2.14. Identifying the Basic Characteristics of Various WAN Technologies

Generally speaking, a wide area network (WAN) is the result of connecting multiple local area networks (LANs). Another characteristic of a WAN is the fact that the organization rarely owns all of the lines of communication on which it is sending data. In addition, WAN technologies are typically much slower than LAN technologies. WAN technologies that are comparable in speed to LAN technologies are typically very expensive.

2.14.1. Critical Information

Since WAN communication uses completely different types of communication lines and equipment than LAN communication, it only makes sense that the technologies used would also be different. WAN technologies have evolved over ...

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