Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which layer of the OSI model do WAN technologies primarily operate at?
Which layer of the OSI model do WAN technologies primarily operate at?
- Upper three layers
- Only the application layer
- All seven layers
- Lower three layers (correct)
What is a primary function of common carriers in WAN environments?
What is a primary function of common carriers in WAN environments?
- Supply transmission facilities (correct)
- Provide security protocols
- Manage local area networks
- Create software applications
Which of the following is NOT a type of WAN service mentioned in the chapter?
Which of the following is NOT a type of WAN service mentioned in the chapter?
- Point-to-point links
- Virtual circuits
- Circuit switching
- Broadband local area network (correct)
What is the distinction between circuit switching and packet switching in WAN technologies?
What is the distinction between circuit switching and packet switching in WAN technologies?
Which statement best defines a WAN?
Which statement best defines a WAN?
Which aspect of WAN technologies emphasizes their relationship with the OSI reference model?
Which aspect of WAN technologies emphasizes their relationship with the OSI reference model?
What is a characteristic of switched virtual circuits (SVCs)?
What is a characteristic of switched virtual circuits (SVCs)?
What does the term 'virtual circuit' refer to in packet switching?
What does the term 'virtual circuit' refer to in packet switching?
Which of the following is NOT a type of virtual circuit?
Which of the following is NOT a type of virtual circuit?
What is the first phase of communication over a switched virtual circuit?
What is the first phase of communication over a switched virtual circuit?
Which network technologies are examples of packet-switching networks?
Which network technologies are examples of packet-switching networks?
What happens during the circuit termination phase of an SVC?
What happens during the circuit termination phase of an SVC?
Which statement about permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) is true?
Which statement about permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) is true?
What is an essential component in the communication process over SVCs?
What is an essential component in the communication process over SVCs?
What is the primary function of a Switched Virtual Circuit (SVC)?
What is the primary function of a Switched Virtual Circuit (SVC)?
How do Permanent Virtual Circuits (PVCs) affect bandwidth usage?
How do Permanent Virtual Circuits (PVCs) affect bandwidth usage?
Why might a service provider configure a PVC for a customer?
Why might a service provider configure a PVC for a customer?
What occurs during dial-on-demand routing (DDR)?
What occurs during dial-on-demand routing (DDR)?
Which statement best describes a drawback of PVCs compared to SVCs?
Which statement best describes a drawback of PVCs compared to SVCs?
What is a significant characteristic of SVCs compared to PVCs?
What is a significant characteristic of SVCs compared to PVCs?
Which scenario is most suitable for using a PVC?
Which scenario is most suitable for using a PVC?
What could be a potential limitation of using DDR in a network?
What could be a potential limitation of using DDR in a network?
What is the primary function of an idle timer in router configuration?
What is the primary function of an idle timer in router configuration?
How does dial backup function in a WAN environment?
How does dial backup function in a WAN environment?
In terms of OSI model layers, at which layer do WAN switches primarily operate?
In terms of OSI model layers, at which layer do WAN switches primarily operate?
Which of the following devices is NOT typically associated with WAN environments?
Which of the following devices is NOT typically associated with WAN environments?
What happens to the dial backup connection when the primary circuit is restored?
What happens to the dial backup connection when the primary circuit is restored?
Which type of traffic do WAN switches typically switch in carrier networks?
Which type of traffic do WAN switches typically switch in carrier networks?
Which type of WAN circuit is characterized by dedicated connections between two endpoints?
Which type of WAN circuit is characterized by dedicated connections between two endpoints?
What is the primary function of a CSU/DSU in a WAN setup?
What is the primary function of a CSU/DSU in a WAN setup?
How does dial-on-demand routing (DDR) function compared to dial backup?
How does dial-on-demand routing (DDR) function compared to dial backup?
What distinguishes an ISDN terminal adapter from a traditional modem?
What distinguishes an ISDN terminal adapter from a traditional modem?
In which scenario would dial backup be initiated?
In which scenario would dial backup be initiated?
Which of these WAN circuit types does NOT require a dedicated connection?
Which of these WAN circuit types does NOT require a dedicated connection?
What aspect makes DDR particularly useful for WAN connectivity?
What aspect makes DDR particularly useful for WAN connectivity?
What type of service does a modem specifically provide?
What type of service does a modem specifically provide?
Study Notes
WAN Fundamentals
- A Wide Area Network (WAN) covers broad geographic areas, utilizing transmission facilities from common carriers like telephone companies.
- WAN technologies operate primarily at the physical, data link, and network layers of the OSI model.
- The shared section of a carrier's network is often depicted as a cloud.
Types of WAN Technologies
- Includes several protocols such as:
- Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
- Frame Relay
- Switched Multimegabit Data Services (SMDS)
- X.25
- Packet-switching networks transfer data in packets across carriers, with virtual connections called virtual circuits.
Virtual Circuits
- Virtual Circuit: A logical connection between two devices in a shared network.
- Switched Virtual Circuits (SVCs): Established on demand and terminated after data transmission, ideal for sporadic communication.
- Permanent Virtual Circuits (PVCs): Always available, suitable for constant data transfer, configured by service providers.
Dialup Services
- Dialup services offer economical WAN connectivity, with key implementations being:
- Dial-on-Demand Routing (DDR): Dynamically initiates connections based on specific traffic criteria, with an idle timer for disconnection.
- Dial Backup: Provides alternative connectivity in case of primary circuit failure, automatically activated upon failure.
WAN Equipment
- Various devices are utilized in WAN environments:
- WAN Switches: Multiport devices operating at the data link layer, suited for traffic like Frame Relay and X.25.
- Access Servers
- Modems
- Channel Service Units/Data Service Units (CSU/DSU): Interface digital lines (e.g., T1) with routers.
- ISDN Terminal Adapters
- Other devices include routers and multiplexers, integral to WAN operations.
Key Comparisons
- Point-to-Point Circuits: Direct connections between two points.
- Packet-Switched Circuits: Data is sent in packets across a shared network.
- Circuit-Switched Circuits: Established paths that are maintained throughout transmission.
Differences in Technologies
- Modems convert digital signals to analog for transmission, whereas ISDN terminal adapters connect digital signals directly with no conversion necessary.
Review Questions Highlights
- Types of WAN circuits include point-to-point, packet-switched, and circuit-switched.
- The distinction between DDR and dial backup lies in their application—DDR initiates connections for active traffic, while dial backup activates upon primary circuit failure.
- CSU/DSU functions to interface routers with digital lines.
These notes provide a comprehensive understanding of WAN technologies, circuits, and equipment necessary for effective network management.
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Description
This chapter provides an overview of wide-area network (WAN) technologies. It covers terminology, types of WAN connections, and various WAN equipment. Students will learn about protocols including circuit switching and packet switching.
