A WAN (Wide-Area Network) is a network whose elements may be separated by distances great enough to require telephone communications.
Data Communications Networking Devices: Operation, Utilization and Lan and Wan Internetworking, 4th Edition - This timely revision of a popular and authoritative book offers detailed analysis of several popular networks, exploring the network architecture and the flow of data in each. The fourth edition also includes new coverage of ATM switching and broadband networking and examines recent developments in new network integration, including examples on LAN-WAN integration.
Building CISCO Remote Access Networks - Based on the well-known CMTD course taught in certified training centers worldwide, this title is packed with configuration examples to simulate hands-on labs in the CMTD course. The book provides complete discussions of Dial-Up Services feature sets and troubleshooting scenarios. Configuring, Monitoring, and Troubleshooting Dial-Up Services is an in-depth extension of the CMTD course taught in Cisco-approved training centers worldwide. The book focuses on implementation of dial-up services, encompassing enabling technology, feature discussions, sample configurations, and troubleshooting scenarios. Since a certain level of knowledge is assumed, it is recommended that readers have previously read Cisco Press' Introduction to Cisco Router Configuration (isbn 1-57870-076-0), available in October 1998. NOTE: There are no books available today that can compete with the actual Cisco training courseware provided in this guide.
Designing Wide Area Networks and Internetworks: A Practical Guide - Intended for people who design computer internetworks that extend beyond a single building or a single campus, and for those involved in information technology, telecommunications, data network sales, and the planning and cost-modeling of large-scale computer internetworks. Addresses the needs of people in large enterprises that use networks as well as those who build carrier service provider and independent ISP networks. Coverage includes the various stages of the design process, including the management review phase involving financial anaylsis. Assumes general familiarity with communication protocols in general and with TCP/IP in particular. Speedy, reliable, and secure communications are essential for maintaining an organization's competitiveness, and Wide Area Networks and Internetworks are quickly proliferating in order to meet this need. Building such a network, however, can be a daunting task: A large financial investment is required, and organizations must navigate through a dizzying array of technological and design options. Designing Wide Area Networks and Internetworks clarifies this complex task by outlining a top down, step-by-step process for constructing a WAN or internetwork that is effective for your organization. This book will guide you through the steps of determining requirements, designing the network structure, choosing appropriate technologies, and evaluating results. The author's practical approach distills exactly what you need to know about networking theory and technological background in order to accomplish a given task. On the financial side it is important to note that the difference between a good design and a poor one can represent many millions of dollars per year. This book presents a quantitative, business-oriented approach to network design. It focuses on the economic and performance characteristics of various network technologies and carrier service options, and explains the conditions for which each is optimal. You will find in-depth discussions on: * Circuit cost optimization techniques; concentration and aggregation, statistical multiplexing, and distance-insensitive tariffs * Identifying access locations and associated traffic patterns * Selecting transmission technologies: private lines, POTS, ISDN, Frame Relay, ATM, SMDS, SONET, and more * Defining a hierarchical network architecture * Identifying backbone locations and creating the backbone topological design * Naming, addressing, and routing * Security threats and solutions, including authentication, encryption, intrusion detection, decoys, and firewalls * Network and system management protocols and tasks In addition, a special section addresses the unique design considerations for integrating the Internet with enterprise WANs and internetworks.