Lecture 15: Internet Topology and Structure

Frame Relay

Frame Relay is a relatively new type of data service which has only recently become available in Australia from both Telstra and C&W Optus.

It is based on a model whereby either LAN frames or, more commonly, higher-layer packets (such as IP datagrams) are transported through the frame relay network in a "point-to-point" manner using "permanent virtual circuits" (PVCs) to define the two endpoints, eg:

Note that frame relay standards also allow for "switched virtual circuits", but these are not (yet?) available in Australia. Here's a useful tutorial on frame relay.

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