WAN Adapter
The information superhighway is characterized by major changes in technology and the application of those technological advances in commerce, government, and every day life. Linking up with the entire world from one location, sharing data, and conducting businesses has been made easy, reliable, and effective through WANs (Wide Area Networks). The Internet being the largest WAN is the hub of all activity, effectuating data transfer using common telecommunication carrier devices. The common links used for connectivity are fiber optic lines, wireless, telephone, microwave, and satellite links.
Various components, both internal and external, constitute the WAN infrastructure. Basically, WANs are set up with connections (T1, T3, DSL, ISDN, Cable modem links, etc.), routers, and security strategies (VPN solution, Firewalls). Other devices that further enhance WAN connections include WAN Adapters. The WAN Adapter is a device, which enables connectivity and workability options between systems. Often termed “Controller,” this device executes intense processing, its basic functionality being converting one set of signals to another. There are different types of adapters such as display adapter (video card), network adapter (NIC), which is the WAN Adapter, and SCSI host adapter.
Modern technology has initiated better connectivity options to the Internet with the aid of devices that operate with unique features for the required functions. A WAN Adapter is one that interfaces a computer system to a network. Available in various forms, the network adapters allow one system to link and work with another system. The connection between systems is crucial for communication and data sharing. Hence a WAN Adapter is most suited to the purpose. It operates on the physical layer and data link layer (layers 1 and 2 of the OSI model), and enables access to a networking medium. The end users can connect one to another either through cables or by wireless means.
A robust WAN is crucial for companies to meet their Business Continuity standards. Large enterprises cannot afford downtime as it will hinder continuity in work flow, and impact bottom line profitability. Hence constant ‘uptime’ is required to avert low throughput caused by transmission delays. A WAN Adapter has the capability to sustain high throughput levels. Its performance is increased by performing the load balancing function and regulating network traffic in the appropriate directions. Two or more network adapters (ports), which aggregate and function as a single adapter, are called virtual network adapters. This provides fault tolerance and load balances across data lines.
A WAN Adapter depends on the type of connection used and the data communications network. It is responsible for the transmitting and receiving data at the physical level. The process for configuring a WAN Adapter varies depending on the connection (ISDN, DSL, etc.). Although just a component in the network, it still has its own unique functionality that is one of providing access between systems and to the Wide Area Network.
In the global marketplace, which is crowded by technology solutions, the pioneer of router clustering technology akin to WAN adapters, FatPipe Networks is in the forefront with its WAN optimization solutions. FatPipe developed a flexible solution for WAN redundancy and dynamic load balancing of inbound and outbound data traffic. FatPipe technology takes disparate connections such as DSL, T1, ISDN, T3, Cable Modem, Wireless, ATM etc and dynamically load balances across any combination of these lines. FatPipe Technology is a superior WAN Adapter that gives users more functionality that enhances WAN performance. Large enterprises that want to keep pace with their growing business continuity requirements can use technology such as those provided by FatPipe networks - for the highest levels of WAN optimization, reliability, security, and bandwidth management.
