introdction

Frame relay is based on a packet-switched data network. The differential of frame relay to previous packet-switched
networks like X.25 is that frame relay switches a frame versus a packet. Frame relay has considerable low overhead
and its speed through the network is in part to not insuring delivery of data. Frame relay as a WAN network solution
grew due to the low cost for acceptable performance as compared to leased-line WAN solutions. An optimal frame relay network design is based on the following:
Balancing the cost savings of using a public network with the business performance requirements.
A scalable WAN design founded in a manageable environment.
Utilizes a hierarchical design.
Main concerns for implementing a frame relay design is the ability of the design to scale to not only topology growth
but to traffic growth.
Components for creating a scalable frame relay network designs are:
The adherence to the three-layer router model of core, distribution and access layers.
Overall hierarchical design
Implementing various mesh topology design
Addressing protocol broadcast issues
Addressing performance concerns