Network+ Guide to Networks 5th Edition
Chapter 7 WANs and Remote Connectivity
Objectives
Identify a variety of uses for WANs Explain different WAN topologies, including their advantages and disadvantages Compare the characteristics of WAN technologies, including their switching type, throughput, media, security, and reliability Describe several WAN transmission and connection methods, including PSTN, ISDN, T-carriers, DSL, broadband cable, ATM, and SONET Describe multiple methods for remotely connecting to a network
WAN Essentials
WAN Essentials
WAN
Network traversing some distance, connecting LANs Transmission methods dependent on business needs
WAN and LAN common properties
Client-host resource sharing, Layer 3 protocols, packet-switched digitized data
WAN and LAN differences
Layers 1 and 2 access methods, topologies, media LAN wiring: private WAN wiring: public through NSPs (network service providers)
Figure 7-1 Differences in LAN and WAN connectivity
WAN site
Individual geographic locations
WAN link
WAN site to WAN site connection
WAN Topologies
WAN Topologies
Differences from LAN topologies
Distance covered, number of users, distance traveled Connect sites via dedicated links
Much slower than LAN connections Use different connectivity devices
WAN connections
Require Layer 3 devices
Routers
Not capable of nonroutable protocols Exception: Metro Ethernet (not in book here)
Bus
Each site connects to two sites maximum serially
Similar LAN topology site dependency
Network site dependent on every other site to transmit and receive traffic
Difference from LAN topology
Different locations connected to another through pointto-point links
Best use
Organizations requiring small WAN, dedicated circuits
Drawback
Not scalable
Bus (contd.)
Figure 7-2 A bus topology WAN
Ring
Each site connected to two other sites
Forms ring pattern
Similar to LAN ring topology
Differences from LAN ring topology
Connects locations Relies on redundant rings
Data rerouted upon site failure
Expansion
Difficult, expensive
Best use
Connecting four, five locations maximum
Ring (contd.)
Figure 7-3 A ring topology WAN
Star
Mimics star topology LAN
Single site central connection point Separate data routes between any two sites
Advantages
Single connection failure affects one location
Different from bus, star topology
Shorter data paths between any two sites
When all dedicated circuits functioning
Expansion: simple, less costly
Drawback
Central site is a single point of failure
Star (contd.)
Figure 7-4 A star topology WAN
Mesh
Incorporates many directly interconnected sites
Data travels directly from origin to destination Routers can redirect data easily, quickly
Most fault-tolerant WAN type Full-mesh WAN
Every WAN site directly connected to every other site Drawback: cost
Partial-mesh WAN
Reduce costs
Mesh (contd.)
Figure 7-5 Full-mesh and partial-mesh WANs
Tiered
Sites connected in star or ring formations
Interconnected at different levels Interconnection points organized into layers
Form hierarchical groupings
Flexibility
Allows many variations, practicality Requires careful considerations:
Geography, usage patterns, growth potential
Tiered WAN
From link Ch 7a
PSTN
PSTN
PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network)
Network of lines, carrier equipment providing telephone service POTS (plain old telephone service) Encompasses entire telephone system Originally: analog traffic Today: digital data, computer controlled switching
Dial-up connection
Used early on Modem connects computer to distant network
Not always onyou need to dial up to connect
PSTN Elements
Cannot handle digital transmission (older parts of the network)
Requires modem to convert digital to analog and vice versa
Signal travels path between modems
Over carriers network
Includes CO (central office), remote switching facility Signal converts back to digital pulses
CO (central office)
Where telephone company terminates lines Switches calls between different locations
Figure 7-7 A long-distance dial-up connection
Figure 7-8 Local loop portion of the PSTN
Local loop (last mile)
Portion connecting residence, business to nearest CO
Most likely uses copper wire, carries analog signal Some cities have fiber to the home (FTTH)
PSTN (contd.)
Demarcation point
Local loop endpoint Carriers responsibility ends Wires terminate at NIU (network interface unit)
PSTN Internet connection advantages
Ubiquity, ease of use, low cost
PSTN disadvantages
Some circuit switching used Marginal security Slow (56 kbps max.)
X.25 and Frame Relay
X.25 and Frame Relay
X.25 ITU standard
Analog, packet-switching technology
Designed for long distance
Original standard: mid 1970s
Mainframe to remote computers: 64 Kbps throughput
Update: 1992
2.048 Mbps throughput Client, servers over WANs
Verifies transmission at every node
Excellent flow control, ensures data reliability Slow and unsuitable for time-sensitive applications
Never adopted widely in the USA
X.25 and Frame Relay (contd.)
Frame relay
Updated X.25: digital, packet-switching Protocols operate at Data Link layer
Supports multiple Network, Transport layer protocols
Both perform error checking
Frame relay: no reliable data delivery guarantee
Checks for errors but does not fix them
X.25: errors fixed or retransmitted
Throughput
Frame relay: 64 Kbps to 45 Mbps Customer chooses
X.25 and Frame Relay (contd.)
Both use virtual circuits
Based on potentially disparate physical links
Logically appear direct
Advantage: efficient bandwidth use
Both configurable as SVCs (switched virtual circuits)
Connection established for transmission, terminated when complete
Both configurable as PVCs (permanent virtual circuits)
Connection established before transmission, remains after transmission
X.25 and Frame Relay (contd.)
PVCs
Not a dedicated line--you are sharing the wires with other people Path can change
X.25 or frame relay lease contract
Specify endpoints, bandwidth CIR (committed information rate)
Minimum bandwidth guaranteed by carrier
PVC lease
Share bandwidth with other users
X.25 and Frame Relay (contd.)
Frame relay lease advantage
Pay for bandwidth required Less expensive technology Long-established worldwide standard
Frame relay and X.25 disadvantage
Throughput variability, due to shared lines Not as private or secure as dedicated lines
Frame relay and X.25 easily upgrade to T-carrier dedicated lines
Due to same connectivity equipment
X.25 and Frame Relay (contd.)
Figure 7-9 A WAN using frame relay
ISDN
ISDN
Digital data transmitted over PSTN Gained popularity: 1990s
Connecting WAN locations
Exchanges data, voice signals
Protocols at Physical, Data Link, Network layers
Signaling, framing, connection setup and termination, routing, flow control, error detection and correction
Relies on PSTN for transmission medium Dial-up or dedicated connections
Dial-up relies exclusively on digital transmission
Error in Textbook
Page 311, second paragraph ISDN specifies protocols at the Physical, Data Link, and Transport layers
SHOULD BE
ISDN specifies protocols at the Physical, Data Link, and Network layers
ISDN (contd.)
Single line
Simultaneously: two voice calls, one data connection
Two channel types
B channel: bearer
Circuit switching for voice, video, audio: 64 Kbps
D channel: data
Packet-switching for call information: 16 or 64 Kbps
BRI (Basic Rate Interface) connection PRI (Primary Rate Interface) connection
Figure 7-10 A BRI link
BRI: two B channels, one D channel (2B+D)
B channels treated as separate connections
Carry voice and data
Bonding
Two 64-Kbps B channels combined
Achieve 128 Kbps
NT1: Network Termination 1 TA: Terminal Adapter
Figure 7-11 A PRI link
PRI: 23 B channels, one 64-Kbps D channel (23B+D)
Separate B channels independently carry voice, data Maximum throughput: 1.544 Mbps
PRI and BRI may interconnect
T-Carriers
T-Carriers
T1s, fractional T1s, T3s Physical layer operation Single channel divided into multiple channels
Using TDM (time division multiplexing) over two wire pairs
Medium
Telephone wire, fiber-optic cable, wireless links
Types of T-Carriers
Table 7-1 Carrier specifications
Many available
Most common: T1 and T3
Types of T-Carriers (contd.)
T1: 24 voice or data channels
Maximum data throughput: 1.544 Mbps
T3: 672 voice or data channels
Maximum data throughput: 44.736 Mbps (45 Mbps)
T-carrier speed dependent on signal level
Physical layer electrical signaling characteristics DS0 (digital signal, level 0)
One data, voice channel
Types of T-Carriers (contd.)
T1 use
Connects branch offices, connects to carrier Connects telephone company COs, ISPs
T3 use
Data-intensive businesses
T3 provides 28 times more throughput (expensive)
Multiple T1s may accommodate needs
TI costs vary by region Fractional T1 lease
Use some T1 channels, charged accordingly
T-Carrier Cost
Link Ch 7b
T-Carrier Connectivity
T-carrier line requires connectivity hardware
Customer site, switching facility Purchased or leased
T-carrier line requires different media
Throughput dependent
T-Carrier Connectivity (contd.)
Wiring
Plain telephone wire
UTP or STP copper wiring STP preferred for clean connection
Coaxial cable, microwave, fiber-optic cable T1s using STP require repeater every 6000 feet Multiple T1s
Coaxial cable, microwave, fiber-optic cabling
T3s require microwave, fiber-optic cabling
Figure 7-12 A T1 smart jack
Smart Jack
Terminate T-carrier wire pairs
Customers demarc (demarcation point) Inside or outside building
Connection monitoring point
T-Carrier Connectivity (contd.)
CSU/DSU (Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit)
Two separate devices Combined into single stand-alone device
Interface card
T1 line connection point
At customers site
CSU
Provides digital signal termination Ensures connection integrity
T-Carrier Connectivity (contd.)
Figure 7-13 A CSU/DSU
DSU
Converts T-carrier frames into frames LAN can interpret (vice versa) Connects T-carrier lines with terminating equipment Incorporates multiplexer
T-Carrier Connectivity (contd.)
Figure 7-14 A point-to-point T-carrier connection
Incoming T-carrier line
Multiplexer separates combined channels
Outgoing T-carrier line
Multiplexer combines multiple LAN signals
T-Carrier Connectivity (contd.)
Terminal Equipment
Switches, routers, bridges Best option: router, Layer 3 or higher switch
Accepts incoming CSU/DSU signals Translates Network layer protocols Directs data to destination
CSU/DSU may be integrated with router, switch
Expansion card Faster signal processing, better performance Less expensive, lower maintenance solution
T-Carrier Connectivity (contd.)
Figure 7-15 A T-carrier connecting to a LAN through a router
DSL
DSL
DSL (digital subscriber line)
Operates over PSTN Directly competes with ISDN, T1 services Not available in all areas: must be close to a telco central office Best suited for WAN local loop Supports multiple data, voice channels
Over single line Higher, inaudible telephone line frequencies
Uses advanced data modulation techniques
Data signal alters carrier signal properties Amplitude or phase modulation
Types of DSL
xDSL refers to all DSL varieties
ADSL, [Link], HDSL, SDSL, VDSL, SHDSL
Two DSL categories
Asymmetrical and symmetrical
Downstream
Data travels from carriers switching facility to customer
Upstream
Data travels from customer to carriers switching facility
Types of DSL (contd.)
Downstream, upstream throughput rates may differ
Asymmetrical
More throughput in one direction Downstream throughput higher than upstream throughput Best use: video conferencing, web surfing
Symmetrical
Equal capacity for upstream, downstream data Examples : HDSL, SDSL, SHDSL Best use: uploading, downloading significant data amounts
Types of DSL (contd.)
Table 7-2 Comparison of DSL types
How DSL types vary
Data modulation techniques Capacity Distance limitations PSTN use
DSL Connectivity
Figure 7-16 A DSL modem
ADSL: common example on home computer
Establish TCP connection Transmit through DSL modem
Internal or external Splitter separates incoming voice, data signals May connect to hub, switch, router
DSL Connectivity (contd.)
ADSL (contd.)
DSL modem forwards modulated signal to local loop
Signal continues over four-pair UTP wire Distance less than 18,000 feet: signal combined with other modulated signals in telephone switch
Carriers remote switching facility
Splitter separates data signal from voice signals Request sent to DSLAM (DSL access multiplexer) which aggregates many DSL lines together Combined signal is sent to the Internet backbone
DSL Connectivity (contd.)
Figure 7-17 A DSL connection
DSL Connectivity (contd.)
DSL competition
T1, ISDN, broadband cable
DSL installation
Hardware, monthly access costs
Slightly less than ISDN, significantly less than T1s
DSL drawbacks
Not available in all areas Upstream throughput lower than broadband cable
Broadband Cable
Broadband Cable
Cable companies connectivity option Based on TV signals coaxial cable wiring
Theoretical maximum speed
150 Mbps downstream, 10 Mbps upstream
Real transmission
10 Mbps downstream, 2 Mbps upstream Transmission limited (throttled) Shared physical connections
Best use
Web surfing Network data download
Broadband Cable (contd.)
Figure 7-18 A cable modem
Requires cable modem
Modulates, demodulates transmission, reception signals via cable wiring Operates at Physical and Data Link layer May connect to connectivity device, like a hub, switch, or router to allow several computers to share the bandwidth
Broadband Cable (contd.)
Infrastructure required
HFC (hybrid fiber-coax)
Expensive fiber-optic link supporting high frequencies connects cable companys offices to node Location near customer
Cable drop
Connects node to customers business or residence Fiber-optic or coaxial cable Connects to head end
Provides dedicated connection Many subscribers share same local line, throughput
Broadband Cable (contd.)
Figure 7-19 Cable infrastructure
ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)
ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode)
Functions in Data Link layer Asynchronous communications method
Each frame transmitted with start and stop bits
Specifies Data Link layer framing techniques Fixed packet size
Sets ATM apart from Ethernet Packet (cell)
48 data bytes plus 5-byte header
ATM (contd.)
Smaller packet size requires more overhead
Decrease potential throughput Cell efficiency compensates for loss
ATM relies on virtual circuits
ATM considered packet-switching technology Virtual circuits provide circuit switching advantage
Reliably available point-to-point connection
Reliable connection
Allows specific QoS (quality of service) guarantee
Important for time-sensitive applications
ATM (contd.)
Compatible with other leading network technologies
Cells support multiple higher-layer protocols LANE (LAN Emulation)
Allows integration with Ethernet, token ring network Encapsulates incoming Ethernet or token ring frames Converts to ATM cells for transmission
Throughput
25 Mbps to 622 Mbps
Cost
Relatively expensive Gigabit Ethernet is replacing ATM on many networks
ATM Service Costs
256 Kbps $ 600 /month 3 Mbps $ 1,200 /month 45 Mbps $ 8,000 /month
From links Ch 6c, 6d
SONET (Synchronous Optical Network)
SONET (Synchronous Optical Network)
Four key strengths
It can integrate many other WAN technologies Fast data transfer rates Simple link additions, removals High degree of fault tolerance
Synchronous
Data transmitted, received by nodes conforms to timing scheme
Advantage
Interoperability
SONET (contd.)
Figure 7-20 A SONET ring
SONET (contd.)
Fault tolerance
Double-ring topology over fiber-optic cable
SONET Ring
Begins, ends at telecommunications carriers facility Connects organizations multiple WAN sites in ring fashion Connect with multiple carrier facilities
Additional fault tolerance
Terminates at multiplexer on carrier and customer premises
Easy SONET ring connection additions, removals
SONET (contd.)
Figure 7-21 SONET connectivity
SONET (contd.)
Table 7-3 SONET OC levels
Data rate
Indicated by OC (Optical Carrier) level
SONET (contd.)
Implementation
Large companies Long-distance companies
Linking metropolitan areas and countries
ISPs
Guarantying fast, reliable Internet access
Telephone companies
Connecting Cos
COST
Expensive
SONET Prices
OC1 OC3 OC24 OC255 51.84 Mbps 155.52 Mbps 1.244 Gbps 13.21 Gbps $ 10,000- $20,000 /month $ 30,000- $50,000 /month over $100,000 /month costs are extremely high
From Link Ch 6e
WAN Technologies Compared
Table 7-4 A comparison of WAN technology throughputs
Remote Connectivity
Remote Connectivity
Remote access
Service allowing client connection, log on capability
LAN or WAN in different geographical location
Remote client
Access files, applications, shared resources
Remote access communication requirement
Client, host transmission path Appropriate software Dial-up networking, Microsofts RAS or RRAS, VPNs
Dial-Up Networking
Dialing directly into private networks or ISPs remote access server
Log on to network
Transmission methods
PSTN, X.25, ISDN
Dial-Up Networking (contd.)
Advantages
Technology well understood Software availability
Disadvantages
Throughput Quality Administrative maintenance
Microsoft software
RAS (Remote Access Service) (Early Windows versions) RRAS (Routing and Remote Access Service) (Windows 2000 Server, XP, and later versions)
Remote Access Servers
Server requirements
Accept client connection
Grant privileges to networks resources
Device types
Dedicated devices: Ciscos AS5800 access servers Computers installed with special software
Microsoft remote access software
RRAS (Routing and Remote Access Service)
Computer accepts multiple remote client connections Server acts as router Multiple security provisions
Remote Access Servers (contd.)
Figure 7-22 Clients connecting with a remote access server
Remote Access Protocols
SLIP and PPP
Workstations connect using serial connection
Encapsulate higher-layer networking protocols, in lower-layer data frames
SLIP carries IP packets only
Harder to set up Supports only asynchronous data
PPP carries many different Network layer packets
Automatic set up Performs error correction, data compression, supports encryption Supports asynchronous and synchronous transmission
Remote Access Protocols (contd.)
Figure 7-23 Protocols used in a remote access Internet connection
PPPoE (PPP over Ethernet) standard
Connects home computers to ISP
Via DSL, broadband cable
Remote Virtual Computing
Computer client controls computer host (server)
Across network connection
Dedicated WAN link, Internet connection, dial-up
Established directly between client, host modems
Host allows client access
User name or computer name, password credentials
Thin client
Remote virtual computing software requires little bandwidth
Remote Virtual Computing (contd.)
Advantage
Simple configuration Runs on any connection type Single host
Accept simultaneous connections from multiple clients
Remote virtual computing software
Differences
Capabilities, security mechanisms, supported platforms
Examples
Microsofts Remote Desktop, VNC, Citrixs ICA
Remote Virtual Computing (contd.)
Remote desktop
Windows client and server operating systems Relies on RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)
Application layer protocol Uses TCP/IP to transmit graphics, text quickly Carries session, licensing, encryption information Exists for other operating systems
Not included in Windows home editions
Figure 7-24 Remote tab in the Windows XP System Properties window
Remote Desktop
Figure 7-25 Windows XP Remote Desktop Connection window
Remote Virtual Computing (contd.)
VNC (Virtual Network Computing)
Open source system
One workstation remotely manipulates, receives screen updates from another workstation Free, anyone can modify
Protocols operate in Application layer Advantages
Multiple computer platform operation Open source Single computer supports multiple sessions
Drawback: screen refresh rate
Remote Virtual Computing (contd.)
ICA (Independent Computing Architecture)
Citrix Systems Presentation Server
Proprietary software
Advantages
Ease of use Broad compatibility
Disadvantages
High cost of Citrix products Server software configuration complexity
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)
Wide area networks
Logically defined over public transmission systems
Isolated from other public line traffic Software
Inexpensive Sometimes included with other widely used software
Tailored to customers distance, bandwidth needs Two important design considerations
Interoperability and security
Figure 7-26 An example of a VPN
Tunneling
Ensures VPN carries all data types privately
Tunnel
Virtual connection between two VPN nodes
VPNs (contd.)
PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol)
Microsoft
Encryption, authentication, access services
Dial directly into RRAS access server Dial into ISPs remote access server first
L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol)
Cisco
Connects VPN using equipment mix Connect two routers Tunnel endpoints not on same packet-switched network
