Which WAN access technology is preferred for a small office / home (CCNA 200-301)

Correct answer: A) broadband cable access.

Here's why:
Cost-effective: Broadband cable offers a good balance of speed and affordability, making it ideal for SOHOs with limited budgets.
Widely Available: Cable internet service is readily available in many areas, ensuring easy setup and maintenance.
Sufficient Speed: Cable provides sufficient download and upload speeds for most typical SOHO needs, such as web browsing, email, video conferencing, and file transfer.

Let's explore why the other options are less suitable for SOHOs:
B) Frame-relay packet switching: While reliable, frame-relay is often more expensive than cable and can be overkill for SOHO internet access.
C) Dedicated point-to-point leased line: This option offers the highest bandwidth and reliability, but it's significantly more costly than cable and unnecessary for most SOHOs. It's better suited for critical business applications with constant high bandwidth needs.
D) Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN): ISDN is a legacy technology that's being phased out in many regions. It also typically offers lower speeds compared to modern cable internet.