Date: Module Three

Re: What's in a WAN?

I know last week we talked about Viola Fuss and her interest in upgrading the local network infrastructure. At that time I mentioned the possible change in the connections to our WAN infrastructure. I$\text{'}$d really like more just on the WAN infrastructure plan, specifically: what we should be doing to connect all of the regional offices$/$distribution centers and their stores to Hoffman Estates. The CFO is questioning the cost of the leased lines and the difficulty in bringing new stores online. We need to move to some other more modern structure $($from the leased lines$).$ What is up and coming $($newer approaches, maybe MPLS or something else$)?$ What a:t the pros and cons of the options?

Additionally, currently only HQ has an Internet connection. Given all this talk of "cloud services," can you also include in your analysis a plan for providing Internet connectivity in those locations you think would most benefit from it$?$ And remember, Viola really wants to expand VOIP to the regionals soon, so your solution should take that into consideration as well.

Could you get something to me by the end of the workday in two weeks? I am looking for two pages at the very most. Thanks.