A Network Engineer Must Have Knowledge of Transportation Options.

Some common methods to connect multiple branches and headquarter of a large enterprise
along with their examples, Advantages and disadvantages:

1. Internet-Based VPN

Example:
● IPSec VPNs: Securely connect branch offices over the public internet using encryption.
● SSL VPNs: Provide remote access for individual users securely over the internet.

Advantages:
- Cost-Effective: Utilizes the existing internet infrastructure, reducing costs.
- Flexibility: Can be deployed quickly and scaled easily.
- Accessibility: Remote workers and branch offices can connect from anywhere.

Disadvantages:
- Performance: Dependent on the internet service quality, which can vary.
- Security: Public internet is inherently less secure; VPNs mitigate this but are still a concern.
- Latency: Higher latency compared to private connections due to the public internet.

2. MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching)

Example:
● MPLS VPN: Creates a virtual private network using MPLS technology, ensuring reliable and
efficient connectivity between branches.

Advantages:
- Quality of Service (QoS): Provides better traffic management.
- Reliability: Offers stable and predictable performance.
- Security: More secure as it is a private network.

Disadvantages:
- Cost: Generally more expensive than internet-based solutions.
- Scalability: Can be more challenging.
3. Leased Lines

Example:
● T1/E1 Lines
● Fiber Optic Leased Lines: Dedicated circuits between branches.

Advantages:
- Performance: High bandwidth and low latency.
- Security: Highly secure.
- Reliability: Very reliable.

Disadvantages:
- Cost: Very high.
- Deployment Time: Longer deployment times as physical lines need to be installed.
- Flexibility: Not as flexible.

4. SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network)

Example:
● VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud
● Cisco SD-WAN: Uses software to manage and optimize WAN connections.

Advantages:
- Cost Savings: Cheaper
- Flexibility: Highly flexible and can be deployed quickly.
- Performance Optimization: Intelligent traffic routing based on real-time network conditions.
- Centralized Management: Centralized control and monitoring.

Disadvantages:
- Complexity: Can be complex to implement and manage initially.
- Security: Needs robust security measures as it often uses public internet connections.
- Vendor Dependency: Performance and features may depend on vendor’s capabilities.

5. Private Wireless Networks

Example:
● Satellite Communications: Used for remote locations where wired connections are impractical.
Advantages:
- Accessibility: Can connect remote or hard-to-reach locations.
- Deployment Speed: Faster deployment.

Disadvantages:
- Cost: Can be expensive.
- Performance: Potential issues with latency and bandwidth.

6. Dark Fiber
Example:
● Dark Fiber Leasing: Leasing unused optical fiber to establish a private high-capacity network.
Not available in all locations