THE BASIC GUIDE TO
|
| Table of Contents | Basic Guide Title Pages |
|
Introduction |
Understanding a new technology is a lot like taking a hike on an unfamiliar trail. It helps to have a guide. Well, since we can't hike along with you, we thought we'd do the next best thing: provide a trail guide that will help you chart your course.
We're assuming, by the way, that you're not a completely uninitiated hiker. That is, you've got some basic familiarity with data communications and basic internetworking concepts, as well as data communications devices and their functions.
Like any good trail guide, we've tried to present the information in an easy-to-read format. Stop at the Base Camp in each chapter. That's where you'll find out what information is in that chapter and how it's organized. Typically, the Basic Trail will offer the fundamental information about the chapter topic. On the Advanced Trail, you'll get more challenging information. Here, we'll go into a little more depth on the topic and use a few more technical terms.
The Base camp will also list the View Points in each chapter. You guessed it...the things to look at. Tables, diagrams, figures.
Finally, if you've only got 20 minutes or so, take the Shortcut.
We believe that most network planners will benefit by reading this guide from cover to cover. But we also know that if you're involved in networking today, your hectic schedule may force you to skim through this booklet for highlights until you can find a quiet moment to read more thoroughly. The Shortcuts contain summaries of the major points you should know about frame relay networking. A quick scan can tell you which sections are most relevant to your planning needs.
In the first chapter, you'll get your basic gear: a background on why frame relay was developed and what the benefits are. The Advanced Trail will discuss the ways in which circuit switching and X.25 switching are less than ideal and how they measure up to the demands of certain new high speed network applications.
Chapter 2 defines the simple way in which frame relay data is switched, based on the address at the beginning of the frame.
Chapter 3 describes the various mechanisms that are used by the frame relay network to communicate with the user device in order to avoid congestion on the network, to recover from an overload situation, and to convey the status of various connections.
Chapter 4 discusses frame relay standards and interoperability and the work of the Frame Relay Forum.
Chapter 5 examines several common applications used over frame relay networks.
Chapter 6 discusses the steps you need to take and the questions you'll want to consider if you're planning a frame relay network.
In the back of the book, you'll find a comprehensive frame relay glossary.
So fill up your canteen, lace up your hiking boots, and let's set out on the trail.
