The Difference between Frame Relay Networks and Point to Point Networks

Introduction

The purpose of this papers it to examine in detail the operation of one of the wide area network that we discussed in class. This paper discusses the difference between frame relay networks and other point to point networks, advantages, addressing schemes, and different protocols supported. The paper will explain virtual circuits briefly before moving to its other characteristics because they are the key to understanding frame relay concept in general. Other than virtual circuits, we will see its addressing scheme, how frame relay guaranty bandwidth with its committed information rate and how to detect and avoid congestion.

Discussion

Frame relay is an implementation of a wide area network through packet switching. Frame relay offers more benefits than simple point to point wide area networks. It does not require a dedicated leased line unlike other point to point networks. Frame relay networks allow more than two network devices to attach to the same network. Some of the reasons why Frame relay is an efficient way of implementing wide area networks are the use of virtual circuit and having their own addressing scheme. Frame relay has its own data link header and trailer. They have their own protocol called data link connection identifier (DLCI). Frame relay networks relay one access links which are virtual circuits. The difference between frame relay networks and point to point networks is that in point to point, the leased line runes from one location to the. Each location will require the presence of its own router. In frame relay, the leased line run from routers to special frame relay switches.

Frame relay is considered packet switched network because all frames are send through different hops by the servic...

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...th their service provider giving them a right to drop “unimportant” packets if they are over using the network and there is congestion because of them. The service providers do this in order to accommodate the needs of the other customers who are in demand of the network and didn’t cross over their committed information rate (CIR Bandwidth). To satisfy all of its customers, the service provider will only discard frames with their DE bit set as 1. That means it is labeled by the customer that the packet is unimportant. The service providers will do their best to pass through the frames that are regarded as “important” by the customer.

Works Cited

"Cisco Support Community." Difference between DTE and DCE Devices. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Mar. 2014.

Odom, Wendell. CCNA ICND2 Official Exam Certification Guide. Indianapolis, IN: Cisco, 2008. Print.