fails.
• Each site connects to multiple nodes, giving multiple paths for data.
• Improves reliability by creating alternative routes if a link fails.

Common WAN types in mesh topology:

• Wireless mesh:
  • Not a type as much as it is a topology, rather than physical, it connects nodes wirelessly
  • Allows data to hop between multiple nodes to guarantee if one node fails or is congested, network coverage is still provided
  • Resilient and able to extend wireless coverage over wide area without relying on a single point of failure
• Private wireless:
  • Wireless network built and managed by an organization for exclusive use
  • Connects devices and sites over a wide geographic area without relying on public cellular networks
  • Allows for greater control and customization compared to public wireless options
• MPLS
  • Routes traffic based on labels rather than IP addresses
  • Directs packets along predefined paths, reducing latency and congestion
  • Perfect for prioritizing traffic
• SD-WAN
  • Manages and controls WAN traffic via software
  • Optimizes network performance by routing traffic through the most efficient paths
  • Great for enhancing application performance across geographically dispersed locations
• Hybrid WAN:
  • Combines multiple network types (i.e. SD-WAN and MPLS) into a single, unified WAN
  • Routes traffic over different connections based on your chosen network types
  • Flexible, with lower costs and improved performance through a mix of high-speed private and public networks

In healthcare, mesh WAN is a top choice because of its reliability. Hospitals and clinics that rely on constant communication between departments prefer mesh WANs since they don’t like putting all their trust in just one connection.

If one part of the network takes a break (because networks can have bad days too), mesh WANs reroute traffic through another path, keeping everything running and making sure that doctors and nurses can still access the systems they need—no stress, no interruptions.

Choose the optimal WAN topology for your business

Choosing the right WAN topology can feel overwhelming. We cover what to consider so you can pick the best fit for your organization.

Fit your WAN to your locations

Choosing a WAN depends on how many places you need to connect. If your business has two offices or data centers, a point-to-point WAN works well. It gives a secure and direct connection with stable speed.

If you have more offices or remote teams, a multipoint WAN is better. It manages data between many sites. The network can grow easily as your business adds branches.

Align bandwidth with your data flow

Think about how much data your business needs to move between locations. If you have heavy and steady data transfers, like moving large files or using real-time data, leased lines are best. These lines give dedicated bandwidth, helping avoid congestion.

If your data needs change often or are smaller, packet-switched WANs work better. These networks handle different loads with more flexibility. They help businesses that need to adapt without spending on a dedicated line.

Secure your network based on industry needs

Security is very important, especially for sensitive data in fields like finance or healthcare. Businesses needing strong security often use leased lines because they are private and dedicated.

For those needing both security and mobility, wireless WANs like 4G, 5G, or satellite are good options. They offer encryption without losing flexibility. SD-WAN is also useful. It secures traffic on public networks with strong encryption and balances cost and security.

Prepare your WAN for future growth

As your business expands, so will your need for a WAN setup that can keep up. Technologies like SD-WAN and MPLS are built to grow alongside you, letting you add new locations without having to redo everything from scratch. SD-WAN especially is flexible—it can shift bandwidth to where it’s needed most, keeping performance steady without demanding a bunch of costly upgrades.

You’ll also want to think about backups. Setting up multiple WAN connections with automatic failover, like MPLS as your main link and broadband as your backup, ensures that your network stays online, even when one connection drops.

Tailoring your WAN to fit your industry

Every industry has its quirks, and your WAN setup should cater to those specifics. Let’s take a look at how different sectors approach their network needs.

Healthcare

No one wants their medical data stuck in a traffic jam, right? Hospitals and clinics rely on mesh WANs because they need constant, uninterrupted data flow. Even a few seconds of downtime could cause some serious problems. Mesh networks keep everything running optimally, with backup routes if one connection fails.

Financial services

Banks and financial institutions are focused on keeping things secure. These folks don’t mess around with data transfers, especially when money’s involved. That’s why they lean heavily on point-to-point WANs. These offer a direct and private connection, perfect for keeping sensitive transactions safe and sound.

Retail

Got a chain of stores or franchises? Then you’ll probably find yourself best friends with a multipoint WAN. It’s affordable, and it grows with your business. Whether you’re syncing inventory across locations or connecting new branches, this WAN keeps things flexible. And as a bonus, it saves you from the hassle of installing a bunch of dedicated lines every time you expand.

Best practices for WAN implementation

To get the best WAN setup, keep your strategy simple, clear, and adaptable.

1. Assess the existing network

Start by evaluating your current network. Understand where your business stands now and plan for future needs. What applications are important to daily tasks, and how do they impact bandwidth? If you plan to add locations or increase remote work, consider those factors too.

Network engineers should map traffic patterns and spot bottlenecks. Key steps include:

• Analyzing usage trends
• Pinpointing high-demand areas
• Reviewing if bandwidth meets the workload

Real-time applications like video calls use more bandwidth, so understanding their effect helps pick the right WAN.

Think about long-term goals as well. Adding users or expanding services will add stress to your network. Choose a WAN type that can grow without constant reconfiguration.

2. Keep WANs secure and under control

Once your WAN starts connecting locations far and wide, keeping things locked down becomes a serious priority. Encryption steps in to protect your data from wandering eyes, making sure that any sensitive information—whether it’s healthcare records or financial transactions—stays out of the wrong hands.

Then, there are the firewalls. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) act like an extra layer of security, wrapping your traffic in encryption so remote workers can stay safe online. If you’re running a packet-switched or wireless WAN, a VPN can be a great sidekick to boost security.

Of course, monitoring your WAN in real time is like having eyes on everything. Network monitoring tools give your IT team a full view of what’s happening—tracking bandwidth, sniffing out threats, and flagging any weird traffic spikes. It’s an early warning system, catching issues like packet loss before they grow into real problems.

3. Monitor network performance continuously

Once your WAN is up and running, use performance monitoring tools to keep it efficient. These tools offer real-time insights into bandwidth use, latency, jitter, and packet loss.

For example, spikes in bandwidth could mean certain apps are using more resources or new users are straining the network. Monitoring helps you respond quickly to these changes, optimizing traffic or rerouting it to keep performance high.

Long-term monitoring also shows recurring issues, allowing for improvements. Network engineers should set up alerts for unusual patterns that might signal security threats or hardware issues.

How Meter Connect makes WAN management easy

Meter Connect makes WAN management easy with solutions that fit different types of WAN. WAN types like leased line, packet-switched, and wireless WAN meet different business needs, from high security to flexible networks.

We help businesses pick the right WAN type by creating a custom solution based on their needs. Whether you need a leased line for two locations or a packet-switched WAN for flexibility, Meter Connect has you covered.

We also handle ISP procurement, taking the pressure off your IT team. We find and manage the best service providers for you. Our continuous monitoring spots network issues fast, keeping operations smooth.

Our Network as a Service (NaaS) goes beyond just WAN. We offer full network management, from hardware to security, all with a single vendor. Contact us today to learn more about pricing and how we can improve your network.