Frame relay networks

Frame relay is a protocol that defines how frames are routed through a fast-packet network based on the address field in the frame. Frame relay takes advantage of the reliability of data communications networks to minimize the error checking done by the network nodes. This provides a packet-switching protocol similar to, but much faster than, X.25. The high speed that can be obtained through frame-relay networks makes it well suited for wide area network (WAN) connectivity. Frame relay is commonly used to connect two or more LAN bridges over large distances.

The iSeries™ system supports these frame-relay network connections:

• Frame relay direct network: Allows data that uses SNA or TCP/IP communications over a frame-relay network to move at speeds of up to 2.048 Mbps. This support allows a network of systems to communicate using the frame-relay network as a backbone, without the need for multiple leased T1 lines.
• Bridged frame relay network: Allows iSeries to communicate over a frame-relay network through a remote bridge. The bridge is attached to a token-ring, Ethernet, or distributed data interface (DDI) network. Bridged frame relay connections allow iSeries to communicate with stations on the remote local area network (LAN) as if they were attached locally to the LAN medium.

For more information, see the Frame relay topic collection.