Introduction WAN (Wide Area Network) is a type of computer network that extends over a large geographical area. WAN helps in facilitating business management and sharing of information across the world. Furthermore Brian McCann Jersey , WAN is similar to any activity where it is governed standards and a set of rules. This is the functioning of the intricate nature of WAN network structure. WAN standards are what are known as protocols or technologies. Protocols help in determining how effective WAN performs. WAN Communication Protocols WAN protocols work at the lower levels or layers of the OSI network model. The three layers the protocols work are: i. Physical Layer ii. Data Link Layer iii. Network Layer Some commonly used WAN protocols also known as standards are MPLSVPN, ATM, and SONETSDH. Others are HDLC, PPP, and Frame Relay. Below are the explanation and analysis of the two of the most commonly used protocols (Davis, 2009). High-Level Data Link Control Protocol (HDLC) HDLC is a layer 2 protocol meaning that it operates within the Data Link layer. HDLC is a simple protocol which is used to connect serial devices from one point to another. For example Dansby Swanson Jersey , a user has a point to point leased line connecting two areas in two different towns. HDLC protocol is going to be the protocol which has the least amount of configuration that is needed to connect the two areas. HDLC is going to run over the WAN between the two areas. Each router in the network is going to de-encapsulate the HDLC protocol and turning then dropping it off on the LAN. HDLC is similar to the Ethernet in that it performs error correction. Additionally, the protocol is the default protocol on the Cisco serial interfaces (Mihai Toma, Del Rio, & M脿nuel, 2014). Point to Point Protocol (PPP) PPP protocol is very common because it is used for most of the dial-up connection to the Internet. The protocol is also documented in the RFC 1661. It is worth to note that PPP is based on HDLC, and they are Freddie Freeman Jersey , therefore, very similar. It also connects a point to another point in the same area. However, they have other many differences. PPP has various dial-up networking features. Therefore, it is the most popular WAN networking protocol that is used today (Swan, 1999). Comparative Analysis Both HDLC and PPP function within the Data Link layer of the OSI model. HDLC was first the development of ISO Cisco. Therefore, the protocol works with Cisco equipment. On the other hand Hank Aaron Jersey , PPP protocol is under the definition of RFC 1968. Therefore, PPP is an open standard protocol which can work on multi-vender equipment. PPP protocol has many features that are not there in the HDLC such as: i. PPP has the compression capabilities with predictor ii. It has immense capabilities of bundling physical channels turning them into a single logical channel. iii. It supports both error detection and has error recovery features iv. It encapsulates for several routed protocols such as IP, Novel IPX, and Apple Talk. One of the advantages of PPP is that it has the option of authenticating the connection which is something that is not offered by HDLC. It also has the capability to a multi-link which enables it to take many of its circuits thus making a single logical entity of them all. It also supports the link support for both synchronous and asynchronous. On the other hand, there is also the Cisco-proprietary HDLC protocol. The protocol is advantageous over the PPP in that it makes it a possibility for several network layer protocols to share similar serial link since it adds a new type field. HDLC is also an international standard that falls under the definition of ISO. The protocol is advantageous over PPP in that it has the capabilities to support full-duplex and transparent mode operation. Therefore, the protocol is commonly used in multipoint and computer networks (Conant Greg Maddux Jersey , 1995). The discussion has shown that Cisco uses the HDLC protocol as its default encapsulation on the asynchronous serial links which are leased line connections. However, when there is a communication involving a Cisco device a non-Cisco device, the choice of communication protocol is the synchronous PPP. It is, therefore, the most feasible protocol that should be used in such instances. PPP is also an improvement over the HDLC because it has the capabilities to provide link configuration, testing of quality John Smoltz Jersey , and error detection. Additionally, it has other capabilities such as authentication and multilink bundles. It also monitors the link constantly (Baird, 1996). Conclusion This paper has looked at two different WAN protocols that need familiarity with every network administrator. HDLC would the most preferred protocol for connecting to the Internet. However, PPP also has its advantages why it should be preferred. There is the availability of more information about the two protocols more than what this paper consists. Therefore, any network administrator should familiarize with the information before making a decision on the type of protocol to use on the Internet.
References Baird, W. C. (1996). Network protocol analyzers: A window to the WAN. Network Computing Atlanta Braves Jersey , 7(20), 84. Conant, G. E. (1995). Multilink PPP: One big virtual WAN pipe. Data Communications, 24(13), 85. Davis, D. (2009 Zack Greinke Jersey , January 7). 3 WAN Protocols you should know: HDLC, PPP, and Frame-Relay. Retrieved April 25, 2016, from Petri: Mihai Toma, D. Adam Jones Jersey , del Rio, J., & M脿nuel, A. (2014). Wireless HDLC Protocol for Energy-Efficient Large-Scale Linear Wireless Sensor Networks. International Journal Of Distributed Sensor Networks, 1-14. doi:10.11552014916073 Swan, B. (1999). Building wide-area networks with BACnet. Engineered Systems Eduardo Escobar Jersey , 16(7), 82.