Connecting the Site Back to the Head Office
T-1
Link
Connection
Back to
Multicast
While the local network remains the same, now the media streams must
come from the corporate network across the WAN circuit. Since most streams
require at least 512 Kbps of bandwidth, this now raises all manner of concerns for
www.syngress.com
Figure 10.21 Connecting the Site Back to the Head Office
T-1
Link
Connection
Back to
Multicast
Registration
Server
Media
Server
Four Client Computers
to Receive Information
Media
Server
Site
Mobile Users Firewall
File and
Print Server
Networked
Laser
Printer
Head Office
376 Chapter 10 • Designing and Implementing Single Site Solutions
the small site. Chief unto these issues is that the site may not be able to get that
fast a circuit and, therefore, be relegated to a much slower xDSL connection.
It is exactly this problem that caused Cisco to devise a better schema of controls
with DSL circuits for handling multicast applications.The Model 1750 and
2600 Series routers now accept ADSL WAN adapters, and the IOS firmware has
much better QoS controls for assuring packet delivery without error.We know
from experience that the fastest and most direct connection between the two
locations is the best solution; we also know this is never possible with all sites.
So, what does this mean to small sites that still need access to multicast applications?
Since xDSL is a single site solution for Internet access, these sites will
most likely create a VPN connection back to the head office’s firewall, which
then hands them off to the internal network.This is not the best solution since it
depends on the stability of the public Internet, but in the absence of a frame relay
or leased line connection, xDSL coupled with a VPN currently remains the most
viable WAN solution for remote and branch offices.