Frame Relay WAN
A Frame Relay WAN is a high performance WAN protocol that is a proficient data transmission technique to transmit digital information. It is extensively used for Local Area Network (LAN) inter-networking in which, process data is transmitted between LANs and end point of WANs. Frame relay WAN is based on packet switching technology and operates on the physical and data link layers (Layers 1 and 2) of the OSI model. However, they are mostly implemented at Layer 2. Frame Relay WAN utilizes packet switching techniques such as variable-length packets and statistical multiplexing. It allows end user systems to share the network and also the available bandwidth.
Frame Relay WAN protocol facilitates information transfer from one user device to another over multiple switches and routers. It renders a platform for network providers, wherein voice and data can be encapsulated and used between LANs across a WAN. This is a cost-efficient method and is widely used. The end users are provided a private or leased line to a frame relay node. Frame relay WAN consists of a system similar to a “relay race,” which forwards messages in frames. The data packets (frames) are passed through intermediate node points from one or several starting points to one of several end points.
Frame Relay WAN is used to manage transmissions across paths that change often, but transparently to the users. With WAN connectivity being a prime determinant for business continuity in Enterprises as well as Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs), the need for seamless network integration becomes a requisite. In business applications, when frame relay WAN is used for connectivity, a customer would buy a frame relay service from service providers.
A private network is created through the carrier’s network by a frame relay, which uses Permanent Virtual Circuits (PVC). The frames of the frame relay are transported with the aid of virtual circuits, which render bidirectional communication paths between terminal devices, which are distinguished through a Data Link Connection Identifier (DLCI). It is possible to multiplex several virtual circuits into a single circuit to enable transmission over the network. This functionality reduces the technical complexities of equipment and the network when linking multi terminal devices. In a frame relay WAN, there are a number of intermediate switches, and a virtual circuit has the capability to pass through any number of those switches.
PVC connections are established between sites by using the carrier’s network. The carrier creates a configuration entry on the frame relay switches. Besides, a frame relay port that matches the circuit size, and a PVC to connect the frame relay port to other ports on the network are the basic requirements to set up a Frame relay WAN. Connectivity to the frame relay network can be established by attaching the user’s Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) to the service provider’s Data Circuit-terminating Equipment (DCE). Thereby the user is connected to the service provider’s Frame Relay Cloud, after which the PVCs can be configured to enable communication between the sites. A Data Link Connection Identifier (DLCI) is used to identify the PVC’s endpoints on the user’s Frame relay WAN. After establishing the connection, the Line Management Interface (LMI) enables the user to monitor the status of the line.
Frame Relay is a Wide Area Network protocol that holds many advantages owing to its popularity as a cost-effective technology. It is advantageous over point-to-point leased lines by matching the performance of leased lines over long distances at a considerably less cost. While the cost of leased lines increases depending on the distance, Frame relay WAN is economical as the user or customer is required to make only a single point-to-point connection to the closest frame switch of the service provider. The data is carried forward from there over the shared network of the provider. Other benefits of a frame relay WAN include the capacity to interlink to the frame relay cloud with a single circuit and access all the other sites. An important advantage rendered by the frame relay WAN is that, disaster recovery is considerably improved due to the fact that only a single circuit has to be added to the cloud and PVC’s in order to gain access to all remote sites. Finally, using PVC’s will allow for efficient management of the WANs.
Technology has improved tremendously over the last few decades and older technology has always undergone transformation, updating, and even outdating. In the case of frame relay WAN, there is a minor decline in usage level due to the superior multi faceted connectivity options of various other technology. However, rural areas that are yet to see technology such as DSL and cable modem, continue to use this low cost WAN protocol with continuous connectivity at 64 kb/s. Besides, its low cost makes it a popular technology and accounts for its usability. Frame relay WAN is often seen as an alternative to dedicated lines as well as X.25 networks for interlinking of LANs through switches and routers. This is due to its bandwidth efficiency.
Today’s business world has the need for secure WAN connectivity, which offers continuous ‘uptime’ regardless of network outages and other technical snags. With business continuity being an important part of any business, highly reliable and secure WAN connections are imperative for all types of businesses. Frame Relay WAN performance can be enhanced by having multiple WAN connections. This will remove the dependence on a single connection for WAN uptime. However, technology that aggregates and load balances these connections is required to maximize effectiveness.
