WAN Connection Types

A WAN operates over longer distances than LANs and are used to interconnect LANs to remote LANs in
branch sites and telecommuter sites.

A WAN is typically owned by a service provider. An organization must pay a fee to use the service
provider’s network services to connect remote LANs. WAN service providers include carriers, such as a
telephone network, cable company, or satellite service. Service providers use WAN links to interconnect
remote sites for the purpose of transporting data, voice, and video.

In contrast, LANs are typically owned by households or companies, and are used to connect local
computers, peripherals, and other devices within a single building or other small geographic area.

Home computer users need to send and receive data via a WAN to communicate with online banks, stores
and other providers of goods and services.

Task 1 WAN Provider

1. What is the name of the service provider that your family uses? How much do they charge for Internet
access? Do you know what type of WAN technology they provide to allow access to the Internet (e.g., DSL,
cable, fiber optic, wireless)?

2. What is the advantage of using wireless 4G compared to using DSL or cable connectivity?

3. What are the disadvantages of using 4G when compared to using DSL or cable connectivity?

4. List WAN protocols and state situations where their use is appropriate.

Task 2 ISDN WAN Protocol

5. Describe ISDN devices and their connection and configuration.

Task 3 Frame Relay WAN Protocol

6. Describe Frame Relay and techniques for its connection and configuration.

Task 4 Compare WAN Protocols

7. Compare WAN protocols and evaluate their usefulness for connectivity between small and larger
organizations. (WAN Protocols you could compare are ISDN, Frame Relay and PPP)