The most general definition of a Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that covers a broad area using public or private network transports. In this chapter, we're going to analyze the scenario of a remote user who needs to access an application published by a XenApp infrastructure located in your data center.

The connection between the user and your infrastructure might be on a private link (usually a leased line) or on a public network (usually the Internet). The most important parameters of a link are as follows:

A common belief is that bandwidth is the main problem in remote connections; this is usually false. Fast access to the Internet is now available in most countries, and mobile operators can also offer high-speed connections (3G, 4G, and so on). Dedicated links can be leased with guaranteed bandwidth, and with technologies such as Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), carriers now offer geographic links...