frame relay

An interface protocol for statistically multiplexed packet-switched data communications in which (a) variable-sized packets (frames) are used that completely enclose the user packets they transport, and (b) transmission rates are usually between 56 kb/s and 1.544 Mb/s (the T-1 rate). Note 1: In frame relay, (a) there is neither flow-control nor an error-correction capability, (b) there is information-content independence, (c) there is a correspondence only to the ISO Open systems Interconnection–Reference Model Layers 1 and 2, (d) variable-sized user packets are enclosed in larger packets (frames) that add addressing and verification information, (e) frames may vary in length up to a design limit, usually 1 kilobyte or more, (f) one frame relay packet transports one user packet, (g) implementation of fast-packet technology is used for connection-oriented frame relay services, and (h) there is a capability to handle time-delay insensitive traffic, such as LAN interworking and image transfer. Note 2: Frame relay is referred to as the local management interface (LMI) standard and is specified in ANSI T1.617.