Network+ Guide to Networks, Fourth Edition 7-1

Chapter 7
WANs, Internet Access, and Remote Connectivity
At a Glance

• Objectives
• Teaching Tips
• Quick Quizzes
• Class Discussion Topics
• Additional Projects
• Additional Resources
Network+ Guide to Networks, Fourth Edition 7-2

Lecture Notes

Chapter Objectives
• Identify a variety of uses for WANs
• Explain different WAN topologies, including their advantages and disadvantages
• Describe different WAN transmission and connection methods, including PSTN, ISDN,
T-carriers, DSL, broadband cable, SONET, and wireless Internet access technologies
• Compare the characteristics of WAN technologies, including throughput, security, and reliability
• Describe the software and hardware requirements for remotely connecting to a network

WAN Essentials

Provide an overview of WANs. Mention that the Internet is the largest WAN in existence, but that it is not
a typical WAN.

Describe some scenarios in which WANs would be needed. Use the list on pages 342 and 343 as a guide.

Describe the similarities and differences between LANs and WANs. Stress that they often differ in Layers
1 and 2 of the OSI Model, access methods, topologies, and, occasionally, media.

Discuss the purpose of network service providers (NSPs) and dedicated lines.

Explain the concepts of WAN sites and WAN links. Illustrate the difference between LAN and WAN
connectivity with Figure 7-1.

Aside from LANs and WANs, there are a number of other types of area networks, including
Teaching MANs, Storage Area Networks (SANs), System Area Networks, Server Area Networks, Small
Tip Area Networks, Personal Area Networks (PANs), Desk Area Networks, Controller Area
Networks, and Cluster Area Networks.

WAN Topologies
Provide an overview of WAN topologies, mentioning the difference between basic WAN topologies and
basic LAN topologies.

Bus
Discuss the bus WAN topology, using Figure 7-2 to illustrate. Mention that this topology is often the best
option for organizations with only a few sites and the capability to use dedicated circuits. Stress that this
topology is only suited for small WANs.
Network+ Guide to Networks, Fourth Edition 7-3

Ring

Discuss the ring WAN topology, using Figure 7-3 to illustrate. Explain the differences between the ring
WAN topology and the ring LAN topology. Stress that this topology uses two parallel data paths and
explain the consequences of this characteristic.

Star

Discuss the star WAN topology, using Figure 7-4 to illustrate. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of
this topology. Stress that a failure at the central connection point can cause the entire WAN to fail.

Mesh

Provide an overview of the mesh WAN topology, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of this
topology.

Describe full mesh and partial mesh WAN topologies, using Figure 7-5 to illustrate. Explain the reasons
that a partial mesh topology might be preferable to a full mesh topology.

Teaching A mesh is generally best suited for situations where it will not need to be moved or expanded
Tip beyond five sites or nodes.

Tiered

Describe the tiered WAN topology, using Figure 7-6 to illustrate. Explain that this topology is highly
flexible and practical.

Make sure that student understand that they must be must be familiar with the variety of WAN
Teaching
connection types and be able to identify the networking environments that each suits best for the
Tip Network+ exam.

PSTN

Provide an overview of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), including its history. Give a
formal definition of dial-up.

Explain that not all of PSTN is able to handle digital transmission. Mention the role that modems play in
using PSTN.

Mention that dial-up connections provide a fixed period of access to the network.

Discuss the path that a signal takes between two modems. Mention the role of the central office and
switching facilities. Describe the concept of the local loop, using Figure 7-7 to illustrate.

Discuss the path that a signal takes during in a long-distance dial-up connection. Using Figure 7-8 to
illustrate.
Network+ Guide to Networks, Fourth Edition 7-4

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of PSTN. Explain that most central offices still use circuit
switching.

Explain that PSTN is used to support more sophisticate WAN technologies.

X.25 and Frame Relay

Provide an overview of X.25, including its history. Mention the advantages and disadvantages of the X.25
standard, including reliability, flow control, and speed. Stress that X.25 is a packet-switching technology.

Give an overview of Frame Relay. Mention that it is a digitalized version of X.25. Discuss the OSI Model
layers at which it operates.

Discuss the differences and similarities between X.25 and Frame Relay. Specifically mention that Frame
Relay does not guarantee the reliable delivery of data.

Mention that both X.25 and Frame relay can be configured as either switched virtual circuits (SVCs) or
permanent virtual circuits (PVCs). Define these two connection types, and explain their characteristics.

Stress that PVCs are not dedicated, individual links. Explain committed information rate (CIR).

Illustrate Frame Relay using Figure 7-9.

Teaching
Explain to the students why the Internet is depicted as a cloud on networking diagrams.
Tip

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using Frame Relay versus a dedicated service. Explain that
when leasing a Frame Relay circuit, you pay for only the amount of bandwidth required. Mention that in
Frame Relay the throughput is at the mercy of the amount of network traffic.

ISDN

Present an overview of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). Mention that ISDN specifies protocols
at the Physical, Data Link, and Transport layers of the OSI Model, and discuss the functions that these
protocols handle.

Briefly discuss the types of connections that can be made over ISDN. Mention that Dial-up ISDN relies
exclusively on digital transmission. Explain that ISDN can simultaneously carry voice calls and a data
connection.

Give an overview of the two types of channels used in ISDN. Explain the purpose and characteristics of
each type of channel.

Using Figures 7-10 and 7-11 to illustrate, describe Basic Rate Interface (BRI) and Primary Rate Interface
(PRI) links. Discuss the characteristics of each, including throughput and number of channels supported.
Describe the roles of NT1 devices, terminal equipment, terminal adapters (TAs), and NT2 devices.
Network+ Guide to Networks, Fourth Edition 7-5

The BRI configuration depicted in Figure 7-10 applies to installations in North America only.
Teaching
Because transmission standards differ in Europe and Asia, different numbers of B channels are
Tip used in ISDN connections in those regions.

T-Carriers

Provide a brief overview of T-Carriers. Mention that T-Carrier standards belong to the Physical layer of the
OSI Model. Give a basic explanation of how transmission is achieved using T-Carrier technology.

Types of T-Carriers

Using Table 7-1 as a guide, describe the various types of T-Carrier specifications. Define signal level.

Teaching Make sure that the students understand the differences between signal level and carrier
Tip terminology (e.g., T1 versus DS1).

Mention to the students the standard high-speed carrier connections typically used on different
Teaching
continents, such as E1 and J1. Explain that T1s can be connected with E1s and J1s using
Tip specialized equipment.

Explain that T1s and T3s will be encountered most frequently (in the U.S.). Mention some of the types of
organizations that would be likely to use T1s and/or T3s. Explain that it can be more cost-effective to use
multiple T1s than a single T3.

Teaching Make sure that the students understand that they should be familiar not only with the properties of
Tip T1s and T3s, but also with their costs and uses.

Discuss the concept of a fractional T1. Explain the types of situations where an organization might choose
to use a fractional T1.

T-Carrier Connectivity
Give an overview of T-Carrier connectivity hardware and costs. Explain that every T-carrier line requires
connectivity hardware at both the customer site and the local telecommunications provider’s switching
facility.

Wiring

Describe the types of wiring that may be used with T-Carrier technology. Specify the limitations involved
when using multiple T1s or a T3.
Network+ Guide to Networks, Fourth Edition 7-6

CSU/DSU (Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit)

Discuss the purpose and role of a CSU/DSU. Stress that it is the connection point to the customer’s site.
Explicitly describe the purpose of both the CSU and the DSU.

Explain that a DSU contains a multiplexer and describe the role that it plays.

Using Figure 7-12 for illustration, discuss the typical use of a CSU/DSU with a point-to-point T1-
connected WAN.

Terminal Equipment

Provide an overview of terminal equipment used on a typical T1-connected data network. Explain that the
CSU/DSU may be integrated with terminal equipment. Use Figure 7-13 to illustrate.

DSL
Provide an overview of digital subscriber line (DSL), including its history. Compare DSL to T-Carrier and
ISDN services.

Give an overview of the data modulation techniques that DSL uses. Explain that they allow DSL to achieve
very high throughput over ordinary telephone lines.

Types of DSL

Describe xDSL. Using Table 7-2 as a guide, describe and compare the various types of DSL. Define
upstream and downstream.

Discuss the concepts of asymmetrical DSL and symmetrical DSL. Point out which types of DSL are
symmetrical and which are asymmetrical.

Explain the differences in modulation types that various types of DSL use.

Discuss the throughputs allowed by different types of DSL and mention the factors that can limit the
throughput.

Stress that asymmetrical DSL (ADSL) is the most commonly used type of DSL.

Make sure that the students understand that published distance limitations and throughput can
Teaching
vary from one service provider to another, depending on how far the provider is willing to
Tip guarantee a particular level of service.

DSL Connectivity

Explain the purpose and characteristics of a DSL modem. Illustrate with Figure 7-14.

Discuss the role that a DSL access multiplexer (DSLAM) plays in a DSL connection. Illustrate a DSL
connection with Figure 7-15.
Network+ Guide to Networks, Fourth Edition 7-7

Briefly discuss the availability of DSL and explain the reasons why it may not be available in some areas.

Quick Quiz 1

1. Which WAN topology incorporates many directly interconnected sites?

a. Star
b. Mesh
c. Bus
d. Ring
Answer: b

2. In a(n) _____ topology WAN, sites connected in star or ring formations are interconnected at
different levels, with the interconnection points being organized into layers to form hierarchical
groupings.
Answer: tiered

3. True or False: The PSTN is limited to servicing workstation dial-up WAN connections.
Answer: False

4. True or False: Frame Relay guarantees reliable delivery of data.

Answer: False

5. A(n) _____ converts digital signals into analog signals for use with ISDN phones and other analog
devices.
Answer: terminal adapter (TA)

6. The _____ is the connection point for a T1 line at the customer’s site.
Answer: Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit (CSU/DSU)

7. Which is now the most popular form of DSL?

a. SDSL
b. HDSL
c. ADSL
d. VDSL
Answer: c

Broadband Cable

Provide an overview of broadband cable access. Discuss its characteristics, such as throughput capability.
Mention that it is an asymmetrical technology.

Discuss the purpose of a cable modem, mentioning the layers of the OSI Model that it operates at. Illustrate
with Figure 7-16.

Give an overview of the infrastructure required for broadband cable. Mention the use of hybrid fiber-coax
(HFC) and define cable drop and head-end. Use Figure 7-17 to illustrate this infrastructure.

Compare and contrast DSL and broadband cable in terms of throughput, security, and cost.
Network+ Guide to Networks, Fourth Edition 7-8

SONET (Synchronous Optical Network)

Give an overview of SONET technology. Discuss its four key strengths. Stress that it provides
interoperability.

Explain that SONET is often used to aggregate multiple T1s, T3s, or ISDN lines, and that it is used as the
underlying technology for ATM transmission.

Mention the utility of SONET’s double-ring topology. Define self healing and explain how this term relates
to SONET. Use Figure 7-18 to illustrate.

Explain that SONET rings terminate at a multiplexer at both the customer and carrier’s premises. Discuss
the role that this multiplexer plays. Illustrate with Figure 7-19.

Describe Optical Carrier (OC) level. Use Table 7-3 to describe the various OC levels and their associated
throughputs.

Mention the types of organizations that would typically use SONET and the applications that it is typically
used for.

Wireless WANs and Internet Access

Give a brief overview of wireless WANs and define wireless broadband.

IEEE 802.11 Internet Access

Discuss the concept of a wireless hot spot. Mention that most of these use the 802.11b standard and that
some require a fee.

Explain the ways that users can gain access to wireless services.

Explain that, at a hot spot, the AP available for public use is connected to the Internet using technology
other than 802.11.

Describe the steps required to access the Internet from an 802.11 hot spot, using the steps listed on pages
373 and 374 as a guide.

IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX) Internet Access

Provide a discussion of the WiMAX (IEEE 802.16a) standard, outlining its characteristics such as
throughput and cost.

Satellite Internet Access

Provide a brief overview of satellite Internet access.
Network+ Guide to Networks, Fourth Edition 7-9

Satellite Orbits

Provide a description of the various types of satellite orbits. Explain that geostationary orbit (GEO) is used
by the most popular satellite Internet access service providers.

Define uplink, transponder, and downlink as they apply to satellite communications. Use Figure 7-21 to
illustrate.

Discuss the differences among the three types of satellite orbits in terms of geographical coverage and
power requirements.

Satellite Frequencies

Provide a brief description of the different satellite frequency ranges, as listed on page 376 of the text.

Satellite Internet Services

Discuss the two types of satellite Internet access service, explaining the differences between them. Illustrate
the dial return arrangement with Figure 7-22. Mention the cost of using a satellite Internet provider.

WAN Technologies Compared

Using Table 7-4, review and compare the WAN technologies discussed so far in this chapter.

Remote Connectivity

Provide an overview of remote connectivity and remote access. Explain that remote access is a service that
allows a client to connect with and log on to a LAN or WAN in a different geographical location.

Mention some of the more popular remote access techniques, as well as some remote access protocols.

Dial-up Networking

Present an overview of dial-up networking. Describe the transmission methods that can be used with dial-
up networking.

Explain the methods used to allow a client to connect to a dial-up network. Define credentials and
authentication. Mention that almost all OSs come with dial-up networking software.

Explain that Remote Access Service (RAS) is the dial-up networking software provided on Microsoft OSs.
Network+ Guide to Networks, Fourth Edition 7-10

Make sure students understand that, for the Network+ exam, they will need to be familiar with
RAS and be aware that, as with other dial-up networking services, RAS requires software
Teaching
installed on both the client and server, a server configured to accept incoming clients, and a client
Tip with sufficient privileges (including user name and password) on the server to access its
resources.

Remote Access Servers

Provide an overview of remote access servers. Explain that these servers accept remote access connections
from a client, no matter what type of connection it uses.

Explain that a remote client attempting to connect to a LAN or WAN requires a server to accept its
connection and grant it privileges to the network’s resources. Mention some examples of remote access
servers, stressing that they run software that, in conjunction with their OS, performs authentication for
clients and communicates via dial-up networking protocols.

Describe Routing and Remote Access service (RRAS), explaining the functionality that it provides on
Microsoft Server 2003 and Microsoft XP.

Explain how clients connect with a remote access server to log on to a LAN, using Figure 7-23 to illustrate.

Remote Access Protocols

Provide an overview of Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP) and Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP). Explain that
both enable a workstation to connect to another computer using a serial connection. Mention that they
encapsulate higher-layer networking protocols, such as TCP and IP, in their lower-layer data frames.

Compare and contrast SLIP and PPP. Explain why PPP is much more popular than SLIP.

Discuss and describe PPP over Ethernet (PPPoE). Mention that it is the standard for connecting home
computers to an ISP via DSL or broadband cable.

Using Figure 7-24 to illustrate, explain how the protocols discussed in this section and commonly used to
establish a broadband Internet connection fit in the OSI Model.

Remote Control

Provide an overview of remote control. Explain the roles of host and client in a remote control connection,
including a discussion of how the connection between the two is established.

Discuss the Remote Desktop feature of Microsoft OSs. Explain how it can be used to create a remote
control connection.

If the classroom is equipped to do so, walk students through the processes of enabling a Windows XP
Professional computer as a Remote Desktop host and connecting to a Remote Desktop host. The steps for
these two processes are listed on pages 384 through 386 of the text.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the remote control access method. Stress that it can run over
any type of connection.
Network+ Guide to Networks, Fourth Edition 7-11

Terminal Services

Explain the concept of terminal services. Discuss the role that a terminal server plays.

Discuss the ways in which terminal services and remote control differ.

Discuss some of the software packages that provide terminal services. Specifically discuss Citrix
Metaframe. Explain the role that Independent Computing Architecture (ICA) plays for Citrix Metaframe.

Define thin client.

Web Portals

Define Web portal and explain why Web portals are an attractive method of remote connectivity. Stress
that any type of Internet connection is sufficient to connect with a Web portal.

Discuss the role that the Web server plays in Web portals. Explain that the application(s) that the server
supplies must be designed for use on the Web.

Mention that the use of Web portals calls for secure transmission protocols.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

Give an overview of VPNs. Stress that they allow access only to authorized users. Mention that VPNs
provide a way of constructing a convenient and relatively inexpensive WANs.

Describe the software required to establish VPN connections, mentioning specific software packages used
in this capacity. Explain that VPNs can be created by configuring special protocols on the routers or
firewalls that connect each site in the VPN, and mention that this approach is often used on Unix-based
networks.

Using Figure 7-27, illustrate a VPN layout. Explain that almost every VPN has a unique layout.

Describe the process of tunneling and its uses. Discuss the Point-to-point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) and
the Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) and present a comparison of the two.
Network+ Guide to Networks, Fourth Edition 7-12

Quick Quiz 2
1. True or False: Broadband cable provides a dedicated, or continuous, connection that does not
require dialing up a service provider.
Answer: True

2. The data rate of a particular SONET ring is indicated by its _____ level.
Answer: Optical Carrier (OC)

3. Places where wireless Internet access is available to the public are called _____.
Answer: hot spots

4. The dial-up networking software that Microsoft provided with its Windows 95, 98, NT, and 2000
client OSs and with its Windows NT and 2000 NOSs is called _____.
Answer: Remote Access Service (RAS)

5. A(n) _____ server is a computer that runs specialized software that allows it to act as a host and
supply applications and resource sharing to remote clients.
Answer: terminal

Class Discussion Topics

1. Have the students imagine that they are involved in a project in which they are responsible for
connecting all the public universities within a state via a WAN. What type of WAN topology
would they use and why?

2. Have the students discuss any remote connectivity methods that they have used in the past. What
was their experience using these methods?

Additional Projects
1. WAN links are usually the most expensive part of a network, and managing bandwidth allocation
can be complex. Oversubscribing to bandwidth could mean that the company is paying for more
bandwidth than required, and undersubscribing could result in congestion and unacceptable
network performance. WAN Monitoring and Router Monitoring thus become very critical. There
are a number of software packages that allow network administrators to monitor the traffic on and
performance of their network. Have the students research online to find examples of such
software. Have the students collect the name, description, and price of one or two such utilities.
When they are done, compile the students’ results into a master list that can be redistributed to the
students. Present a discussion of the features that many of these utilities have in common, as well
as any features that set one utility apart from the others.

2. Have the students perform a cost comparison for the various types of Internet access, including
Dial-up, DSL, broadband cable, ISDN, T1, T3, Satellite, and possibly SONET. The point of this
exercise is to determine which method provides the greatest value in terms of cost per unit of
throughput. The cost of equipment and setup should also be considered. Finding price quotes for
methods such as T1, T3, and SONET may require a bit of research on the students’ part, and may
require contacting representatives from ISPs.
Network+ Guide to Networks, Fourth Edition 7-13

Additional Resources

• Selecting the Right WAN: http://docs.rinet.ru/NeHi/ch11/ch11.htm

• PSTN: http://www.ericsson.com/support/telecom/part-b/index.shtml
• X.25: http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/cisintwk/ito_doc/x25.htm
• Frame Relay: http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/cisintwk/ito_doc/frame.htm
• Frame Relay Tutorial Center: http://www.alliancedatacom.com/frame-relay-tutorials.asp
• ISDN: http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/cisintwk/ito_doc/isdn.htm
• CSU/DSU White Paper (pdf): http://www.gdc.com/inotes/pdf/sc5000wp.pdf
• DSL Forum: http://www.dslforum.org/
• The SONET Homepage: http://www.sonet.com/
• WLANs versus Wireless WANs White Paper (pdf):
http://www.sierrawireless.com/news/docs/2130273_WWAN_v_WLAN.pdf
• WiMAX forum: http://www.wimaxforum.org/technology
• Securing Remote Access Connections:
http://www.windowsecurity.com/articles/Securing_Remote_Access_Connections.html
• VPN White Paper:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/techinfo/howitworks/communications/remoteaccess/vpnover
view.asp