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Frame Relay

Frame Relay is a WAN technology which can be implemented to solve connectivity issues for Matrix Communications customers requiring access to geographically distant locations. Frame Relay is an industry-standard, packet switched protocol that is capable of handling multiple virtual circuits. It is more efficient than X.25, the protocol for which it is generally considered a replacement. Since Frame Relay has a low overhead, it can be ideal for today's complex networks.

Matrix Communications customers get several clear benefits. Firstly, multiple logical connections can be sent over a single physical connection, reducing internetworking costs. The reduction in the amount of processing required results in improved performance and response time. Due to its use of a simple link layer protocol customer equipment usually only requires software changes or simple hardware modifications therefore minimal investment is required to upgrade a system. Since Frame Relay networks are independent of specific protocols, they can process traffic from different network protocols such as IP, IPX and SNA.

Frame Relay is an ideal choice for connecting Wide Area Networks (WANs) that have unpredictable, high volume and 'bursty' traffic. Typically these applications may include data transfer, CAD/CAM and client server applications. Frame Relay also offers advantages for interconnecting WANs. In the past setting up WANs required the use of private lines or circuit switching over a leased line. Single, dedicated lines are not needed to make each WAN to WAN connection with Frame Relay, thus reducing costs. Please contact Matrix Communications advisor for further information.