Accessing the WAN 

Chapter 1 Case Study

Objectives:

Identify the appropriate WAN technology given specific requirements

Intro:

Yoko Inc. just opened a branch office in Chicago and needs to connect it to the Main office (located in
New York City). They have called you for help.

The Scenario:

Yoko’s network is as shown below: Each office has a router, NYC at the Main office and CHG at the
Branch office. Branch traffic headed to the Internet must pass through Main (NYC), which has a
connection to the Internet.

Topology:

Choosing the type of WAN Link

Since NYC and CHG are far apart, it is not possible to run cables to interconnect them. To use 802.11x
wireless is also not possible because of the range. A WAN link is necessary.

Compiled by Peter Smith 2012  

 
Accessing the WAN 
Chapter 1 Case Study

In order to choose the appropriate technology for Yoko Inc., you start an analysis of their network and
needs. After the study is done, you compile the following list of requirements:

1. Yoko Inc. is a financial company. Therefore, the 2 offices require an always-on connection. Stock
information and rates must be available 24 hrs per day.
2. The amount of traffic will also be high, which requires high bandwidth.
3. The information travelling through the link is very sensitive. Security is a big concern. For this
reason, Yoko Inc. prefers a private infrastructure.
4. Only 2 sites need to be connected: New York and Chicago.
5. Yoko Inc. is prepared to pay for all the requirements. Money is not an issue.

Based on item (3) listed above and on cost/benefit, you chose not to use any Cable or DSL WAN links
and aim for the private WAN options.

Items (1) and (4) lead to a dedicated leased line and since a reasonable bandwidth is also required – as
stated in item (2) – you decide to go for a private leased T1 line WAN link.

The only possible disadvantage would be the higher cost but according to item (5) this is not an issue for
Yoko Inc. who is prepared to pay the high monthly fees for this type of link.

You contact a few ISPs to get quotes. All ISPs offer similar services with different prices.

You hire ISP3 because they offer the lowest price (about $800/month). Some of the considered ISPs also
had other flaws:

ISP1’s prices are too high, ISP2 does not offer dedicated T1 links, and ISP4 doesn’t support the Chicago
area.

Question 1:

What are the most common WAN links known as public WAN?

Answer: Public WAN links rely on the public Internet infrastructure. They are: Cable, DSL and Broadband
Wireless.

Question 2:

What were the biggest flaw disadvantages of such WAN links in the past?

Answer: Security. Since they rely on the public Internet there was no guarantee of privacy. After VPNs
were created, this disadvantage was alleviated.

After you present your final report to Yoko Inc. suggesting the type of link and ISP to be used, Yoko Inc.
accepts your suggestion and leases a full T1 line from ISP3. Once the link is installed, you perform a few
tests and confirm that everything works fine.

Compiled by Peter Smith 2012