Cabling and Assembling the WAN

The cabling of the WAN will vary depending on the technologies used and the equipment locations.
For example, central sites typically use modular, high-capacity routers, whereas branch
offices typically use modular or fixed-configuration routers. Usually telecommuter equipment
entails fixed-configuration devices and attempts to place all components of the customer premises
equipment (CPE) in a single chassis.
The cabling will also depend on the media to be used. For example, RJ-45 interfaces are typically
used to terminate Ethernet connections, whereas serial connections are typically terminated
with RS-232 or V.35 cables. Cisco also provides integrated data service units (DSUs) that
can accept the T-1 connection or DS3’s COAX connection directly—a serial port uses an external
DSU and is the focus of the Remote Access certification.
This section supplies an overview of the cable connections used with different WAN
types. You will learn about interfacing and terminating options for remote access equipment,
identifying appropriate equipment, and verifying a network installation. Subsequent
chapters will expand upon many of the concepts introduced here, including ISDN, X.25,
Frame Relay, PPP, security, and the types of telecommuters and specific equipment in the
Cisco product line.