Chapter 7 FRM

Configuring Frame Relay

Introduction

Frame relay ports in the SmartSwitch 1800 are used to carry frame relay traffic, as well as other protocols encapsulated in frame relay (per RFC 1490, via logical X.25 ports over frame relay). A frame relay port can act as physical DCE, connecting to end-user devices, or DTE, connecting to a network or frame relay PVC.

Frame relay support includes:

●RFC 1490 for HDLC, LLC2, IP, IPX over frame relay

●Line speeds up to 2.048 Mbps

●Voice over frame relay

●LMI, Annex D link management

●Annex F segmentation and re-assembly

●Bandwidth allocation

●Connection prioritization

●Incoming and outgoing rate control (CIR)

●Virtual circuit backup for single or multiple PVCs/DLCIs, including bandwidth allocation on backup circuits

DLCI Sharing

Each logical connection on a physical frame relay port is assigned a Data Link Con- nection Identifier (DLCI), which identifies a point-to-point connection, as shown in the following example. (The numbers represent DLCIs.)

31

20

20 16

16 25

Multiple protocols can be passed over a single physical frame relay port by sharing a DLCI. Each node supports up to 976 user-configurable DLCIs. (Several more are sup- ported, but are reserved for internal use.)

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Cabletron Systems 1800 manual FRM Configuring Frame Relay, Introduction, Dlci Sharing
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1800 specifications

Cabletron Systems, a leading player in network management and telecommunications solutions during the late 20th century, introduced several innovative products that played a crucial role in shaping enterprise networking. Among these were the Cabletron FRX6000, FRX4000, and the FRX1800, which delivered advanced features aimed at enhancing network performance, security, and scalability.

The Cabletron FRX6000 was designed as a robust multi-layer switch, ideal for large-scale enterprise environments. It supported extensive routing capabilities, allowing organizations to manage traffic efficiently even under heavy loads. The FRX6000 boasted high throughput rates and low latency, making it suitable for demanding applications. With support for various network protocols, including IP, IPX, and AppleTalk, its adaptability made it a versatile choice for diverse networking needs. Moreover, security features like VLAN support and Access Control Lists (ACLs) provided enhanced protection against potential threats.

Moving to the FRX4000, this model offered a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. The FRX4000 maintained many of the essential features of its larger counterpart while catering to medium-sized enterprises. It provided Layer 3 routing and could handle multiple simultaneous connections, ensuring seamless communication across departments. The modular design allowed for easy upgrades, enabling businesses to expand their network infrastructure without significant overhauls. This made the FRX4000 an attractive option for organizations looking to optimize their network investments.

Lastly, the FRX1800, designed for small to medium businesses, focused on simplicity and ease of use while still incorporating powerful network management capabilities. Its user-friendly interface made it accessible for organizations lacking extensive IT resources. The FRX1800 provided essential functionalities such as Integrated Layer 2 switching and routing, network monitoring, and basic security features, ensuring that even smaller companies could maintain efficient, reliable networking without overwhelming complexity.

All three models utilized advanced technologies, including a high bandwidth backbone and state-of-the-art switching architecture, to enable fast and reliable data transfer. They also supported Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms, allowing businesses to prioritize critical applications and ensure consistent performance across the network.

In summary, the Cabletron FRX6000, FRX4000, and FRX1800 were pivotal in enhancing network capabilities, providing organizations with scalable, secure, and high-performance options tailored to their specific needs.
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