Frame Relay Glossary

Access Line
A communications line (e.g. circuit) interconnecting a frame-relay-compatible device(DTE) to a frame-relay switch (DCE). See also Trunk Line.
Access Rate (AR)
The data rate of the user access channel. The speed of the access channel determines how rapidly (maximum rate) the end user can inject data into a frame relay network.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
Devises and proposes recommendations for international communications standards. See also Comite Consultatif International Telegraphique et Telephonique (CCITT).
Backward Explicit Congestion Notification (BECN)
A bit set by a frame relay network to notify an interface device(DTE) that congestion avoidance procedures should be initiated by the sending device.
Bandwidth
The range of frequencies, expressed in Kilobits per second, that can pass over a given data transmission channel within a frame relay network. The bandwidth determines the rate at which information can be sent through a channel - the greater the bandwidth, the more information that can be sent in a given amount of time.
Bridge
A device that supports LAN-to-LAN communications. Bridges may be equipped to provide frame relay support to the LAN devices they serve. A frame-relay-capable bridge encapsulates LAN frames in frame relay frames and feeds those frame relay frames to a frame relay switch for transmission across the network. A frame-relay-capable bridge also receives frame relay frames from the network, strips the frame relay frame off each LAN frame, and passes the LAN frame on to the end device. Bridges are generally used to connect local area network (LAN) segments to other LAN segments or to a wide area network (WAN). They route traffic on the Level 2 LAN protocol (e.g., the Media Access Control address), which occupies the lower sub layer of the LAN OSI data link layer. See also Router.
Burstiness
In the context of a frame relay network, data that uses bandwidth only sporadically; that is, information that does not use the total bandwidth of a circuit 100 percent of the time. During pauses, channels are idle; and no traffic flows across them in either direction. Interactive and LAN-to-LAN data is bursty in nature, because it is sent intermittently, and in between data transmissions the channel experiences idle time waiting for the DTEs to respond to the transmitted data user's input of waiting for the user to send more data.
Channel
Generically refers to the user access channel across which frame relay data travels. Within a given T1 or E1 physical line, a channel can be one of the following, depending of how the line is configured.
Unchannelized
The entire T1/E1 line is considered a channel, where:
  • The T1 line operates at speeds of 1.536 Mbps and is a single channel consisting of 24 T1 time slots.
  • The E1 line operates at speeds of 1.984 Mbps and is a single channel consisting of 20 E1 time slots.
Channelized
The channel is any one of N time slots within a given line, where:
  • The T1 line consists of any one or more channels. Each channel is any one of 24 time slots. The T1 line operates at speeds in multiples of 56/64 Kbps to 1.536 Mbps, with aggregate speed not exceeding 1.536 Mbps.
  • The E1 line consists of one or more channels. Each channel is any one of 31 time slots. The E1 line operates at speeds in multiples of 64 Kbps to 1.984 Mbps, with aggregate speed not exceeding 1.984 Mbps.
Fractional
The T1/E1 channel is one of the following groupings of consecutively or nonconsecutively assigned time slots:
  • N T/1 time slots (NX56/64Kbps where N = 1 to 23 T1 time slots per FT1 channel).
  • N E1 time slots (NX64Kbps, where N = 1 to 30 time slots per E1 channel).
Channel Service Unit (CSU)
An ancillary device needed to adapt the V.35 interface on a F.R. DTE to the T1 (or E1) interface on a frame relay switch. The T1 (or E1) signal format on the frame relay switch is not compatible with the V.35 interface on the DTE: therefore, a CSU or similar device, placed between the DTE and the frame relay switch, is needed to perform the required conversion.
Committed Burst Size (Bc)
The maximum amount of data (in bits) that the network agrees to transfer, under normal conditions, during a time interval Tc. See also Excess Burst Size (Be).
Comite Consultatif International Telegraphique et Telephonique (CCITT)
International Consultative Committee for Telegraphy and Telephony, a standards organization that devises and proposes recommendations for international communications. See also American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Committed Information Rate (CIR)
The committed rate (in bits per second) at which the ingress access interface trunk interfaces, and egress access interface of a frame relay network transfer information to the destination frame relay end system under normal conditions. The rate is averaged over a minimum time interval Tc.
Committed Rate Measurement Interval (Tc)
The time interval during which the user can send only Bc-committed amount of data and Be excess amount of data. In general, the duration of Tc is proportional to the "burstiness" of the traffic. Tc is computed (from the subscription parameters of CIR and Bc) as Tc = Bc/CIR. Tc is not a periodic time interval. Instead, it is used only to measure incoming data, during which it acts like a sliding window. Incoming data triggers the Tc interval, which continues until it completes its commuted duration. See also Committed Information Rate (CIR) and committed Burst Size (Bc).
Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)
A computational means to ensure the accuracy of frames transmitted between devices in a frame relay network. The mathematical function is computed, before the frame is transmitted, at the originating device. Its numerical value is computed based on the content of the frame. This value is compared with a recomputed value of the function at the destination device. See also Frame Check Sequence (FCS).
Data Communications Equipment (DCE)
Term defined by both frame relay and X.25 committees, that applies to switching equipment and is distinguished from the devices that attach to the network (DTE). Also see DTE.
Data Link Connection Identifier (DLCI)
A unique number assigned to a PVC end point in a frame relay network. Identifies a particular PVC endpoint within a user's access channel in a frame relay network and has local significance only to that channel.
Discard Eligibility (DE)
A user-set bit indicating that a frame may be discarded in preference to other frames if congestion occurs, to maintain the committed quality of service within the network. Frames with the DE bit set are considered Be excess data. See also Excess burst Size (Be).
Egress
Frame relay frames leaving a frame relay network in the direction toward the destination device. Contrast with Ingress.
End Device
The ultimate source or destination of data flowing through a frame relay network sometime referred to as a Data Terminal Equipment (DTE). As a source device, it sends data to an interface device for encapsulation in a frame relay frame. As a destination device, it receives de-encapsulated data (i.e., the frame relay frame is stripped off, leaving only the user's data) from the interface device. Also see DCE

NOTE: An end device can be an application program or some operator-controlled device (e.g., workstation). In a LAN environment, the end device could be a file server or host.

Encapsulation
A process by which an interface device places an end device's protocol-specific frames inside a frame relay frame. The network accepts only frames formatted specifically for frame relay; hence, interface devices acting as interfaces to an frame relay network must perform encapsulation. See also Interface device or Frame-Relay-Capable Interface Device.
Excess Burst Size (Be)
The maximum amount of uncommitted data (in bits) in excess of Bc that a frame relay network can attempt to deliver during a time interval Tc. This data (Be) generally is delivered with a lower probability than Bc. The network treats Be data as discard eligible. See also Committed burst Size (Bc).
E1
Transmission rate of 2.048 Mbps on E1 communications lines. An E1 facility carriers a 2.048 Mbps digital signal. See also T1 and channel.
File Server
In the context of frame relay network supporting LAN-to-LAN communications, a device connecting a series of workstations within a given LAN. The device performs error recover and flow control functions as well as end-to-end acknowledgment of data during data transfer, thereby significantly reducing overhead within the frame relay network.
Forward Explicit Congestion Notification (FECN)
A bit set by a frame relay network to notify an interface device (DTE) that congestion avoidance procedures should be initiated by the receiving device. See also BECN.
Frame Check Sequence (FCS)
The standard 16-bit cyclic redundancy check used for HDLC and frame relay frames. The FCS detects bit errors occurring in the bits of the frame between the opening flag and the FCS, and is only effective in detecting errors in frames no larger than 4096 octets. See also Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC).
Frame-Relay-Capable Interface Device
A communications device that performs encapsulation. Frame-relay-capable routers and bridges are examples of interface devices used to interface the customer's equipment to a frame relay network. See also Interface Device and Encapsulation.
Frame Relay Frame
A variable-length unit of data, in frame-relay format that is transmitted through a frame relay network as pure data. Contrast with Packet. See also Q.922A.
Frame Relay Network
A telecommunications network based on frame relay technology. Data is multiplexed. Contrast with Packet-Switching Network.
High Level Data Link control (HDLC)
A generic link-level communications protocol developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). HDLC manages synchronous, code-transparent, serial information transfer over a link connection. See also Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC).
Hop
A single trunk line between two switches in a frame relay network. An established PVC consists of a certain number of hops, spanning the distance from the ingress access interface to the egress access interface within the network.
Host Computer
A communications device that enables users to run applications programs to perform such functions as text editing, program execution, access to data bases, etc.
Ingress
Frame relay frames from an access device toward the frame relay network. Contrast with Egress.
Interface Device
Provides the interface between the end device(s) and a frame relay network by encapsulating the user's native protocol in frame relay frames and sending the frames across the frame relay backbone. See also Encapsulation and Frame-Relay-Capable Interface Device.
Link Access Procedure Balanced (LAPB)
The balanced-mode, enhanced, version of HDLC. Used in X.25 packet-switching networks. Contrast with LAPD.
Link Access Procedure on the D-channel (LAPD)
A protocol that operates at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI architecture. LAPD is used to convey information between layer 3 entities across the frame relay network. The D-channel carries signaling information for circuit switching. Contrast with LAPB.
Local Area Network (LAN)
A privately owned network that offers high-speed communications channels to connect information processing equipment in a limited geographic area.
LAN Protocols
A range of LAN protocols supported by a frame relay network, including Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Apple Talk, Xerox Network System (XNS), Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX), and Common Operating System used by DOS-based PCs.
LAN Segment
In the context of a frame relay network supporting LAN-to-LAN communications, a LAN linked to another LAN by a bridge. Bridges enable two LANs to function like a single, large LAN by passing data from one LAN segment to another. To communicate with each other, the bridged LAN segments must use the same native protocol. See also Bridge.
Packet
A group of fixed-length binary digits, including the data and call control signals, that are transmitted through an X.25 packet-switching network as a composite whole. The data, call control signals, and possible error control information are arranged in a predetermined format. Packets do not always travel the same pathway but are arranged in proper sequence at the destination side before forwarding the complete message to an addressee. Contrast with Frame Relay Frame.
Packet-Switching Network
A telecommunications network based on packet-switching technology, wherein a transmission channel is occupied only for the duration of the transmission of the packet. Contrast with Frame Relay Network.
Parameter
A numerical code that controls an aspect of terminal and/or network operation. Parameters control such aspects as page size, data transmission speed, and timing options.
Permanent virtual Circuit (PVC)
A frame relay logical link, whose endpoints and class of service are defined by network management. Analogous to an X.25 permanent virtual circuit, a PVC (often referred to as a PVC) consists of the originating frame relay network element address, originating data link control identifier, terminating frame relay network element address, and termination data link control identifier. Originating refers to the access interface from which the PVC is initiated. Terminating refers to the access interface at which the PVC stops. Many data network customers require a PVC between two points. Data terminating equipment with a need for continuous communication use PVCs. See also Data Link Connection Identifier (DLCI).
Q.922 Annex A (Q.922A)
The international draft standard that defines the structure of frame relay frames. Based on the Q.922A frame format developed by the CCITT. All frame relay frames entering a frame relay network automatically conform to this structure. Contrast with Link Access Procedure Balanced (LAPB).
Q.922A Frame
A variable-length unit of data, formatted in frame-relay (Q.922A) format, that is transmitted through a frame relay network as pure data (i.e., it contains no flow control information ). Contrast with Packet. See also Frame Relay Frame.
Router
A device that supports LAN-to-LAN communications. Routers may be equipped to provide frame relay support to the LAN devices they serve. A frame-relay-capable router encapsulates LAN frames in frame relay frames and feeds those frame relay frames to a frame relay switch for transmission across the network. A frame-relay-capable router also receives frame relay frames from the network, strips the frame relay frame off each frame to product the original LAN frame, and passes the LAN frame on to the end device. Routers connect multiple LAN segments to each other or to a WAN. Routers route traffic on the Level 3 LAN protocol (e.g., the Internet Protocol address). See also Bridge.
Statistical Multiplexing
Interleaving the data input of two or more devices on a single channel or access line for transmission through a frame relay network. Interleaving of data is accomplished using the DLCI.
Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC)
A link-level communications protocol used in an International Business Machines (IBM) Systems Network Architecture (SNA) network that manages synchronous, code-transparent, serial information transfer over a link connection. SDLC is a subset of the more generic High-Level Data Link Control (HDLC) protocol developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
T1
Transmission rate of 1.544 Mbps on T1 communications lines. A T1 facility carriers a 1.544 Mbps digital signal. Also referred to as digital signal level 1 (DS-1). See also E1 and channel.
Trunk Line
A communications line connecting two frame relay switches to each other.



(c)1996 Frame Relay Forum.