Wide Area Networks Apply to the Home Network
The relationship your home network has to a WAN .
Well, this looks a great deal like our home network example. You see, this is a WAN, because a WAN is a number of LANs connected together by a physical medium (Layer 1) network. In this case the Internet (a WAN) is connected to the LAN through the T1. The T1 is explained in the definition of terms (see sidebar). The DSU/CSU converts signals to the router in order for the router to be able to use the data that resides in the other layers encapsulated in the information coming from the physical medium. As each layers encapsulation is removed, we find information for the LAN devices to use. This concept of layering and the OSI model will be discussed in future updates. On the other side of the Internet 'cloud' are hundreds of thousands of networks like the one in your home. Since we have now satisfied the definition of a WAN. The Internet, your home network and your family member or friend or coworker's network are all part of the same WAN.
Your home network is now part of the Internet WAN. The 10 or 100 Mbps network connection to your devices from the home network router is susceptible to a number of vulnerabilities and risks from the outside world. You need to make sure that you are using proper security devices in different parts of the network. We will discuss those as we build on this discussion.
As you move into the world of interconnected systems and networks you need to learn about all of these options that also apply to wide area networks. Driving this point home would help people understand that they are not operating their computers in a closed network with no possibility of outside influence.
The connection to the wide area network that you have installed is based on the connection to your Internet Service Provider. This network can be DSL, cable, wireless, satellite or dial-up. Up until only a few years ago the main method of connecting to the Internet was dial-up. This method was the most widely used and was sufficient for most applications of the home network user. Needs have changed though, the technology has improved, the information on the Internet has increased and most importantly, the cost has gone down. As the cost for high speed went down and the demand for high bandwith has increased, the ISPs of the country have responded by providing more connectivity options, more products and more features to those products. Even the cellphones we use are part of a WAN now. The personal data assistants (PDAs), video games, web based cameras, al manner of electronic equipment can and are being connected to the WAN known as the Internet.
Your WAN components in yor home are subject to communication laws, agreements with your Internet Service Provider and able to be monitored by legitimate as well as illegitimate persons or organizations. The LAN components on your network (servers, workstations, printers and other devices) are capable of being accessed now from anywhere in the world, providing the proper communications options are enabled. If these options are enabled, then the security requirements for your home network will also increase.
So, we have a few areas to cover in up coming discussions:
- WAN Options and related features
- LAN Options and related features
- Security options for the WAN connectivity
- Security options for the LAN connectivity
- Security options for the associated devices on the LAN
- Enhancments for improving reliability and integrity of the home network