Chapter 4. Wide Area Network Protocols

Terms you'll need to understand:

• Frame relay

• Data Link Connection Identifier (DLCI)

• Local Management Interface (LMI)

• Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)

• Basic Rate Interface (BRI)

• Primary Rate Interface (PRI)

• Data terminal equipment (DTE)

• Data communications equipment (DCE)

• Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)

• High-Level Data Link Control (HDLC)

Techniques you'll need to master:

• Switched services

• Point-to-point and Point-to-multipoint connections

• Peer-to-peer connections

• Authentication

Wide area networking is a core business at Cisco. You will need to demonstrate knowledge of major protocols and services inherent to wide area networking when you sit for the CCNA test. This chapter will provide an overview of the Point-to-Point Protocol, Frame Relay network operation, and Integrated Services Digital Network components . While these are not the only protocols and services included in wide area networking, they are representative, and provide a foundation for presenting the protocols and services required by the test.