Chapter 3. Introduction to WAN Technologies
Objectives
Become familiar with WAN terminology.
Learn about different types of WAN connections.
Become familiar with different types of WAN equipment.
This chapter introduces the various protocols and technologies used in wide-area network (WAN) environments. Topics summarized here include point-to-point links, circuit switching, packet switching, virtual circuits, dialup services, and WAN devices. Chapters in Part III, “WAN Protocols,” address specific technologies in more detail.
What Is a WAN?
A WAN is a data communications network that covers a relatively broad geographic area and that often uses transmission facilities provided by common carriers, such as telephone companies. WAN technologies generally ...
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