- Let us continue our discussion on WAN.
In this video, we will cover Ethernet WAN and dark fiber.
Ethernet, defined under IEEE 802.3,
was originally developed for LAN or local area networks.
However, with the advent of fiber optic cables,
we now have Ethernet standards
that can provide high speeds at long distances
like the 1000Base-ZX,
which is said to have gigabit transmission
to at least 70 kilometers.
Whoa!
So what does that mean for us?
Well, it means that we may not be able
to extend the range of our local network
to farther distances beyond our current location
and can even span across countries.
This is Ethernet WAN,
also known as wide area Ethernet.
So why should we go for Ethernet WAN?
Firstly, with Ethernet WAN,
our network goes from the Ethernet local network
to the Ethernet wide area network.
Yes, it stays in the Ethernet.
That means we no longer need to convert
to various WAN technologies like frame relay or ATM,
and that is a reduction in administration tasks.
Less administration means less cost.
Less cost means we'll have savings, which we can then use
to further expand our network with other sites
and even to the internet.
That is easy integration.
We'll also now be able to host VoIP as well as streaming
and broadcast videos more easily.
Well, that is as compared to TDM
or frame relay networks.
That is business productivity.
By the way, Ethernet WAN is gaining popularity
that it is now commonly used to replace frame relay
and ATM networks.
Pretty cool, right?
But how can we connect geographically separated sites?
Like does it mean we need
to add new fiber optic cables underground or under the sea?
Not really.
If the business wants to install new optical fibers,
then yes, sure they can.
But you see, there exists some optical fibers
which remain unused and are available for purchase.
These are what we call dark fiber.
They're called dark fiber
'cause there's no light passing through it
since they're unused.
Get it?
No light, hence, they are dark.
The dark fibers are available for sale on the market
and are the ones that can be used by end user enterprises
so as to expand their Ethernet networks.
Dark fiber can likewise be used by network operators
for redundancy in their networks.
When you purchase a dark fiber, that's yours.
The entire fiber and its bandwidth
will be yours to own and manage.
You can have full autonomy.
There's no other traffic than your own,
and it is physically separated from other networks.
So you can be rest assured that your data is secure.
So for businesses who want to have full control
over their network design
and be able to have private and secure connections as well,
then dark fiber might be an option for you.
Whew!
We have just covered Ethernet WAN and dark fiber,
but there's one more modern WAN solution
that we all need to discuss.
What's that?
It's SD-WAN and we'll cover that next.