Juniper Networks® Field Guide and Reference

Configuring Frame Relay

Frame Relay does not require private and permanently connected wide-area network facilities, unlike some older WAN protocols.

The Frame Relay protocol allows network designers to reduce costs by using shared facilities that are managed by a Frame Relay service provider. Users pay fixed charges for the local connections from each site in the Frame Relay network to the first point of presence (POP) in which the provider maintains a Frame Relay switch. The portion of the network between the end point switches is shared by all the customers of the service provider, and individual Data Link Connection Identifiers (DLCIs) are assigned to ensure each customer receives only their own traffic. Users contract with their providers ...