Intel ER8100STUS - Express 8100 Router, Reference Manual

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Reference.bok : Chapter03 17 Wed Apr 22 10:58:08 1998
17
Chapter 3
Frame Relay Services
Frame Relay in the Intel
Express 8100 Router
Frame Relay is available in the Express 8100 Router with Frame Relay. The
WAN port must be configured as a Frame Relay port before it can be used for
Frame Relay services.
As Frame Relay uses Permanent Virtual Circuits, a number of Frame Relay links
can be made via the same Frame Relay port. The Intel Express 8100 Router sup-
ports up to 5 Frame Relay links.
This chapter gives an introduction to Frame Relay services in the Intel Express
8100 Router.
Frame Relay
Frame Relay is an interface specification that provides a signalling and data
transfer mechanism between endpoints (routers) and the network (switches).
Data to be transmitted are encapsulated according to the Multiprotocol Encapsu-
lation Implementation Agreements of the Frame Relay Forum. It provides effi-
cient network services and accommodates burst-intensive applications over wide
area LAN interconnections at rates up to 2.048 Mbps. Frame Relay provides
bandwidth on demand and allows multiple simultaneous data sessions (logical
channels) across a physical Frame Relay port.
Frame Relay can be very cost-effective when used to interconnect several sites.
Frame Relay allows several logical links to different sites across one physical
Frame Relay port.
Features
Features of the Frame Relay protocol include:
■
Provides a connection-oriented service
■
Maintains data sequence
■
Connects end-systems at data link layer
■
uses variable length packets
■
no data link control, no retransmissions
■
makes use of LAPF core functions
■
standard multiprotocol encapsulation
■
reduced costs for internetworking in large networks