State-of-the-art in perspective, this book provides a comprehensive, single-source overview of broadband technologies in the Wide Area Network (WAN) environment. Written from a generalist point of view, it offers a technically accessible presentation that can be understood by anyone with only basic knowledge of the data processing/data communications environment. Organized into categories of broadband technologies that match the requirements to today's job market--e.g., Frame Relay, ATM, DSL, and Wireless (PCS/Wireless)--it discusses the advantages, disadvantages, issues and concerns for each. Includes exercises, case studies, and projects for hands-on practice. The WAN Infrastructure. Frame Relay. Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). Synchronous Optical NETwork (SONET). Virtual Private Network (VPN). Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI). Digital Subscriber Line (DSL). Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN/BISDN).Switched Multi-megabit Digital Service/Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN). Wireless/Personal Communication Service (PCS). Fibre Channel. Internet/Intranet/Extranet. Network Management. Problem Solving and Trouble Shooting. Telephone company employees, Internet Service Provider employees, networking sales employees, networking problem solving and troubleshooting employees, anyone who has an interest in enterprise networking, and business and corporate management that has a need to know the current state-of-the-technology.