Introduction to Wide Area Networks

This online course explains the principles of operation, capabilities and features of various types of Wide Area Network and describes the requirements of different types of traffic and how these can be met. It is recommended that this course is studied before attempting the PTT courses TAF: "IP networks" and NGA: "Next Generation Networks".

Prerequisites:

An understanding of the basic principles of data communications over packet-switched networks. It is recommended that the PTT course SRC: "Data communication principles" is studied before attempting this course.

Course objectives :

At the end of this e-learning course a trainee will be able to:

Describe the principles of operation of the various types of network that transport traffic over wide areas with reference to the concepts of circuits and virtual circuits.

Give examples of the various types of wide area network (WAN) including ATM, Frame Relay and IP networks and compare their principle of operation, application and facilities.

Explain the concept of, and benefits offered by, a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Describe the principles and applications of the various types of addressing used in telecommunications systems and describe the basic principles of routing.

Describe the transmission characteristics and requirements of WAN applications such as file transfer, and telephone and video services with reference to bandwidth requirement, maximum tolerable delay and delay variation and the effects of errors.

Describe the cause of impairments such as delay and errors.

Compare the ability of TDM and packet-switched networks to provide the sustained bandwidth and low delay required by voice and video traffic.

Explain the principles, benefits and limitations of various error detection and correction technique.

Explain the meaning, relevance and application of the terms "Quality of Service" and "Class of Service" as applied to packet switched networks and compare the ability of networks such as Frame Relay, ATM, MPLS, Ethernet VLANs and 4G mobile systems to offer an assured Quality of Service.

Number of modules: 7
Study time: 8 hours

Download and view the TransNet course summary in Adobe PDF format