A networking technology that uses a form of packet switching with variable length frames over a shared data network, and is protocol independent.

A fast packet switching protocol based on the LAPD protocol of ISDN that performs routing and transfer with less overhead processing than X.25.

A switching technology that uses packets. Two of the strengths of frame relay are that the packets can have variable length frames and it is protocol independent.

Frame Relay (FR) is a widely used Layer 2 technology for point-to-point networks. Using Permanent Virtual Circuits (PVCs), FR services function very much like leased lines, but at a lower cost to the user.

A networking protocol, which means that unlike a point-to-point private line, there's a network switch in-between your location and to whomever you're connecting. Actually, you get a private line to a node on the frame relay network, and the remote location gets a private line to a nearby frame relay node. When you send traffic over your line, the network gets it to the remote location by routing it through the frame relay network. Then the data is passed to the remote location's line and it has reached its destination.

Closed-community, private fast-packet data service, targeted at the high-performance information needs of business customers. Operates at T-1 or subrate access service levels.

A network access protocol for bursty data applications that is characterized by four important features: high transmission speed, low network delay, high connectivity and efficient bandwidth use.

A connection-oriented data communications service that transports frames of information across a network to one or more points.

A high-speed, low-latency packet switching technology, based on a switched virtual network topology, used for WANs; popular for LAN-to-LAN connections.

An interface protocol for statistically multiplexed packet-switched data communications in which (a) variable-sized packets (frames) are used that completely enclose the user packets they transport, and (b) transmission rates are usually between 56 kb/s and 1.544 Mb/s (the T-1 rate).

High-performance interface or packet-switched networks. Considered more efficient than X.25 (which it is expected to replace). Frame relay technology can handle "bursty" communications that have rapidly changing bandwidth requirements. Learn more.

A network usually maintained by a local phone company where businesses can connect to multiple locations via a single physical connection. Frame Relay can connect 2 or more branch offices to a central office, for example. Frame Relay is an affordable way to link offices in a secure way. Traffic passing on Frame Relay is kept private, and is not exposed to the Internet.

A network technology that transmits data packets at high speeds across a digital network encapsulated in a transmission unit called a frame. It requires a dedicated connection during the transmission period. It is used on wide area networks and also in private network environments with leased lines over T1 lines. Frame relay is faster than traditional networks, because it was designed for today's reliable circuits and performs less rigorous error detection. When circuits are less reliable, a great deal of network traffic is dedicated solely to correcting errors.

A TCP/IP link for data that has high transmission speeds, low network delay,high connectivity and efficient bandwidth use. Learn more...

A multiplexing data service based on fast transport of formatted information frames, without flow control or error correction.

is a packet-switching protocol that provides features like that of a dedicated DDS or T1 network, but without the expense of multiple dedicated circuits. Frame Relay is deployed over the same services used to deploy DDS and T1. Frame Relay circuits are connected to a packet switch within the network that ensures packets are routed to the correct location. Frame Relay is an ideal, cost-effective solution for networks with bursty traffic that require connections to multiple locations and where a certain degree of delay is acceptable.

(n.) A packet interface data transmission protocol used for connecting LANs via a WAN topology at rates from 56Kbps to T1/ E1.

A synchronous High-level Data Link Control (HDLC) protocol–based network that sends data in HDLC packets.

A data communication service that assembles data into groups called frames for transmission across a phone company's network. In a frame relay network, the groups or frames of data each have a source and destination address to facilitate correct routing through the network. Frame relay is an enhanced form of packet switching. Frame relay circuits transmit data at a rate between 56 Kbps and 1.54 Mbps.

A communications interface that provides high-speed packet transmission with minimum delay and efficient use of bandwidth. It assumes that all connections are reliable and does not have error detection or control which helps to speed up the protocol.

Frame relay is a form of packet-switching technology that routes frames of information from source to destination over a switching network owned by a carrier. Frame sizes are not fixed.

DTE- DCE interface specification based on LAPD(Q.921; an ITU-T recommended standard), the IntegratedServices Digital Network ( ISDN)version of LAPB( X.25 datalink layer). Frame Relay is the result of wide area networking requirements for speed; LAN- WAN and LAN- LAN internetworking;"bursty" data communications; multiplicity of protocols and protocoltransparency. These requirements can be met with technology such as optical fibre lines, allowing higher speeds andfewer transmission errors; intelligent network end devices(personal computers, workstations, and servers); standardisation andadoption of ISDN protocols. Frame Relay could connect dedicated lines and X.25 to ATM, SMDS, B-ISDN and other "fast packet" technologies.

The frame relay service is a high speed packetized data service that consists of physical and logical components. The physical components include Frame Relay Assemblers Disassemblers (FRADs), access circuits, and frame relay ports. The logical components consist of permanent virtual circuits (PVCs). Frame Relay Assemblers Disassemblers (FRADs) are devices, such as routers, that assemble data into frame relay packets and that transmit the packets through the local access circuits to which they are connected. The local access circuits, whose bandwidths can range from 56 Kbps to 1544 Kbps, are digital circuits that connect the FRADs to the frame relay network provider's site. A frame relay port, whose bandwidth equals that of the local access circuit, physically connects the local access circuit to the frame relay network.

High-performance packet-switching network standard, intended to replace X.25 (over which it claims a six-fold performance improvement because of reductions in network functions) on ISDN networks. Frame Relay is a particularly strong candidate for networks which mix different types of traffic (e.g., voice and data). IBM strongly embraced the technology. A particular attraction of the technique is that it’s a handy stepping stone on the way to ATM 2. See also Fast Packet, RouteXpander/2.

A Connection-oriented Layer-2 protocol used to connect LANs. FR offers a rudimentary quality-of-service in the form of CIR and EIR. Fundamental to the use of FR is good quality (low error rate) medium.

A streamlined packet switching protocol designed to provide high-speed frame or packet switching with minimal delay and efficient bandwidth usage.

data communications interface that provides high speed transmission with minimum delay and efficient use of bandwidth. It does not have error detection or error control and it assumes that connections are reliable.

Efficient method of packaging data into variable size frames for transmission over networks

A protocol-independent telecommunications data networking service that uses switch technology to deliver various-sized packets across public networks.

A high-speed packet switching technology that has evolved to meet the LAN-to-LAN interconnection market. Frame relay is designed to provide high-speed packet transmission, very low network delay and efficient use of network bandwidth.

A packet-based interface used to transmit bursts of data over a network.

a telecommunications technology for the internetworking of local area net works (LANs). Frame relay may be carried over a variety of lines, including fiber optics and ISDN.

A packet-switching wide-area technology for interconnecting LANs at high speeds. Defines the interface between user equipment and a WAN, but does not define internal operation of the network or the interfaces or protocols used within the WAN itself. For this reason, the term "frame relay cloud" is often used to describe the internal operation of a WAN that has a frame relay interface.

A fast packet technology initially defined as an ISDN frame mode service. Frame relay uses a minimal set of Data Link Layer procedures across the User-to-Network Interface (UNI), providing unacknowledged transfer of variable length frames between users. Additional Layer 2 and 3 functions must be provided by the end-users. The Layer 2 protocol uses LAPF-Core procedures. The network discards any frame with bit errors. Frame relay offerings today primarily offer permanent virtual circuit (PVC) services independent of ISDN. Switched virtual circuit (SVC) services will use ISDN-like signaling for call control.

A shared-bandwidth connection, using data frames of up to (usually) 4,096 bytes. Frame Relay is optimized for use over circuits with high speed (like fractional or full T-1s) and low error rates (dry copper or fiber circuits, with little "line noise" that would cause frames to need to be retransmitted). Users of Frame Relay can always send data at up to the speed of their connection, and, if the network has excess capacity, they can send more (called "burst" data). Frame Relay is generally far less expensive than point-to-point ("clear channel") circuits; but, because its frames pass through a number of switches on the way to their destination, they have more latency (lag time) than clear-channel circuits do.

A networking transmission technology used to connect remote computers.

In data communications, Frame Relay is a packet switching method that uses available bandwidth only when it is needed. This fast packet switching method is efficient enough to transmit voice and data communications with the proper network management.

A digital network technology that provides high-speed connections over great distances. Data is sent over the network using "virtual circuits" between two end points.

Frame Relay is a protocol standard for LAN internetworking which provides a fast and efficient method of transmitting information from a user device to LAN bridges and routers. Protocols.com

A protocol used between user devices (such as hosts and routers) and network equipment (such as switching nodes).

A widely used connection-oriented networking service typically used to transport packet data from one local area network ( LAN) across a wide-area network ( WAN) to another LAN.

Frame relay is a type of packet switching technology that transmits data faster than X.25 standard. Frame relay does not perform error correction at each computer in the network. Instead, it simply discards any messages with errors. It is up to the application software at the source and destination to perform error correction and to control for loss of messages.

An efficient WAN technology that transmits data in packets or envelopes in bursts at standard speeds of 56Kbps.

A connection-oriented, multiplexed, Layer 2, HDLC protocol with almost no procedures. Two kinds of calls are defined, Permanent Virtual Circuits (PVCs), which are set up using administrative procedures, and Switched Virtual Circuits (SVCs), which are set up with Q.931. (7/96)

A shared bandwidth solution that guarantees a certain CIR. Frame Relay in and of itself does not imply a bandwidth, i.e. a Frame Relay T1 and a Frame Relay T3 are both valid data circuits.

A packet switched networking technology used for low speed (T1 - 1.5Mbps and lower) WAN connections. Primarily used to connect a company's routers on their data network.

A transmission technology used to connect two networks or provide Internet access at speeds from 56 Kbps (typical analog modem speed) up to 44.6 Mbps.  Frame relay uses T1, T3 or other digital leased lines for access, but unlike typical dedicated leased lines, it can portion varying amounts of bandwidth as needed by the network.  See also Cable Modem Service, ISDN, T1/T3, DSL.

Frame Relay is a cost-effective, lightweight, many-to-many, medium-speed, virtual network, link-layer technology.

a data transmission protocol used in Wide Area Networks (WAN); WAN is adjusted to a fast transfer of data; the Frame Relay connection is characterised by guaranteed CIR transmission rate parameters (Committed Information Rate) and an additional transmission rate called EIR (Excess Information Rate)

A form of packet switching with variable length frames that may be used with a variety of communication protocols.

A high-speed data transmission protocol for use in WANs. Popular for LAN-to-LAN connections across long distances.

Frame Relay is a high speed technology, typically used to built a WAN for large organizations. Frame relay networks can be either over public or private networks. Frame relay can support TCP/IP connections, but is primarily aimed at SNA (IBM) mainframe network environments or multiplexing Voice and data over from a branch office over a single circuit using statistical multiplexing rather than TDM (Time Division multiplexing). If devices only send bursty data from time to time, TDM is a very inefficient use of a circuit / channel

A high-speed packet switching data and transmission service.

a fast networking protocol in which data are packaged in variable-length frames or "envelopes", depending on the size of the packet inside, for shuttling between computer networks. Delays in receiving packets may lead to jumps in a video.

A form of packet switching, but using smaller packets and less error checking than traditional forms of packet switching (such as X.25). Now a new international standard for efficiently handling high- speed, bursty data over wide area networks.

A telecommunications service/network that relies on simplified link-by-link protocols, high speed transmission (up to 45 Mbps), low link BER, virtual circuits, and end-to-end error recovery.

A connection that provides either a permanent or switched virtual connection between two points. Uses a packet or cell based technology and can accommodate variable bit rates. As some resources are shared, frame relay connections cost less to provide that the equivalent speed point-to-point leased circuits.

A high-speed packet switching protocol in networks, including LANs, WANs and LAN-to-LAN. Frame Relay networks in the U.S. support data transfer rates at T-1 (1.544 Mbps) and T-3 (45 Mbps) speeds. In fact, you can think of Frame Relay as a way of utilizing existing T-1 and T-3 lines owned by a service provider. Most telephone companies now provide Frame Relay service for customers who want connections at 56 Kbps to T-1 speeds.

Frame Relay service is a data communications interface standard for wideband packet-switching. It is a data transmission service which uses a single physical interface to support multiple logical connections from one locations to other remote location(s). It provides transmission of variable-length packets across a virtual private network. Click here for more information about Frame Relay Services. [Back to Glossary Table of Contents

A wideband (64 Kbps to 1.5 Mbps) packet-based data interface standard that transmits bursts of data.

A transport protocol that transmits data in other protocols (usually LAN protocols such as IP) in packets (or frames) that can vary in size. Frame Relay is intended to for LAN-to-LAN internetworking of data communications. It offers cost and performance benefits over dedicated leased lines (T-1s). Frame Relay connections from location to location are defined by building and configuring PVCs (Permanent Virtual Circuits) that identify the locations to be connected. Typically, routers can convert IP LAN traffic to Frame Relay for delivery over the WAN. Each Frame Relay PVC or circuit must be built by configuring the router to understand how the Frame Relay network connects the router to other routers in the WAN. Traffic transported by the Frame Relay PVCs is usually carried by a leased line such as a T-1 to the service provider's central office, where the T-1 is connected to the Frame Relay switch. The Frame Relay switch accepts the frames and delivers them to the proper destination.

A wide area network technology based on packet switching. It allows for different speeds at different locations. Utilizes a permanent virtual circuit (PVC) to connect locations. Allows for contracting a guaranteed bandwidth (CIR) between locations with the ability to burst for some period of time, if available. It is very common to use this technology when there are many geographically dispersed locations which need to be interconnected.

Frame Relay is a network technology ideally suited to carrying traffic that is of bursty or sporadic nature. Network costs are reduced by having many Frame Relay customer sharing the same network capacity and relying on them wanting to make use of the network at slightly different times.

This is a packet-based communications method for connecting networks. Nowadays, it is commonly used to interconnect remote offices over the Internet or private LANs. Frame relay has no error checking, and assumes that devices on either side will be able to check for errors themselves. A frame relay connection can use an ISDN line for slow speeds, or can be over a T1 line or better if faster speeds are needed.

A packet-switching protocol for connecting devices on a wide area network (WAN). Frame relay networks in the U.S. support data transfer rates at T1 (1.544 Mbps) and T3 (45 Mbps) speeds. In fact, you can think of frame relay as a way of utilizing existing T1 and T3 lines owned by a service provider. Most telephone companies now provide frame relay service for customers who want connections at 56 Kbps to T1 speeds. (In Europe, frame relay speeds vary from 64 Kbps to 2 Mbps. In the U.S., frame relay is quite popular because it is relatively inexpensive. However, it is being replaced in some areas by faster technologies, such as ATM.

A service that supports data rates in the range of 56 Kbps to 1.54 Mbps. The Frame Relay circuit often comes in different levels of committed information rates (CIR). A 1.54 Mbps Frame Relay circuit with a 768 Kbps CIR would indicate that you would never drop below 768 Kbps transmission capability, and could burst up to 1.54 Mbps. RBOC s can offer Frame Relay cheaper since they can oversubscribe these circuits to users and share the bandwidth.

A layer 2 packet switching protocol that are widely used in corporate networks for LAN-to-LAN connection. Frame relay is modeled after the older X.25, but it gives higher data rate. Also see X.25.

A high-speed packet switching protocol used for wide area networks (WANs). It is faster than traditional X.25 networks, because it was designed for today's reliable circuits and performs less rigorous error detection. It provides for a granular service up to DS1 rates of 1.544 Mbps and is suited for data and image transfer. Because of its variable-length packet architecture, it is not the most efficient technology for real-time voice and video.

A data communications interface originating from ISDN designed to provide high speed frame or packet transmission with minimum delay and efficient use of bandwidth. It is a variation on the X.25 interface and form of fast packet switching. It derives its name from using the Data Link or "frame" OSI layer Two to route or "relay" a packet directly to its destination instead of terminating the packet at each switching node. This eliminates processing overheads and increases throughput speed. Based on the ITU-TS Lap-D standard, it uses variable-length packets and applicable only to sub-broadband, T3/E3 or lower, data transmission. Like Ethernet, or token ring, frame relay assumes that connections are reliable. It does not have error detection and error control within the network, which helps to speed up the protocol. When errors occur frame relay relies on higher level protocols for error control. Frame relay is often viewed as a replacement for X.25, primarily for LAN-to-LAN bursty traffic. Voice over frame relay is available, but the subject of debate. It will also become an access method for ATM-based WANs.

Industry standard switched data link that handles multiple virtual circuits.

A dedicated public data networking service offered by telecommunication companies. While this service provides dedicated, fast access it costs much more than DSL.

A low-level network transport similar to Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) wherein frames or packets are relayed from one switch to another.

A packet-switching protocol for connecting devices on a Wide Area Network (WAN). Frame Relay networks in the U.S. support data transfer rates at T-1 (1.544 Mbps) and T-3 (45 Mbps) speeds. In fact, you can think of Frame Relay as a way of utilizing existing T-1 and T-3 lines owned by a service provider. Most telephone companies now provide Frame Relay service for customers who want connections at 56 Kbps to T-1 speeds.

A high-speed packet switching protocol popular in networks, including WANs, LANs, and LAN-to-LAN connections across vast distances.

Service built on X.25, but with a much higher throughput and flexibility, on the basis of the higher quality in today's transmission network. Used primarily to link companies' local networks (intranet), but also for the establishment of branch networks/extranet.

A fast packet switching protocol. Used mainly in Wide Area Networks. It differs from ATM in that packets can have variable length.

A form of data transmission which is capable of higher speeds than older conventional forms of 'packet' switching.

A dedicated public data networking service offered by telecommunication companies for LAN-to-LAN connections which uses variable-length frames for packet-switching that efficiently handle bursty communications.

similar to a leased line connection, but the user realizes savings by utilizing a shared network infrastructure. Instead of traveling over a point to point connection, information is passed through "clouds" of network connections. With frame relay, the term CIR refers to the committed information rate (speed).

A wide-area network protocol often transported over DS1 facilities. Latency can cause problems for videoconferencing.

A recently developed switching interface generally regarded as the future replacement for X.25.

A protocol used across the interface between user devices (for example, hosts and routers) and network equipment (for example, switching nodes).

At the data link layer in a wide area network (WAN), a protocol for transferring packets at speeds up to 1.544 Mbps, depending on the physical medium being used. Frame Relay is designed for noise-free digital lines, and therefore omits the error correction facilities. The result is increased bandwidth.

A data communication technology based on packet switching of variable length frames that are protocol independent.

A technique using virtual connections to transport data between networks attached to a WAN. Packets are routed to their destination based on the DLCI number assigned to each of the nodes that are members of the Frame Relay cloud. The cloud is the part of the network the telephone company handles. To the user, it's unknown what happens inside the cloud; data goes in the cloud, then comes out and arrives at the correct destination.

A high-speed packet-switched data communications service, similar to X.25. Frame relay is a leading contender for LAN-to-LAN interconnect services, and is well suited to the bursty demands of LAN environments. See also permanent virtual circuit and switched virtual circuit.

A packet based data networking service offered by phone companies. Frame relay takes advantage of shared bandwidth, and allows over subscription. Frame relay services are being replaced in favor of ATM.

Connection oriented WAN which caters for bursty traffic. Strictly on interface standard.

A telecommunications service that provides cost-efficient data transmission for sporadic traffic between local area networks (LANs) and endpoints in a wide area network (WAN).

Wide area network service that provides switched ("on-and-off") connections between distant locations.

Frame relay is a way of transmitting data over public networks, frequently between local area networks (LANs), and can be a cheap alternative to private data lines.

An ITU standard for the interface to a public frame-switching network designed to provide high-speed frame transmission with minimum delay across the wide area. It operates at layer two, and is used in public and private networks, gradually replacing X.25 and leased-line networks.

Frame relay is a digital service based on the older X.25 packet-switching technology. Frame relay is often used to connect local area networks with major backbones or to interconnect LANs. For more information on Frame Relay see the Basic Guide to Frame Relay Networking.

Frame relay is an access standard defined by the ITU-T in the 1.122 recommendation as, " Framework for Providing Additional Packet Mode Bearer Services." Frame relay services delivered by telecommunications carriers employ a form of packet switching analogous to a streamlined version of X.25 networks. The packets are in the form of "frames," which vary in length, with the payload ranging from 0 to 4,096 octets.

It is a public access network usually used for connecting some local networks. Data transmission is realized by telephone lines aver that each local network is connected with Frame Relay network. Frame Relay services require fewer expenses for operation, equipment and maintaining in comparison with traditional access to communication services if there is more than 4 carried presence points.

Form of packet switching based on the LAPD protocol that employs statistical multiplexing over a shared network, intended for use between intelligent end-points and implemented over high-quality transmission facilities that connect programmable switches. The end-points are responsible for end-to-end integrity.

A form of packet switching system which can operate at up to 2Mbps. Error correction is the responsibility of the end computing services, since it is assumed that the probability of errors occurring on the network is so small as to be not worth the network nodes trying to detect or correct them.

A data network that sends data in "frames." Similar to "packets," only with higher capacities.

packet switching standard based on the older X.25 protocol that achieves greater speeds with fast, reliable networks. It lowers overhead by reducing the accounting and checking procedures used in X.25.

Efficient technology of commutation of packages that allows the reliable delivery of packages on virtual circuit ( VC ). Much of the functionality of the network layer is manipulated in the layer of Connection. Some of the concepts used in Frame Relay have been incorporated in ATM.

A form of packet switching that allows high-speed, statistically multiplexed connectivity over a shared network. The technology depends upon high-quality transmission facilities, and makes the intelligent end-points responsible for the integrity of the data. Frame Relay is a connection based OSI level-two, switched service that transports packets through port speeds ranging from 56K to DS3. One of the distinct characteristics of the Frame Relay protocol is the ability to incorporate multiple connections, each with it's own specific class of service onto a port. This facilitates the simultaneous transmission of different applications over one connection.

A protocol for connecting computers on a WAN. Frame Relay networks are in some cases being replaced by faster technologies including ATM.

Uses a form of packet-switching and multiplexes data. A frame relay network is able to accommodate data packets of various sizes associated with virtually any native data protocol. An access standard defined by the ITU. See Also: Packet-Switched Network, ITU

This is a telephone company service offering, although competitive local exchange carriers are also capable of providing and delivering the service. This is a 4-wire service typically at FT1 or T1 rates, that is 64,000 bps, 128,000 bps, 256,000 bps, 384,000 bps up to 1,544,000 bps. It requires a specific formatting of the data to be carried over it. This Frame Relay format requires the use of a frame relay access device (FRAD) or a specific type of network component called a router with a Frame Relay interface built into it. It also requires a DSU/CSU as was the case of the FT1 or T1 circuit described below.

Frame relay is a telecommunication service designed for cost-efficient data transmission for intermittent traffic between local area networks (LANs) and between end-points in a wide area network (WAN). Frame relay is based on the older X.25 packet-switching technology which was designed for transmitting analog data such as voice conversations. Unlike X.25 which was designed for analog signals, frame relay is a fast-packet technology, which means that the protocol does not attempt to correct errors. When an error is detected in a frame, it is simply "dropped." (thrown away). The end points are responsible for detecting and retransmitting dropped frames.

Frame relay is a high-speed packet switching protocol used in WANs. It is popular for LAN to LAN connections across remote distances and is suitable for data and image transfer. Due to its variable-length packet architecture it is not the most efficient technology for voice and video. Frame relay is more popular in the U.S. than it is in Europe.

A network switching mechanism for routing frames as quickly as possible.

(1) A simple connection-oriented Layer 2 protocol for the transfer of information between two compatible endpoints. (2) The name used to describe different carriers' data transport services that are based on the use of frame relay protocol. Customers typically subscribe to frame relay to replace or extend the use of private line data networks. Since frame relay specifies a protocol, not a service, offerings from the various carriers differ somewhat.

A high-speed packet switching protocol used in wide area networks (WANs). It is a telecommunication service designed for cost-efficient data transmission for intermittent traffic between local area networks (LANs) and between end-points in a wide area network (WAN).

Streamlined package switched network technology for data and voice transmission Front End Desktop equipment G Recommendations A series of standards developed by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) covering transmission facilities. (see G.703 NS G.821)

Frame relay is a telecommunication service designed for cost-efficient data transmission for intermittent traffic between local area networks (LANs) and between end-points in a wide area network (WAN). Frame relay puts data in a variable-size unit called a frame and leaves any necessary error correction (retransmission of data) up to the end-points, which speeds up overall data transmission.

A data communications interface originating from ISDN designed to provide high-speed frame or packet transmission with minimum delay and efficient use of bandwidth. It is a variation on the X.25 interface and form of fast packet switching. Frame relay routes a packet directly to its destination which increases throughput speeds. Like Ethernet and Token Ring, Frame Relay assumes that connections are reliable. Frame Relay does not have error detection or error control within the network, which also helps increase speed.

Method for sending high-bandwidth data in frames (not video frames, but "blocks" of data). Uses packet switching, not circuit switching.

An International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee ( CCITT) recommendation (I.122) and American National Standards Institute standard (T1S1). Frame relay is an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) packet-mode bearer service that defines a user-to-network interface. The two main benefits are bandwidth on demand and integrated access. The standard currently addresses data communications speeds up to 2 Mbps over permanent virtual circuits. By reducing the network functions performed, frame relay takes advantage of more robust physical facilities to improve throughput.

Frame relay is an efficient data transmission technique used to send digital information quickly and cheaply to one or many destinations from one point. It can be used for voice, data, local area network (LAN), and wide area network (WAN) traffic. Each frame relay end user gets a private line to a frame relay node.

A protocol for sending small packets of data over a network. Frame relay uses packets of variable length, unlike cell relay, and requires less stringent error detection than other forms of packet switching because it is designed to take advantage of the more reliable circuits that have become available in recent years. Frame relay is often used for wide area networks, where it can transmit data at high speed more efficiently than point-to-point services. Frame relay is used with digital lines.

A Data Link Layer WAN protocol derived from X.25 from which the link-by-link frame-validity checking was removed.

A high-speed packet switching protocol used in wide area networks (WANs) often to connect local area networks (LANs) to each other with a maximum bandwidth of 44.725 megabits per second.

Data transmission technique used to send digital information such as voice, data, local area network (LAN), and wide area network (WAN) traffic quickly and cost-efficiently to many destinations from one port.

A type of data transmission based on packet-switching protocol and statistical multiplexing with transmission rates up to 45 Mbps.

a data service similar to X.25, but providing higher speeds and LAN interconnection.

Frame relay is a packet based interface standard that has been optimized for the transport of protocol-oriented data.

An access standard defined by the ITU. Frame relay technology employs a form of packet-switching and multiplexes data. The key advantage to a frame relay network is its ability to accommodate data packets of various sizes associated with virtually any native data protocol. See also ITU and Packet-Switched Network.

A packet-switched method of data communications provided by telecommunications carriers and Internet service providers. Frame relay can provide guaranteed bandwidth at no additional charge if the lines are open during periods of low traffic.

A type of digital data communications protocol.

A network interface providing high speed frame or packet transmission with minimum delay and efficient line of bandwidth. It has less protocol overhead than X.25.

A widely used connection oriented packet-networking technology.

A high-speed connection-oriente packet switching WAN protocol using variable-length frames.

A fast packet-switching approach designed to replace X.25 for linking LANs across WANs. Frame relay is faster than X.25 because it does not perform many of X.25's functions. Frame relay and X.25 are both connection-oriented packet-switching techniques, in contrast to SMDS, which is a connectionless, fast packet-switching technique.

A WAN technology optimized for rapid transmission of packets.

A packet-switch technology that is simpler and more powerful than the X.25 standard. Frame Relay provides a multiplexed channel between a router and a T-1/E-1 nodal processor. It increases bandwidth utilization while reducing overall equipment costs. The standard addresses data communications speeds up to 45Mbps.

A high-speed packet switching technology that achieves greater throughout and delay performance than existing X.25 packet switching networks. Frame Relay dispenses with the overhead and error correction of X.25 to transmit at up to DS1 speeds.

An emerging network access protocol designed to accommodate data applications. It is characterized by four important features: 1.High transmission speeds 2.Low network delay 3.High connectivity 4.Efficient bandwidth use

A packet interface protocol that adheres to the ANSI/ITU-T standard. Frame relay has several advantages over ISDN, e.g. you can purchase frame relay lines in increments between 56K and 1.5 Mbps (equivalent to a T1 connection) also, the protocol has a flat-rate billing structure rather than a per-hour usage charge. However, since frame relay is designed for data transfer only, it is not well suited for video conferencing or other types of voice application. Frame relay is sometimes confused with a leased line. Both are primarily used to extend a local area network (LAN) between business branches, however a leased line is a dedicated line (permanently connected between sites), whereas frame relay uses the telephone company's shared network on an as-required basis.

A high-speed packet switched protocol used for wide area networks (WANs). It is faster that older x.25 networks, because it was designed for today's faster and more reliable circuits and therefore performs less rigorous error correction. It provides for scaled transfer rates up to DS1 rates of 1.544 Mbps.

A high-speed packet switching service for moving blocks of data over a network. It can move large amounts of data quickly, operating at 56,000 to 1.5 million bits per second for such applications as imaging, file transfer and data network interconnection.

A high-speed packet-switched network protocol, often used in local and wide area networks.

An efficient replacement for the older X.25 protocol because it does not require explicit acknowledgment of each frame of data. Frame Relay allows private networks to reduce costs by using shared facilities between the end-point switches of a network managed by a Frame Relay service provider. Individual data-link connection identifiers (DLCIs) are assigned to ensure that each customer receives only their own traffic.

A fast packet data communications standard that segments and packetizes (frames) data into discreet transmission units that are routed along the frame relay network via permanent virtual connections. Newer X.25 packet switches may be reprogrammed for Frame Relay. Frame relay is independent of originating protocols. Standardized by CCITT and ANSI. Major IXC companies offer Frame Relay switching services.

In the context of computer networking, frame relay (also found written as "Frame-relay") consists of an efficient data transmission technique used to send digital information quickly and cheaply in a relay of frames to one or many destinations from one or many end-points. Network providers commonly implement frame relay for voice and data as an encapsulation technique, used between local area networks (LANs) over a wide area network (WAN). Each end-user gets a private line (or leased line) to a frame-relay node.