Applying the frame relay interface to private networks

Frame relay is a standardized interface that provides multiplexed access to bandwidth-on-demand backbone networks and delivers LAN-like performance over a wide area. It is shown that use of frame relay can benefit private networks. The multiplexed physical interface reduces the number of ports required on expensive bridge, router, and controller equipment, as well as the number of expensive communications facilities required to interconnect the bridges, routers, and controllers. Frame relay´s data link connection identifier (DLCI) addressing allows a single frame-relay access device to communicate as if directly attached to nearly 1000 other access devices. The bandwidth-on-demand characteristics give end systems and intermediate systems the appearance of having far more bandwidth available than they physically have dedicated, and the optional local management interface (LMI) extensions simplify the configuration and management of frame-relay-based networks. Most important is that the application of frame relay interfaces reduces the latency of private networks.<>