value added network (VAN)

Value-added networks (VANs) are transmission networks that provide application-related services that have added value for customers. The classic value-added services supported by value-added networks included subscriber services, storage services, and processor services.

Some of the older network designs, such as the earlier Integrated Digital Network( IDN), already had various VAN features, such as broadcasting, direct calling, or code conversion and speed adaptation as in the Teletex telex implementation.

Modern network configurations are all about service support for residential and enterprise customers and thus providing appropriate bandwidth. The customer can use certain added values for his application via the value-added network. For example, electronic commerce and electronic data interchange( EDI) can be executed by value-added networks. Or the various on-demand services, video telephony and the many on-demand services.