ADTRAN 550 user manual Access Router, Frame Relay

Chapter 1. Introduction

Access Router

As an Access Router, the ATLAS 550 combines the functions of a T1 CSU/ DSU, an intelligent channel bank, a T1 Multiplexer, and DACS into a single platform. The ATLAS 550 is ideal for point-to-point configurations or access to public networks. For optimization of existing equipment and network re- sources, the ATLAS 550 can support a variety of data and analog voice ap- plications (see Figure 1-1 ). The Access Router also supports a wide range of data applications including T1 “drop and insert,” channel grooming, and wide area data transport.

PBX

ATLAS 550 using an external router.

Router

Frac T1 Router

TSU 100e

Frac T1

Router

TSU 100e

PBX

Frac T1 Router

TSU 100e

PBX

Figure 1-1. Point-to-Point Circuit with External Routers

Frame Relay/Router

The Frame Relay/Router features enable the Access Router to act as a voice/ data FRAD, a frame relay switch, and an IP router in addition to acting as an available bandwidth manager and a switch application.

Frame Relay

Frame relay is a packet-switched service that allows efficient transfer of bursty traffic in a WAN environment. It offers lower-cost data transfer when compared to typical point-to-point applications. Using virtual con- nections within the frame relay network and combining those into a single physical connection at each location result in lower cost. Frame relay pro- viders use a frame relay switch to route the data on each virtual circuit to the appropriate destination. Figures 1-1 and 1-2 illustrate a conversion from a typical point-to-point application to a frame relay application.

1-2 ATLAS 550 User Manual 61200305L1-1