Lancom Systems LCOS 3.50 - Manual (Page 64)

LANCOM Reference Manual LCOS 3.50 ̈ Chapter 7: Routing and WAN connections
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7 Routing and WAN connections
This chapter describes the most important protocols and configuration entries
used for WAN connections. It also shows ways to optimize WAN connections.
7.1 General information on WAN connections
WAN connections are used for the following applications.
̈ Internet access
̈ LAN to LAN coupling
̈ Remote access
7.1.1 Bridges for standard protocols
WAN connections differ from direct connections (for example, via the
LANCAPI) in that the data in the WAN are transmitted via standardized net-
work protocols also used in the LAN. Direct connections, on the other hand,
operate with proprietary processes that have been specially developed for
point-to-point connections.
Via WAN connections a LAN is extended, and with direct connections only one
individual PC establishes a connection to another PC. WAN connections form
a kind of bridge for the communication between networks (or for connecting
individual computers to the LAN).
Close cooperation with router modules
Characteristic of WAN connections is the close cooperation with the router
modules in the LANCOM. The router modules (IP and IPX) take care of con-
necting LAN and WAN. They make use of the WAN modules to fulfil requests
from PCs within the LAN for external resources.
7.1.2 What happens in the case of a request from the LAN?
Initially the router modules only determine the remote station to which a data
packet is to be sent. The various parameters for all required connections must
be arranged so that a given connection can be selected and established as
required. These parameters are stored in a variety of lists, the interaction of
which permits the correct connections.