WAN Connection Types

The Remote Access exam is concerned primarily with six types of WAN connections. These are
predominantly older, more established technologies. The following are WAN connection types
you can expect to see on the Remote Access exam:

Asynchronous dial-up

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)

Frame Relay

Leased lines

Digital subscriber line (DSL)

Cable modems
Notably absent from this list are Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), wireless, and cellular
technologies. Although the Remote Access exam was revised in 2003, and cable modems and
DSL were added to the topics addressed, these other remote access technologies remain absent.
Even though these newer technologies are not covered yet, it is important to know a bit about
them. For instance, wireless technologies have greatly enhanced the options available to home
users. The primary benefit of wireless services is little to no provisioning time, but roaming and
cheaper deployment also can be found with these solutions, as discussed later in this chapter.
Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)
is a cell-based system similar in many respects to Frame
Relay, although the use of fixed-length cells can make ATM better suited to installations that
integrate voice, video, and data. Wireless technologies include microwave, 802.11 LANs, and
laser and satellite systems, which typically require a fixed transmitter and receiver, although
major strides are being made to add mobility. Cellular systems are very mobile but do not provide
substantial bandwidth; however, the technology is being improved and cellular can now
provide ISDN-comparable data rates.
If you are a designer who is building a remote access solution, you will need to augment the
technical material in this text in order to compose the best remote access solutions for your customers’
needs.