A wide area protection algorithm based on negative sequence power direction comparison is proposed. The special associated intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) zones which contain buses and transmission lines are created according to the installation location of the IEDs. When a fault occurs in power network, combining the fault information collecting and sharing from associated zones with the fault discrimination principle defined in the paper, the IEDs can identify the fault position and cut the fault according to the predetermined action strategy. This algorithm can be used as a primary protection for quick action after a system fault, while possessing the back-up protection function. The results of case study show that the proposed algorithm can achieve the primary protection and back-up protection function perfectly, verifying the effectiveness of the algorithm.