Large-Scale IP Network Solutions (CCIE Professional Development)

Summary

This chapter provided a brief introduction to the switching network paradigms; and LAN, WAN, and MAN technologies. IP is a connectionless, packet-switching technology, which allows highly efficient use of network resources for all users. In LANs, Ethernets at 10, 100, and 1000 Mbps have become the technology of choice. To a lesser extent, ATM is also used, whereas use of token-passing technologies such as Token Ring and FDDI is rapidly declining.

In WANs, traditional Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) “leased-line” technologies, such as T1, are still widely deployed. At speeds in the low Mbps and below, Frame Relay is also widely being deployed. At higher speeds, Packet over SONET is gaining popularity in the US, and ATM is widely used ...