Articles

Sponsor links

Frame relay networks

Frame Relay Network Introduction:

Frame relay network is a protocol based network over which data is transmitted in form of packets over the internet between LAN (local area network) and WAN (wide area network). These packets are also known as frames. These packets are transmitted across fiber optic lines or ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). Frame relay networks control all the transmission of packets on different changing paths so that all the data can reach to the destination point safely.

How Frame Relay Network Works: In this network data is divided into different size units which are called frames and necessary error correction is leaved for the endpoints. With this continues connection is provided without paying for the full-time leased line. This process increases the speed of transmission of data. This new technology is faster than its previous model X.25 network because protocol does not attempt to correct errors. When any error is detected in a frame, then it is simply dropped out. Endpoints are responsible for detection and retransmission of dropped frames. Because of this network data can be transmitted cost-effectively over long distances. Different switches are also used in the frame relay network that why it is also called packet switched network. This packet switched network exist between router and carrier switch, and data that is transmitted between switches vary among different carriers.

The simple structure of this network increases the popularity of frame relay. With the passage of time popularity of Ethernet and broadband is increasing, but still there are some rural areas who relay on cable modem or DSL. In those areas Frame relay helps for the connection with WAN.
As we said that frame relay network is a type of protocol network so it mean that in this network circuits are also assigned. These circuits are also knows as PVC’s (permanent virtual circuits). Circuits in frame relay network can be initiated and ended from the user’s terminals, but it is not the case always. Users are provided with the option that they can run an application over the frame relay circuits to control the terminal sessions. These circuits are used to link the user’s end points and virtual in a circuit which mean that the electric connection is direct between ends to end. But frame relay network is not suitable path for audio and video transmission but sometime under some certain conditions audio and video can be transmitted by frame relay network.

Designing Frame Relay Network: Designing frame relay network is a long procedure and here we are just going to discuss some basic steps. The following steps are necessary to be followed

Laying out an initial topology
Analyzing your bandwidth needs
Taking inventory of your applications
Building a Test Network
Making decisions

In designing the network all the sites are firstly laid out on a map. As we all know that frame relay is not distance sensitive network so geographical locations can be disregarded. This basic topology can be based on your current campus location and host computer location. If multiple fames are used then a mixed topology can be designed to reduce the cost. Under this topology network to network interface services can be used as well. Once the topology is designed then the next step is analyzing the bandwidth needs. For this purpose proper analysis of bandwidth needs is required. These analyses mean that understanding of bandwidth, it latency and efficiency is needed. Then inventory of applications is taken. This process includes Real-Time Applications on Frame Relay, Network Overhead testing which generally can be small, but don't forget about it and Sniffing Applications.
After this the next step that comes is of building the test network, which is used to test the designed network. The designing process end with decision making about the performance of network, which decides; the network is eligible to be launched for the users or not.