WAN Tech
In this assignment, we were to view several online WAN Technologies video tutorials. The tutorials discussed T1/E1 lines (which are the most used WAN connections in the world) Satellite, cable, and DSL, circuit and packet switching (two major WAN technologies, and an introduction to the three major WAN cable types used today. Below are the questions that we had to answer for this assignment.
T1/E1 and T3/E3/DS3
- . A T1 line employs what type of multiplexing?
Time-division Multiplexing - . When entering a building, what type of media does a T1 line most likely use?
A T3 would most likely use twisted pair cabling - With what type of media would a T3 likely use when it enters a building??
A T3 would most likely use coax cabling
Satellite, ISDN, Cable, DSK, and Dialup
- How does the cost of non-terrestrial communications compare with conventional terrestrial
networking?
Non-terrestrial communications tend to be more expensive because the technologies that it runs on. - Other than cost, what is the significant disadvantage of satellite communications?
A significant disadvance of satellite communications is high latency. - What does the A in "ADSL" represent?
The A represents Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, where the the upload and download speeds are different. - What type of media would an ADSL use when it enters a building?
ADSL would use telephone lines - What type of DSL is capable of speeds of up to 100Mbit/s?
VDSL - Very High Bitrate DSL
Circuit Switching and Packet Switching
- Which technology, circuit or packet switching, is most like the technology utilized by POTS?
Circuit Switching is utilized by POTS - What is the major criticism of circuit switching?
The major criticism of circuit switching is that nobody else can use the circuit when it is not in use. - Why is packet switching considered more efficient that circuit switching?
Data is grouped into packets for easier transfer, and the media is shared on the network.
Transmission Media, Speed, and Distance
- What are the three major WAN cable types?
Three major WAN cable types are Coax, Twisted Pair, and Optic Fiber cabling. - When was coax cable patented?
Coax cable was patented in the year 1880. - What type of cable is typically used in a local area network?
Twisted Pair Copper cabling is typically used in a local area network. - What purpose does the twist in TWP copper cable serve?
The twist in TWP copper cable cancels out interference. - What type of cabling would you use for very long distance and very high speed runs?
Fiber Optic cabling. - . When you use fiber optic cables, what are two conventional cabling operations that require extra
care?
It must be terminated properly, and be careful not to bend fiber optic at a high radius.
