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29 Managing Frame Relay

The WAN Switching Module (WSX) family supports Frame Relay on universal serial, T1 or E1

ports. Management, data handling, compression, and multi-protocol encapsulation are

compatible with current Frame Relay standards, such as RFC 1490 and FRF.9. The WSX

supports all three major DLCMI management protocols.

WSX frame relay extends the power and flexibility of LAN switching over large geographic

distances using a Frame Relay network or a leased line, such as a T1. In a Frame Relay

network configuration, the WSX provides a cost effective link supporting multiple virtual

circuits. In a leased line configuration, the WSX provides dedicated bandwidth to a single

remote site.

VLAN architectures are preserved and consistent on both sides of a WAN link. The WSX

supports frame relay trunking, so VLAN Groups on one side of a Frame Relay link are compat-

ible with those on the other side. In addition, the WSX is capable of Frame Relay IP and IPX

routing and complies with Inverse Address Resolution Protocol (InARP) RFC 1293.

In a typical configuration, the WSX occupies one slot in an Omni Switch/Router. Since it is

compatible with Omni Switch/Router any-to-any switching and VLAN architecture, you can

switch other topologies in the LAN to Frame Relay. The following diagram shows a typical

WSX setup using a 56 Kbps Frame Relay line (up to 2 Mbps access rates are supported).

Typical WSX Frame Relay Setup Using Serial Ports

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