This text covers everything that students need to know about the installation and configuration of a wide area network. It provides comprehensive coverage of the OSI model and LAN technology; voice, video, and data traffic; then discusses TCP/IP and IPX protocol suites with an emphasis on IP addressing. It emphasizes Cisco switches, followed by WAN technology, routers, and routing protocol, and covers WAN security, voice communications, and wireless technology. With its no-nonsense and easy-to-read format, the book provides enough detail to allow full understanding of how networking technology, protocols, and services work together so that students can install, configure, and troubleshoot a wide area network. Hundreds of review questions and many hands-on exercises reinforce content, and web links are included for further study.