Patton electronics 3120, Administrator'S Reference Manual

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Introduction 179
Model 3120 RAS Administrators’ Reference Guide 14 • Frame Relay
Introduction
Frame Relay is a high-speed datalink communications technology that is used in hundreds of networks
throughout the world to connect LAN, SNA, Internet, and voice applications. Within the network, Frame
Relay uses a simple form of packet switching that provides high throughput and reliability. (For more informa-
tion, refer to the Frame-Relay MIB: 1315 Management Base for Frame Relay DTEs.)
The access server offers IP-in-Frame Relay, or RFC-1490 Multi-protocol encapsulation. Because the access
server has a built-on router, the access server can route IP traffic to multiple locations over multiple virtual
channels. Using a T1 or E1 WAN link the access server can function as a network-to-network interface (NNI)
switch or as a User-to-Network Interface (UNI). Most applications will be as an UNI.
A Frame Relay network consists of endpoints (the access server), frame relay access equipment (bridges, rout-
ers, hosts, frame relay access devices) and network devices (switches, network routers, T1/E1 multiplexers).
The most popular application is to use the access server as a POP-in-a-box with a Frame Relay IP connection
to the Internet backbone.
The Frame Relay main window
The Frame Relay main window displays diagnostic information about the Frame Relay link, and lists complete
statistics/configuration information for each WAN link that has been selected for Frame Relay service. Click on
Frame Relay on the left hand frame to display this window. (see Figure 72).
Figure 72. Frame Relay main window
Note
If frame relay has not already been configured under T1/E1, this win-
dow will only show the
Produce Status Change Trap setting.