Lab – Researching WAN Technologies

Objectives
Part 1: Investigate Dedicated WAN Technologies and Providers
Part 2: Investigate a Dedicated Leased Line Service Provider in Your Area

Background / Scenario
Today’s broadband Internet services are fast, affordable. With the use of VPN technology, the connection can
also be secure. However, many companies still need a 24-hour dedicated connection to the Internet, or a
dedicated point-to-point connection from one office location to another. In this lab, you will investigate the cost
and availability of purchasing a dedicated T1 Internet connection for your home or business.

Required Resources
A device with Internet access.

Step 1: Research WAN technology characteristics.

Use search engines and websites to research the following WAN technologies. Blank lines are provided for
technologies not listed in the table. Put your findings in the table below.

Last Mile Last Mile Last Mile

Dedicated Media: Media: Media:
Connection Copper Fiber Wireless
WAN Technology (yes/no) (yes/no) (yes/no) (yes/no) Speed/Range

T1/DS1 Yes Yes Yes Yes 1.544Mbps

T3/DS3 Yes Yes Yes Yes 44.736Mbps
OC3 (SONET) Yes No Yes Yes Yes155 megabits per
Frame Relay second
No No Unknwon Yes 128Kbp
ATM Yes Yes Yes Yes 155.520Mbps
MPLS Yes YesYes Yes Yes Generally a T1
EPL (Ethernet Private Yes Yes Yes Yes Secret
Line)

Step 2: Discover dedicated WAN technology service providers.

Using a search engine, research dedicated WAN technology offered by the service providers. Complete the
table below by identifying each service provider’s dedicated WAN services, based on the information provided

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Lab – Researching WAN Technologies

on the website. Use the extra lines provided in the table to record additional service providers in your local
area.

EPL
Internet Service OC3 Frame (Ethernet Private
Provider T1/DS1/PRI T3/DS3 (SONET) Relay ATM MPLS Line)

Comcast NO NO NO No No x
CenturyLink x x x Yes ukno x x
AT&T wn
No x x No ukno x NO
Windstream wn
Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
XO Communications Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Verizon NO NO NO NO NO NO No

Reflection
1. What are the disadvantages to using a dedicated WAN connection for personal home use? What would be a
better solution?
Yes. Similar in the high low range. Results start at $287.50 per month for 3 year contract. Mid-range quote
reads for $413.00 per month for one year contract. The highest prince result is $651.57 for a one year
contract. is always evolving. Give some examples of new WAN-related technologies encountered during
2. Technology
your search.

If the business is processing credit card orders. If the business deals with commodities, options,or any kind
of market activity (wall street). A business in the aviation/airline industry needs WAN.

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