A link that seems and behaves like a dedicated point-to-point line or a system that delivers packets in sequence, as happens on an actual point-to-point network. In reality, the data is delivered across a network via the most appropriate route. The sending and receiving devices do not have to be aware of the options and the route is chosen only when a message is sent. There is no pre-arrangement, so each virtual connection exists only for the duration of that one transmission.

WAN

Wide area network - A data communications network that spans any distance and is usually provided by a public carrier (such as a telephone company or service provider).

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