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Frame Relay takes the reliability of a leased line and combines it with greater efficiency -- passing the benefits on to you.
The Frame Relay Concept
Conceptually, there is a dedicated path between your company and the Internet or other remote locations, which is called a Private Virtual Circuit or PVC. It is virtual because many companies can subscribe to this service and have a virtual connection, but there are no dedicated communication resources for your connection, i.e. copper lines and hardware between the two or more locations.
You will have a dedicated connection between you and your service provider to a port on the frame relay network. The service provider then can route traffic within the frame relay network via your PVC and between customers based on the individual network address called a DLCI. Think of the data as being encapsulated in the form of an envelope, and then an address attached to the outside. The frame relay network then knows (with the header) where to deliver this "envelope" of data.
Frame Relay Options
In frame relay you have options for how much data you can send which is called a Committed Information Rate or CIR. This is the guaranteed access within the frame relay network. Sometimes the network is not very busy, so the network will allow you to send more data than you have committed to. This is called your burst rate, which is equal to your port connection. Bursting is your ability to send more data than what you are paying for which is what makes frame relay attractive.
Required Hardware
Hardware required will be a CSU/DSU (modem device), router and a Frame Relay Access Device or FRAD. With today's technology you can combine the router and FRAD into a single component. Much of today's Internet traffic is transported via frame relay. If frame relay technology sounds like something you need for your network, call one of sales representatives today to schedule an appointment to find the best options for your business.
Request a Quote
Internet Alaska Business Services will help you find the best solution for getting your business connected today. Contact us for an assessment of your needs and personalized quote.
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