WAN: Multiple offices,
multiple LANs, One network
Wide Area Networks (WAN) are computer networks
that attach non-local LANs, or independent
computers or servers. The best known WAN being
of course the Internet. This kind of network
can connect a company's offices a block away
or on the other side of the world. There are
two basic types of WAN connections available
today:
 |
Point-to-point connection:
Dedicated direct connection between
two or more locations |
|
Internet portal connection:
Using the Internet as a backbone to
connect tow or more locations |
The obvious advantage of point-to-point WAN
connection is security. A dedicated connection
does not allow for any possibility of hacking.
However, dedicated connections are very expensive.
Also, the farther the locations, generally
the greater the charges.
Meanwhile, WAN via Internet with the proper
security elements in place provides a great
value with regard to remote office connectivity.
There are a number of tools available to
protect data while providing access in and
out of the WAN connected network.
|
Firewall protection
|
|
NAT (Network Address
Translation) |
|
IP Forwarding |
|
Encrypted Password
Security |
|
IP source limited
access |
The Internet is the future! |
