the remote end. The control of the circuit is given over to the provider. Speed for ISDN is
limited to 128 Kbps for a remote user using a Basic Rate Interface (BRI).
depending on the type of connection and the modem being used. Dialup is the most
inexpensive of all communication methods and is available almost everywhere.
requirements for installing the hardware at various sites.
SOHO or RO. Each type of site provides different opportunities for growth. The sections that
follow provide insight into which platforms would be used at each site.
should be a strong consideration. Room for growth is important because remote or branch sites
can be added or deleted over time and the hardware platform should be flexible so that a "fork-
lift" upgrade is not needed every time a change in corporate strategy occurs.
should be sufficient to aggregate the information flows from the branch and remote sites. With
speeds, cost is a major consideration because the recurring WAN charges are the dominant cost
factor. In fact, hardware costs pale in comparison to the ongoing costs for WAN charges.
Firewalls and access control (feeds) are also top considerations because the central site must
maintain and enable outside communication, but protect against unauthorized access.
central site. This does not mean that a fixed configuration device is acceptable, however. It still
might be more palatable for the router to contain enough ports for expansion. Branch office
support generally includes access to smaller single function remote offices or remote users.
Additionally, the branch office must be able to authenticate itself to the central site.