CompTIA Network+ 2009: Wide Area Networks

Overview/Description

WANs differ from local area networks (LANs) in several ways. For instance, while LANs are typically owned by a single company or enterprise, WANs are a collaboration of a number of unrelated organizations and entities. As well, WANs generally have lower speed links than LANs and utilize a different set of technologies. This course describes how WANs function and the components that make them work. This course also covers the different types of WANs, including broadband technologies such as xDSL, cable systems. Also explored are some of the newer WAN technologies that are finding acceptance, such as line of sight wireless and satellite. This course maps to CompTIA's Network+ (2009) exam objectives to categorize WAN technology types and properties.

Target Audience

The audience for CompTIA Network+ 2009 training will comprise IT personnel with at least 9 months IT networking experience. Good computer literacy along with a sound technical acumen should be present. Students looking to acquire job skills, and to be trained specifically to pass the associated CompTIA Network+ (2009 Edition) certification exam will want to study this learning path.

Prerequisites

CompTIA’s A+ credential is a recommended, although not mandatory, prerequisite.

Expected Duration (hours)
1.5

Lesson Objectives

CompTIA Network+ 2009: Wide Area Networks

• distinguish between packet and circuit switching
• recognize how circuit switching works
• recognize how packet switching works
• distinguish between connectionless and connection oriented data transmission
• recognize the capabilities of WAN transmission media
• identify basic WAN transmission media
• distinguish between the uses of ADSL, SDSL, VDSL, and cable modems
• recognize the basic characteristics of T1/E1, T3/E3, Sonet, OC-x, and MPLS WAN types
• distinguish between different satellite systems
• recognize the basic functions of ISDN
• distinguish between Frame Relay and ATM
• choose the most appropriate switching technology in a given scenario
• determine appropriate WAN media