Overview

Frame Relay is a fast packet-switching technology introduced in 1992. Its installed base has skyrocketed since its development and introduction in the industry. No one could have ever predicted just how popular this technique would become, but the final outcome is that Frame Relay has become the "bread and butter" service for many carriers. The reason is not as simple as one might believe; therefore, this chapter will explore the details of what has led to the popularity in Frame Relay installations.

Moreover, some carriers have encountered problems with their installations because they did not understand the benefits or the operations of a Frame Relay service. Unfortunately, this is the epitaph of the telecommunications industry: the carriers (and specifically the long-distance carriers) do not understand data communications! Yes, they have some talented people on their staff, but they have always stifled these individuals who knew what was happening. Instead, the carriers let the voice and engineering folks become the spokespersons for the carriers in a data communications arena. How sad, they just never really got the point.

Even to this day, the voice people have not taken the time to learn data communications. More specifically, the carriers ( Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers [ILECs] and Interexchange Carriers [IECs]) feel that their sales people do not need to know much about the technology, just how to sell the product. Interestingly, this leads to the carrier sales representatives being less aware of their own product than the customers they are...