Definitions of Frame Relay

Written by: ShopForT1.net - Nov 21, 2008

Definition 1. - A protocol for connecting computers on a WAN. Frame Relay networks are in some cases being replaced by faster technologies, including ATM.

Definition 2. - A protocol to replace the x.25 packet switching protocol used in the past. Frame Relay is a simplified version, owing to the vastly improved transmission facilities of today. Much of the x.25 protocol's error checking, re-sync and recovery features are no longer needed, thus Frame Relay is much moer efficient, giving way to to less overhead (control) bytes and the resultant higher overall thruput.

Definition 3. - A high-speed packet-switched data communications service, similar to X.25. Frame relay is a leading contender for LAN-to-LAN interconnect services, and is well suited to the bursty demands of LAN environments. See also Permanent Virtual Circuit, Switched Virtual Circuit. Fractional T1 A service in which a customer can use less than 24 channels on a T1 line without paying the cost of the entire line. Front-End Processor (FEP) A communications computer associated with a host computer that manages the lines and routing of data through the network.

Definition 4. - A fast packet technology initially defined as an ISDN frame mode service. Frame relay uses a minimal set of Data Link Layer procedures across the User-to-Network Interface (UNI), providing unacknowledged transfer of variable length frames between users. Additional Layer 2 and 3 functions must be provided by the end-users. The Layer 2 rotocol uses LAPF-Core procedures. The network discards any frame with bit errors. Frame relay offerings today primarily offer permanent virtual circuit (PVC) services independent of ISDN. Switched virtual circuit (SVC) services will use ISDN-like signaling for call control.