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    Seeking Info about this "WAN"

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by OriginalCopy, Nov 13, 2006.

  1. OriginalCopy

    OriginalCopy Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hello there, I know the basis of WAN (Wide Area Network) and you can connect anyhere, but thats about it.

    I hear alot about having to pay boardband, I mean thats ok with me but why only cingular or verision...and sprint. Arnt these phone companies? So if Im on a contract with one phone company, do I have to wait to get a cingular network?

    Is the monthly pay the same for cellphones?
    Do you pay more?
    Is WAN even worth it? (Most WAN computers cost alot)
    Whats the limit to the range?

    I really like the idea of connection to anywhere, but I dont have a clue what WAN is and all that other stuff. Is the monthly pay alot? If you know a site that can tell me about WAN, please pass me a link. I looked...and failed.

    My main question is about the monthly payment, why cellphone companies? Why only those 2-3? I can try to handle 60$ a month if that is what it takes. But I dont know a thing about other complications of trying to set up a boardband moblie thing.

    Very sorry about all these questions, it's been bugging me, because it could be the deciding point of getting a laptop. I think of notebooks as portable computers that can access anywhere. Thats all really, I just hate hunting for hotspots, mostly because Im on the go alot.

    Many thanks!
     
    OriginalCopy, Nov 13, 2006
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  2. BigV

    BigV Notebook Deity

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    the technology's called WWAN. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWAN

    Basically it's broadband internet access over a cellular phone network. It costs a lot per month, and the adapter cards ain't cheap. However, if you're constantly travelling to clients or sites and need internet access pretty much anywhere you can get a cell phone signal, it could definitely be worth it.
     
    BigV, Nov 13, 2006
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  3. OriginalCopy

    OriginalCopy Notebook Enthusiast

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    May I ask, how much is alot per month? Does it vary? Which would be cheaper, cingular or verision? Thanks again!
     
    OriginalCopy, Nov 13, 2006
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  4. BigV

    BigV Notebook Deity

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    BigV, Nov 14, 2006
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