Wide Area Network

Author: Regan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-02-01
Features: This book provides an in-depth and systematic study of WAN and WAN technologies. The early chapters review the OSI model, as well as Ethernet and token ring networks. It then details the TCP/IP and IPX/SPX protocols and standards, with a focus on TCP/IP addressing techniques. It also analyzes switches and bridges and their impact on network performance and security. The WAN technology section covers T-carrier and E-carrier systems, ISDN, X.25, frame relay, ATM, routers, and routing protocols. The book concludes with an introduction to WAN security, voice communication (including VoIP), and wireless technologies. To reinforce the learned material, each chapter includes numerous exercises, and hands-on practice with WAN technologies is provided in chapters on Cisco switches and Cisco routers. To ensure readers have a fundamental understanding, the early chapters review the OSI model, Ethernet, and token ring networks. Next, TCP/IP and IPX/SPX protocols/standards are thoroughly reviewed, with a focus on TCP/IP addressing techniques. Then, switches and bridges are analyzed, along with how they affect network performance and security. After gaining a comprehensive understanding of how LANs work, you are prepared to connect them to routers and other WAN devices. Therefore, the book shifts to introduce WAN technologies, including T-carrier and E-carrier systems, ISDN, X.25, frame relay, ATM, routers, and routing protocols. The book concludes with an introduction to WAN security, voice communication (including VoIP), and wireless technologies. To reinforce the learned material, each chapter includes review questions. In addition to configuring protocols on Windows machines and reviewing scenarios, hands-on practice with WAN technologies is also provided in chapters on Cisco switches and Cisco routers.