Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) NetworkingNetwork AccessHard
A company is expanding its network to a new branch office located across town. The new office requires a reliable, high-speed connection back to the main office for data access and VoIP services. The ISP offers several options, but the company wants a dedicated, symmetric connection with guaranteed bandwidth. Which WAN technology would best meet these requirements?
- ADSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
- BSatellite Internet
- CCable Internet
- DLeased Line (e.g., T1/E1, Metro Ethernet)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Leased Line (e.g., T1/E1, Metro Ethernet)
A leased line, such as a T1/E1 or Metro Ethernet circuit, provides a dedicated, point-to-point connection with symmetric bandwidth and guaranteed service levels. This is ideal for critical business applications requiring consistent high speed and reliability between offices, unlike shared or asymmetrical services like DSL, Cable, or Satellite.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. DSL is typically asymmetrical (faster download than upload) and shares bandwidth with other users, making it less suitable for guaranteed symmetric high-speed business needs.
- B. Satellite Internet has high latency and is generally slower and less reliable than terrestrial options, unsuitable for high-speed, low-latency business applications like VoIP.
- C. Cable Internet is also typically asymmetrical and a shared medium, meaning bandwidth can fluctuate and is not guaranteed.
Leased Line WAN
A leased line is a dedicated, private, point-to-point connection provided by an ISP, offering guaranteed bandwidth and service levels for WAN connectivity.
- Dedicated circuit, not shared.
- Symmetric bandwidth (upload = download).
- Guaranteed bandwidth and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
- Higher cost compared to shared services.
Memory trick: Dedicated, Symmetric, Guaranteed: Business WAN's Best Friend