WAN Topologies

Question 1

WAN Topologies

Answer 1

• Wide Area Network (WAN)
• This is a network that covers a large geographical area
• Geographically dispersed LAN’s are typically connected to a WAN
• WAN connectivity is usually supplied by a service provider
• Customers can connect a LAN to a WAN by tunning traffic securely over the WAN by using site to site VPN.
• Older WAN tech include T1/T3 leased lines, these provide point to point connectivity.
• Newer WAN tech includes Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) and Metro Ethernet.

Question 2

MPLS

Answer 2

• Multi Protocol Label Switching
• MPLS circuit that connects only our traffic to our WAN sites.
• Private by creating virtual circuits.
• Works at layer 2.5 by applying a label

Question 3

Leased Lines

Answer 3

• T1: 1/54 Mbps
• T3: 43 Mbps
• Just for your traffic
• Expensive

Question 4

Metro Ethernet

Answer 4

• Speeds from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps
• Usually an inner-city connection.
• Layer 2