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Networking for Austin Texas |
Networking Information
ATM | Ethernet | Frame Relay | MPLS | Point to Point T1 | VPN
A network consists of two or more computers linked in order to share resources (printers and CDs, internet access), exchange files, or allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.
Below is a useful list of network connection types, along with their 'pros' and 'cons'.
ATM
Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) is a standard for cell relay wherein information for multiple service types, such as voice, video, or data, is conveyed in small, fixed-size cells.
Pros - ATM provides robustness, high speeds and flexibility that frame relay can't match. ATM supports voice, video and data allowing multimedia and mixed services over a single network. Cable can be twisted-pair, coaxial or fiber-optic. Ability to connect LAN to WAN, and is scalable.
Cons - Cost, although it will decrease with time. New customer premises hardware and software are required. Presently the applications that can benefit from ATM such as multimedia are rare
Ethernet
Ethernet is a family of frame-based computer networking technologies for local area networks (LANs).
Pros - Simple, robust, inexpensive.
Cons - Prone to congestion, bottlenecking at multi-access points such as switches or old fashion 'hubs'.
Frame Relay
Frame Relay is a connection to the Internet that is owned by the telephone company and shared by many users.
Pros - Guaranteed speed, Reliable and fast Internet connection. Supports WAN connections and is easy to install and scalable.
Cons - Expensive option for speeds similar to DSL.
MPLS
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) enables Service Providers to build next-generation intelligent networks that deliver a wide variety of advanced, value-added services over a single infrastructure. This economical solution can be integrated seamlessly over any existing infrastructure, such as Frame Relay.
Pros - traffic management benefits are better reliability and increased performance. MPLS gives network operators great deal of flexibility to divert and route traffic around link failures, congestion, and bottlenecks.
Cons - significant loss of visibility and access into the MPLS cloud for IT departments.
Point-to-Point T1
A point to point T1 line is usually the top choice among clients who demand security in their connection and require an exclusive line to their business.
Pros - T1 provides high speed, point-to-point digital transmission line (up to 1.544 Mbps). Point-to-point T1 (usually referred to as "P2P"), provides a very reliable and secure connection. The chief advantage of a point to point T1 line is that it is very private, making it the best choice for those demanding a circuit with a dedicated connection exclusive to their business, thus offering the highest form of security available.
Cons - The cost of a T1 line can be expensive.
VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) supplies network connectivity over a possibly long physical distance. In this respect, a VPN is a form of Wide Area Network (WAN). The key feature of a VPN, however, is its ability to use public networks like the Internet rather than rely on private leased lines.
Pros - VPNs enable secure broadband connections (through cable modems, DSL, etc.). They make it easy to manage T1 lines, phone and data lines and remote access terminals. VPNs can create significant communication savings in particular when lots of remote users dial-in from outside the local calling area. IP-based VPN can keep IT management costs down. Dynamic configuration ensures adaptability to changing network configuration and needs.
Cons - VPNs may provide less bandwidth than by using direct lines. They are more prone to Internet connectivity problems. VPN being mostly Internet-based, is dependent on connections to be up.
