Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a characteristic of leased lines in a private WAN infrastructure?
What is a characteristic of leased lines in a private WAN infrastructure?
- They are dedicated point-to-point connections. (correct)
- They operate on a pay-per-use model.
- They provide variable capacities based solely on distance.
- They utilize satellite technology exclusively.
What technology is used to multiply bandwidth on a single strand of fiber-optic cable?
What technology is used to multiply bandwidth on a single strand of fiber-optic cable?
- Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH)
- Point-to-point leased lines
- Ethernet WAN
- Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) (correct)
Which of the following is a disadvantage of using dialup WAN access?
Which of the following is a disadvantage of using dialup WAN access?
- It is only available in urban locations.
- It provides high-speed connections.
- It has limited bandwidth capabilities. (correct)
- It can require physical network installations.
What is the main advantage of using public WAN infrastructure over private WAN infrastructure?
What is the main advantage of using public WAN infrastructure over private WAN infrastructure?
What is the primary purpose of using VPNs in a public WAN?
What is the primary purpose of using VPNs in a public WAN?
Which term best describes a T1 link's data transmission capability?
Which term best describes a T1 link's data transmission capability?
Which of the following WAN access technologies generally requires more physical infrastructure?
Which of the following WAN access technologies generally requires more physical infrastructure?
Which of these statements accurately describes the service provider network infrastructure?
Which of these statements accurately describes the service provider network infrastructure?
What is the primary function of a cable modem in a network?
What is the primary function of a cable modem in a network?
Which of the following statements about WiMAX is true?
Which of the following statements about WiMAX is true?
What is a major limitation of satellite Internet service compared to cable and DSL?
What is a major limitation of satellite Internet service compared to cable and DSL?
What does a VPN primarily provide when accessing a corporate network over the Internet?
What does a VPN primarily provide when accessing a corporate network over the Internet?
Which type of VPN connects entire networks to one another?
Which type of VPN connects entire networks to one another?
When selecting a WAN service, which factor is especially important regarding security?
When selecting a WAN service, which factor is especially important regarding security?
What is one advantage of using a private WAN over a public WAN?
What is one advantage of using a private WAN over a public WAN?
Which of the following is NOT a factor to consider when choosing a WAN connection?
Which of the following is NOT a factor to consider when choosing a WAN connection?
What is a common disadvantage of using cellular service for WAN technology?
What is a common disadvantage of using cellular service for WAN technology?
In terms of global reach, which WAN configuration connects multiple branches across different regions?
In terms of global reach, which WAN configuration connects multiple branches across different regions?
What is the primary function of a modem in data transmission?
What is the primary function of a modem in data transmission?
Which of the following is true about Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)?
Which of the following is true about Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)?
What is the bit rate capacity of a Primary Rate Interface (PRI) in North America?
What is the bit rate capacity of a Primary Rate Interface (PRI) in North America?
How is Frame Relay technology primarily defined?
How is Frame Relay technology primarily defined?
What is a key feature of Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)?
What is a key feature of Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)?
Which Ethernet standard allows for the longest transmission distance?
Which Ethernet standard allows for the longest transmission distance?
What characteristic defines Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)?
What characteristic defines Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)?
Which mode of communication does Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) typically use?
Which mode of communication does Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) typically use?
What is the primary function of a DSL modem?
What is the primary function of a DSL modem?
Which of the following is a typical benefit of using Ethernet WAN over other technologies?
Which of the following is a typical benefit of using Ethernet WAN over other technologies?
What is a characteristic of the cable access technology?
What is a characteristic of the cable access technology?
What does the delta channel (D channel) in ISDN BRI typically handle?
What does the delta channel (D channel) in ISDN BRI typically handle?
How does Frame Relay support multiple sites through a single router?
How does Frame Relay support multiple sites through a single router?
A cable modem translates digital signals into broadband frequencies used for transmitting on a telephone network.
A cable modem translates digital signals into broadband frequencies used for transmitting on a telephone network.
WiMAX provides broad coverage similar to a cell phone network.
WiMAX provides broad coverage similar to a cell phone network.
Satellite Internet has a faster upload speed than download speed.
Satellite Internet has a faster upload speed than download speed.
VPNs create encrypted connections between private networks over public networks.
VPNs create encrypted connections between private networks over public networks.
Municipal Wi-Fi networks are set up by some cities for free or lower cost than broadband.
Municipal Wi-Fi networks are set up by some cities for free or lower cost than broadband.
A site-to-site VPN connects individual users to a corporate network.
A site-to-site VPN connects individual users to a corporate network.
Cable and DSL typically offer higher download speeds compared to satellite systems.
Cable and DSL typically offer higher download speeds compared to satellite systems.
Subscribers must be within 100 miles of a WiMAX tower to access the network.
Subscribers must be within 100 miles of a WiMAX tower to access the network.
Using a public WAN infrastructure is generally less secure than using a private WAN infrastructure.
Using a public WAN infrastructure is generally less secure than using a private WAN infrastructure.
Cellular service technology can be used to connect devices such as laptops and tablets to the Internet.
Cellular service technology can be used to connect devices such as laptops and tablets to the Internet.
Private WAN infrastructure options include packet switched links such as Ethernet WAN and Frame Relay.
Private WAN infrastructure options include packet switched links such as Ethernet WAN and Frame Relay.
A T1 link supports a data transmission rate of 2.048 Mb/s.
A T1 link supports a data transmission rate of 2.048 Mb/s.
Dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) can multiplex more than 80 different channels of data onto a single fiber.
Dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) can multiplex more than 80 different channels of data onto a single fiber.
Dialup WAN access typically provides high bandwidth and fast connections.
Dialup WAN access typically provides high bandwidth and fast connections.
Public WAN infrastructure options include services like DSL and cable access.
Public WAN infrastructure options include services like DSL and cable access.
Leased lines are often referred to as dedicated point-to-point links.
Leased lines are often referred to as dedicated point-to-point links.
Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET) is used for low-bandwidth connections.
Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET) is used for low-bandwidth connections.
VPNs should not be used for securing data over public WAN connections.
VPNs should not be used for securing data over public WAN connections.
A modem demodulates the binary data into an analog signal at the source.
A modem demodulates the binary data into an analog signal at the source.
ISDN changes the internal connections of the PSTN from carrying digital signals to analog signals.
ISDN changes the internal connections of the PSTN from carrying digital signals to analog signals.
A Basic Rate Interface (BRI) in ISDN provides one 16 kb/s channel for signaling.
A Basic Rate Interface (BRI) in ISDN provides one 16 kb/s channel for signaling.
Frame Relay technology is considered a Layer 2 non-broadcast multi-access WAN technology.
Frame Relay technology is considered a Layer 2 non-broadcast multi-access WAN technology.
ATM technology uses a frame-based architecture to transfer voice, video, and data.
ATM technology uses a frame-based architecture to transfer voice, video, and data.
Ethernet WAN service using fiber-optic cabling can provide enhanced business productivity.
Ethernet WAN service using fiber-optic cabling can provide enhanced business productivity.
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) directs data using IP network addresses.
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) directs data using IP network addresses.
Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) uses satellite communications to provide connectivity.
Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) uses satellite communications to provide connectivity.
DSL does not require a modem to convert signals for transmission.
DSL does not require a modem to convert signals for transmission.
Cable access technology provides less bandwidth than conventional telephone services.
Cable access technology provides less bandwidth than conventional telephone services.
The delta channel (D) in ISDN BRI is exclusively used for VoIP calls.
The delta channel (D) in ISDN BRI is exclusively used for VoIP calls.
Frame Relay creates Permanent Virtual Circuits (PVCs) identified by a data-link connection identifier (DLCI).
Frame Relay creates Permanent Virtual Circuits (PVCs) identified by a data-link connection identifier (DLCI).
ATM cells have a fixed length of 64 bytes.
ATM cells have a fixed length of 64 bytes.
Ethernet standards using older copper cables are still the primary WAN access option.
Ethernet standards using older copper cables are still the primary WAN access option.
There are two ways an enterprise can obtain WAN access: private WAN infrastructure and ______ WAN infrastructure.
There are two ways an enterprise can obtain WAN access: private WAN infrastructure and ______ WAN infrastructure.
A T1 link supports a data transmission rate of ______ Mb/s.
A T1 link supports a data transmission rate of ______ Mb/s.
Service provider networks consist mostly of high-bandwidth fiber-optic media, using standards such as Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET) or ______ digital hierarchy.
Service provider networks consist mostly of high-bandwidth fiber-optic media, using standards such as Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET) or ______ digital hierarchy.
VPNs are recommended for protecting data traveling between corporate sites over a ______ WAN.
VPNs are recommended for protecting data traveling between corporate sites over a ______ WAN.
Dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) can multiplex more than ______ different channels of data onto a single fiber.
Dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) can multiplex more than ______ different channels of data onto a single fiber.
Dialup WAN access may be required when no other WAN ______ is available.
Dialup WAN access may be required when no other WAN ______ is available.
Leased lines vary in price depending on the required ______ and the distance between the two connected paths.
Leased lines vary in price depending on the required ______ and the distance between the two connected paths.
Traditional local loops utilize ______ cabling to transport binary computer data over the voice telephone network.
Traditional local loops utilize ______ cabling to transport binary computer data over the voice telephone network.
A cable modem connects a computer or a LAN router to the cable modem termination system (CMTS) for transmitting digital signals over a ______ network.
A cable modem connects a computer or a LAN router to the cable modem termination system (CMTS) for transmitting digital signals over a ______ network.
WiMAX provides broad coverage similar to a ______ network rather than relying solely on Wi-Fi hotspots.
WiMAX provides broad coverage similar to a ______ network rather than relying solely on Wi-Fi hotspots.
A VSAT provides two-way data communications via ______ Internet, which is typically used in rural areas.
A VSAT provides two-way data communications via ______ Internet, which is typically used in rural areas.
VPNs are needed to ensure security when accessing the corporate WAN over the ______.
VPNs are needed to ensure security when accessing the corporate WAN over the ______.
There are two types of VPN access: site-to-site VPNs and ______-access VPNs.
There are two types of VPN access: site-to-site VPNs and ______-access VPNs.
Cellular technology allows devices like phones, tablets, and laptops to communicate through a nearby mobile phone ______.
Cellular technology allows devices like phones, tablets, and laptops to communicate through a nearby mobile phone ______.
Public Internet infrastructure is generally less secure, but offers the most ______ and lowest ongoing expenses.
Public Internet infrastructure is generally less secure, but offers the most ______ and lowest ongoing expenses.
WiMAX uses a network of WiMAX towers that are similar to ______ phone towers for broad coverage.
WiMAX uses a network of WiMAX towers that are similar to ______ phone towers for broad coverage.
When choosing a WAN connection, factors such as geographic scope and ______ requirements must be considered.
When choosing a WAN connection, factors such as geographic scope and ______ requirements must be considered.
With VPN technology, an encrypted connection is created using virtual connections called ______ tunnels.
With VPN technology, an encrypted connection is created using virtual connections called ______ tunnels.
A modem modulates binary data into an analog signal at the source and demodulates the analog signal to ______ data at the destination.
A modem modulates binary data into an analog signal at the source and demodulates the analog signal to ______ data at the destination.
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) enables the local loop of a PSTN to carry ______ signals.
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) enables the local loop of a PSTN to carry ______ signals.
In ISDN, the Basic Rate Interface (BRI) provides two 64 kb/s bearer channels (B) and a 16 kb/s ______ channel.
In ISDN, the Basic Rate Interface (BRI) provides two 64 kb/s bearer channels (B) and a 16 kb/s ______ channel.
Frame Relay is used to interconnect enterprise LANs and can accommodate data rates of up to ______ Mb/s.
Frame Relay is used to interconnect enterprise LANs and can accommodate data rates of up to ______ Mb/s.
Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technology uses a ______-based architecture instead of a frame-based architecture.
Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) technology uses a ______-based architecture instead of a frame-based architecture.
Ethernet WAN service using fiber-optic cabling provides ______ expenses and administration.
Ethernet WAN service using fiber-optic cabling provides ______ expenses and administration.
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) directs data from one router to the next based on ______ path labels.
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) directs data from one router to the next based on ______ path labels.
Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) creates a private WAN using ______ communications.
Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) creates a private WAN using ______ communications.
DSL is an always-on connection technology that uses existing twisted-pair telephone lines to transport ______ data.
DSL is an always-on connection technology that uses existing twisted-pair telephone lines to transport ______ data.
Cable modems provide an always-on connection and are connected using ______ cable.
Cable modems provide an always-on connection and are connected using ______ cable.
ISDN connects the PSTN's internal connections to ______ signals.
ISDN connects the PSTN's internal connections to ______ signals.
The ATM cell consists of a 5-byte ______ and 48 bytes of ATM payload.
The ATM cell consists of a 5-byte ______ and 48 bytes of ATM payload.
The Primary Rate Interface (PRI) in North America delivers 23 B channels with 64 kb/s and one D channel with ______ kb/s.
The Primary Rate Interface (PRI) in North America delivers 23 B channels with 64 kb/s and one D channel with ______ kb/s.
In Frame Relay, the PVCs are uniquely identified by a data-link connection ______.
In Frame Relay, the PVCs are uniquely identified by a data-link connection ______.
Match the following WAN access technologies with their characteristics:
Match the following WAN access technologies with their characteristics:
Match the following WAN infrastructure types with their descriptions:
Match the following WAN infrastructure types with their descriptions:
Match the following fiber-optic technologies with their capabilities:
Match the following fiber-optic technologies with their capabilities:
Match the following WAN characteristics with their types:
Match the following WAN characteristics with their types:
Match the following WAN terminologies with their definitions:
Match the following WAN terminologies with their definitions:
Match the following WAN service types with their examples:
Match the following WAN service types with their examples:
Match the following network features with their technologies:
Match the following network features with their technologies:
Match the following terms with their related WAN access methods:
Match the following terms with their related WAN access methods:
Match the following WAN technologies with their primary characteristics:
Match the following WAN technologies with their primary characteristics:
Match the following types of ISDN interfaces with their characteristics:
Match the following types of ISDN interfaces with their characteristics:
Match the following cable types with their maximum transmission distances:
Match the following cable types with their maximum transmission distances:
Match the following Ethernet WAN characteristics with their benefits:
Match the following Ethernet WAN characteristics with their benefits:
Match the following definitions with the correct terms:
Match the following definitions with the correct terms:
Match the following descriptions with the respective technologies:
Match the following descriptions with the respective technologies:
Match the following satellite communication characteristics with the correct feature:
Match the following satellite communication characteristics with the correct feature:
Match the following broadband technologies with their features:
Match the following broadband technologies with their features:
Match these terms with their related concepts in WAN infrastructure:
Match these terms with their related concepts in WAN infrastructure:
Match the following WAN technologies with their typical use cases:
Match the following WAN technologies with their typical use cases:
Match the following characteristics with their respective technologies:
Match the following characteristics with their respective technologies:
Match the following technologies with their network layers:
Match the following technologies with their network layers:
Match these terms with their corresponding definitions:
Match these terms with their corresponding definitions:
Match these satellite communication features with their characteristics:
Match these satellite communication features with their characteristics:
Match the following WAN technologies with their primary features:
Match the following WAN technologies with their primary features:
Match the following types of VPN access with their descriptions:
Match the following types of VPN access with their descriptions:
Match the following WAN infrastructure types with their characteristics:
Match the following WAN infrastructure types with their characteristics:
Match the following broadband connection types with their benefits:
Match the following broadband connection types with their benefits:
Match the following characteristics with the correct broadband technology:
Match the following characteristics with the correct broadband technology:
Match the following VPN benefits to their appropriate descriptions:
Match the following VPN benefits to their appropriate descriptions:
Match the following connection factors with their appropriate considerations:
Match the following connection factors with their appropriate considerations:
Match the following broadband technologies with their relevant limitations:
Match the following broadband technologies with their relevant limitations:
Match the following types of connections with their definitions:
Match the following types of connections with their definitions:
Match the following broadband features with their descriptions:
Match the following broadband features with their descriptions:
Study Notes
WAN Services Overview
- WAN access options include private infrastructures (dedicated leased lines, circuit-switched links like PSTN/ISDN, and packet-switched links like Ethernet WAN, ATM, and Frame Relay) and public infrastructures (broadband Internet via DSL, cable, or satellite).
- Data traveling over public WANs requires protection, typically using VPNs for security.
Service Provider Network Infrastructure
- Service provider networks primarily use high-bandwidth fiber-optic media, adhering to standards like SONET or SDH.
- Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) is a modern technology that increases fiber capacity, supporting over 80 data channels and each at 10 Gb/s.
Private WAN Infrastructures
-
Leased Lines:
- Can be referred to as leased circuits or serial links; they vary in cost based on bandwidth and distance.
- T-carrier systems define digital transmission capacity in North America, e.g., T1 supports 1.544 Mb/s.
-
Dialup:
- Utilized in areas without other WAN options, offering low-capacity connections through analog telephone lines.
- Modems modulate digital signals to analog and back, restricted to speeds under 56 kb/s.
-
ISDN:
- Circuit-switched technology that provides higher capacity connections by transmitting digital signals via PSTN. Supports time-division multiplexing (TDM).
- ISDN has Basic Rate Interface (BRI) providing 2 x 64 kb/s channels and Primary Rate Interface (PRI) delivering 23 channels up to 1.544 Mb/s.
-
Frame Relay:
- A Layer 2, non-broadcast multi-access WAN technology that supports up to 4 Mb/s and creates Permanent Virtual Circuits (PVCs) for data transfer.
- Identifies circuits using Data-Link Connection Identifiers (DLCIs).
-
ATM:
- A cell-based technology for voice, video, and data, known for fixed-length cells (53 bytes).
- Requires more bandwidth than Frame Relay due to higher overhead for packet reassembly.
-
Ethernet WAN:
- Benefits from fiber-optic technology, reducing costs and enhancing network integration and productivity.
- Replacing older WAN technologies like Frame Relay and ATM.
-
MPLS:
- A multiprotocol high-performance WAN technique using short path labels for directing data.
- Compatible with various payload types such as IPv4, IPv6, and Frame Relay.
-
VSAT:
- A solution for remote connectivity using satellite communications, providing connections to geosynchronous satellites placed 35,786 km away.
Public WAN Infrastructures
-
DSL:
- Maintains an always-on connection via twisted-pair telephone lines, capable of high bandwidth.
- Requires a DSL modem and uses a DSLAM for multiplexing multiple connections.
-
Cable:
- Offers better bandwidth via coaxial cables, supported by cable modems providing easy installations.
- Relies on a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) for communication between modems and the internet.
-
Wireless:
- Developments like Municipal Wi-Fi and WiMAX allow broader and faster networks.
- WiMAX extends coverage similar to cellular networks, requiring proximity to towers.
-
3G/4G Cellular:
- Wireless technology providing internet access in remote areas using radio waves to connect devices to mobile towers.
VPN Technology
- VPNs are essential for secure access over public networks, creating encrypted connections known as VPN tunnels.
- Advantages of VPNs include cost savings, enhanced security, scalability, and compatibility with broadband technologies.
- Two VPN types: site-to-site (connecting entire networks) and remote-access (enabling individual user access securely).
Selecting WAN Services
- Key considerations include WAN purpose, geographic scope, traffic requirements, and service quality.
- Choices between private infrastructure (better security) and public infrastructure (flexibility and lower costs) must be evaluated.
- Factors for connection decisions involve available options, budget constraints, and required security measures.
WAN Services Overview
- WAN access options include private infrastructures (dedicated leased lines, circuit-switched links like PSTN/ISDN, and packet-switched links like Ethernet WAN, ATM, and Frame Relay) and public infrastructures (broadband Internet via DSL, cable, or satellite).
- Data traveling over public WANs requires protection, typically using VPNs for security.
Service Provider Network Infrastructure
- Service provider networks primarily use high-bandwidth fiber-optic media, adhering to standards like SONET or SDH.
- Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) is a modern technology that increases fiber capacity, supporting over 80 data channels and each at 10 Gb/s.
Private WAN Infrastructures
-
Leased Lines:
- Can be referred to as leased circuits or serial links; they vary in cost based on bandwidth and distance.
- T-carrier systems define digital transmission capacity in North America, e.g., T1 supports 1.544 Mb/s.
-
Dialup:
- Utilized in areas without other WAN options, offering low-capacity connections through analog telephone lines.
- Modems modulate digital signals to analog and back, restricted to speeds under 56 kb/s.
-
ISDN:
- Circuit-switched technology that provides higher capacity connections by transmitting digital signals via PSTN. Supports time-division multiplexing (TDM).
- ISDN has Basic Rate Interface (BRI) providing 2 x 64 kb/s channels and Primary Rate Interface (PRI) delivering 23 channels up to 1.544 Mb/s.
-
Frame Relay:
- A Layer 2, non-broadcast multi-access WAN technology that supports up to 4 Mb/s and creates Permanent Virtual Circuits (PVCs) for data transfer.
- Identifies circuits using Data-Link Connection Identifiers (DLCIs).
-
ATM:
- A cell-based technology for voice, video, and data, known for fixed-length cells (53 bytes).
- Requires more bandwidth than Frame Relay due to higher overhead for packet reassembly.
-
Ethernet WAN:
- Benefits from fiber-optic technology, reducing costs and enhancing network integration and productivity.
- Replacing older WAN technologies like Frame Relay and ATM.
-
MPLS:
- A multiprotocol high-performance WAN technique using short path labels for directing data.
- Compatible with various payload types such as IPv4, IPv6, and Frame Relay.
-
VSAT:
- A solution for remote connectivity using satellite communications, providing connections to geosynchronous satellites placed 35,786 km away.
Public WAN Infrastructures
-
DSL:
- Maintains an always-on connection via twisted-pair telephone lines, capable of high bandwidth.
- Requires a DSL modem and uses a DSLAM for multiplexing multiple connections.
-
Cable:
- Offers better bandwidth via coaxial cables, supported by cable modems providing easy installations.
- Relies on a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) for communication between modems and the internet.
-
Wireless:
- Developments like Municipal Wi-Fi and WiMAX allow broader and faster networks.
- WiMAX extends coverage similar to cellular networks, requiring proximity to towers.
-
3G/4G Cellular:
- Wireless technology providing internet access in remote areas using radio waves to connect devices to mobile towers.
VPN Technology
- VPNs are essential for secure access over public networks, creating encrypted connections known as VPN tunnels.
- Advantages of VPNs include cost savings, enhanced security, scalability, and compatibility with broadband technologies.
- Two VPN types: site-to-site (connecting entire networks) and remote-access (enabling individual user access securely).
Selecting WAN Services
- Key considerations include WAN purpose, geographic scope, traffic requirements, and service quality.
- Choices between private infrastructure (better security) and public infrastructure (flexibility and lower costs) must be evaluated.
- Factors for connection decisions involve available options, budget constraints, and required security measures.
WAN Services Overview
- WAN access options include private infrastructures (dedicated leased lines, circuit-switched links like PSTN/ISDN, and packet-switched links like Ethernet WAN, ATM, and Frame Relay) and public infrastructures (broadband Internet via DSL, cable, or satellite).
- Data traveling over public WANs requires protection, typically using VPNs for security.
Service Provider Network Infrastructure
- Service provider networks primarily use high-bandwidth fiber-optic media, adhering to standards like SONET or SDH.
- Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) is a modern technology that increases fiber capacity, supporting over 80 data channels and each at 10 Gb/s.
Private WAN Infrastructures
-
Leased Lines:
- Can be referred to as leased circuits or serial links; they vary in cost based on bandwidth and distance.
- T-carrier systems define digital transmission capacity in North America, e.g., T1 supports 1.544 Mb/s.
-
Dialup:
- Utilized in areas without other WAN options, offering low-capacity connections through analog telephone lines.
- Modems modulate digital signals to analog and back, restricted to speeds under 56 kb/s.
-
ISDN:
- Circuit-switched technology that provides higher capacity connections by transmitting digital signals via PSTN. Supports time-division multiplexing (TDM).
- ISDN has Basic Rate Interface (BRI) providing 2 x 64 kb/s channels and Primary Rate Interface (PRI) delivering 23 channels up to 1.544 Mb/s.
-
Frame Relay:
- A Layer 2, non-broadcast multi-access WAN technology that supports up to 4 Mb/s and creates Permanent Virtual Circuits (PVCs) for data transfer.
- Identifies circuits using Data-Link Connection Identifiers (DLCIs).
-
ATM:
- A cell-based technology for voice, video, and data, known for fixed-length cells (53 bytes).
- Requires more bandwidth than Frame Relay due to higher overhead for packet reassembly.
-
Ethernet WAN:
- Benefits from fiber-optic technology, reducing costs and enhancing network integration and productivity.
- Replacing older WAN technologies like Frame Relay and ATM.
-
MPLS:
- A multiprotocol high-performance WAN technique using short path labels for directing data.
- Compatible with various payload types such as IPv4, IPv6, and Frame Relay.
-
VSAT:
- A solution for remote connectivity using satellite communications, providing connections to geosynchronous satellites placed 35,786 km away.
Public WAN Infrastructures
-
DSL:
- Maintains an always-on connection via twisted-pair telephone lines, capable of high bandwidth.
- Requires a DSL modem and uses a DSLAM for multiplexing multiple connections.
-
Cable:
- Offers better bandwidth via coaxial cables, supported by cable modems providing easy installations.
- Relies on a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) for communication between modems and the internet.
-
Wireless:
- Developments like Municipal Wi-Fi and WiMAX allow broader and faster networks.
- WiMAX extends coverage similar to cellular networks, requiring proximity to towers.
-
3G/4G Cellular:
- Wireless technology providing internet access in remote areas using radio waves to connect devices to mobile towers.
VPN Technology
- VPNs are essential for secure access over public networks, creating encrypted connections known as VPN tunnels.
- Advantages of VPNs include cost savings, enhanced security, scalability, and compatibility with broadband technologies.
- Two VPN types: site-to-site (connecting entire networks) and remote-access (enabling individual user access securely).
Selecting WAN Services
- Key considerations include WAN purpose, geographic scope, traffic requirements, and service quality.
- Choices between private infrastructure (better security) and public infrastructure (flexibility and lower costs) must be evaluated.
- Factors for connection decisions involve available options, budget constraints, and required security measures.
WAN Services Overview
- WAN access options include private infrastructures (dedicated leased lines, circuit-switched links like PSTN/ISDN, and packet-switched links like Ethernet WAN, ATM, and Frame Relay) and public infrastructures (broadband Internet via DSL, cable, or satellite).
- Data traveling over public WANs requires protection, typically using VPNs for security.
Service Provider Network Infrastructure
- Service provider networks primarily use high-bandwidth fiber-optic media, adhering to standards like SONET or SDH.
- Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) is a modern technology that increases fiber capacity, supporting over 80 data channels and each at 10 Gb/s.
Private WAN Infrastructures
-
Leased Lines:
- Can be referred to as leased circuits or serial links; they vary in cost based on bandwidth and distance.
- T-carrier systems define digital transmission capacity in North America, e.g., T1 supports 1.544 Mb/s.
-
Dialup:
- Utilized in areas without other WAN options, offering low-capacity connections through analog telephone lines.
- Modems modulate digital signals to analog and back, restricted to speeds under 56 kb/s.
-
ISDN:
- Circuit-switched technology that provides higher capacity connections by transmitting digital signals via PSTN. Supports time-division multiplexing (TDM).
- ISDN has Basic Rate Interface (BRI) providing 2 x 64 kb/s channels and Primary Rate Interface (PRI) delivering 23 channels up to 1.544 Mb/s.
-
Frame Relay:
- A Layer 2, non-broadcast multi-access WAN technology that supports up to 4 Mb/s and creates Permanent Virtual Circuits (PVCs) for data transfer.
- Identifies circuits using Data-Link Connection Identifiers (DLCIs).
-
ATM:
- A cell-based technology for voice, video, and data, known for fixed-length cells (53 bytes).
- Requires more bandwidth than Frame Relay due to higher overhead for packet reassembly.
-
Ethernet WAN:
- Benefits from fiber-optic technology, reducing costs and enhancing network integration and productivity.
- Replacing older WAN technologies like Frame Relay and ATM.
-
MPLS:
- A multiprotocol high-performance WAN technique using short path labels for directing data.
- Compatible with various payload types such as IPv4, IPv6, and Frame Relay.
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VSAT:
- A solution for remote connectivity using satellite communications, providing connections to geosynchronous satellites placed 35,786 km away.
Public WAN Infrastructures
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DSL:
- Maintains an always-on connection via twisted-pair telephone lines, capable of high bandwidth.
- Requires a DSL modem and uses a DSLAM for multiplexing multiple connections.
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Cable:
- Offers better bandwidth via coaxial cables, supported by cable modems providing easy installations.
- Relies on a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) for communication between modems and the internet.
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Wireless:
- Developments like Municipal Wi-Fi and WiMAX allow broader and faster networks.
- WiMAX extends coverage similar to cellular networks, requiring proximity to towers.
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3G/4G Cellular:
- Wireless technology providing internet access in remote areas using radio waves to connect devices to mobile towers.
VPN Technology
- VPNs are essential for secure access over public networks, creating encrypted connections known as VPN tunnels.
- Advantages of VPNs include cost savings, enhanced security, scalability, and compatibility with broadband technologies.
- Two VPN types: site-to-site (connecting entire networks) and remote-access (enabling individual user access securely).
Selecting WAN Services
- Key considerations include WAN purpose, geographic scope, traffic requirements, and service quality.
- Choices between private infrastructure (better security) and public infrastructure (flexibility and lower costs) must be evaluated.
- Factors for connection decisions involve available options, budget constraints, and required security measures.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Explore the various WAN connection options presented in Chapter 3. This quiz covers the advantages and disadvantages of different WAN technologies, including dedicated leased lines and circuit-switched links. Test your understanding of how enterprises can obtain WAN access.
