6. Wide Area Networks (WANs)

Part 06 of Computer Networking Fundamentals: Wide Area Networks (WANs)

Wide Area Networks

At the end of this episode, I will be able to:

1. Describe the components and attributes of a wide area network.

Learner Objective: Describe the components and attributes of a wide area network

Description: In this episode the learner will identify the components and attributes of a wide area network.

• Introduction to Network Infrastructure

  • Wide area networks (WAN)
    • What is a wide area network? - A network that groups together or connects more than one local area networks. These networks utilized a combination or short-range private network links as well as long range carrier provided public links.
    • Connection Types
      • Leased Lines
        • Direct Connections (On-premise to cloud)
        • Channelized Carrier Standards
          • T1 = 1.55 Mbps
          • T3 = 44.736 Mbps
          • OC1 = 51.84 Mbps
          • OC3 = 155.52 Mbps
      • Multiprotocol Label-Switching (MPLS) - this is a WAN technology that uses labels to determine the shortest path, instead of network addresses. The multiprotocol label switching technology is implemented in a mesh topology.
      • Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET) - this is a WAN technology that can transmit large amounts of data over long distances using fiber optic media. The SONET technology implements a fault-tolerant ring topology.
      • Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) - this is WAN technology allows digital data and voice signals to be transmitted over traditional telephone networks call public switched telephone network or PSTN copper media. The most common DSL type is called asymmetrical DSL or ADSL, providing faster downloads than uploads
      • Dialup - this is one of the oldest networking technologies using copper media with data being transmitted over public switched telephone networks or PSTN. Dialup is a digital signal that is modulated over a analog carrier via a modem.