Lesson 1 - Point-to-Point WAN Services

   Introduction

A point-to-point link is a physical connection between two separated LANs or stations. An organization can create a point-to-point link by simply installing its own physical link (cable, fiber, or radio) between its sites. This approach is commonly used to connect buildings within an office park or campus; however, it is prohibitively expensive over a metropolitan area or wider region.

Thus, when companies need to connect two or more sites over a wide area, they typically use the previously installed facilities of the public-switched telephone network (PSTN). These links come in a variety of data rates, at costs that correspond to their speed and capability. This lesson introduces the most common point-to-point options found in WANs.

   Objectives

At the end of this lesson you will be able to:

1.	Name and describe the most common WAN point-to-point technologies
2.	Explain the structure of the Digital Signal Hierarchy
3.	Describe the main differences between T1 and fractional T1 (FT1) service

Key Point
A point-to-point link directly connects two sites, using either analog or digital technology.

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