What is Frame Relay in Computer Network?

Introduction

In computer networks, data communication is crucial for many applications as well as services. Data communication is the data transmission process over a network between multiple devices. It is important to note that various devices support different data formats, transmission speeds, and protocols. Hence, there is a need for a common network technology that assists every device and makes data communication possible. Frame relay is one such network technique.

In this blog, we will discuss the meaning of frame relay, its working, the layers at which it operates, and its benefits and drawbacks.

What is Frame Relay in Computer Network?

Frame relay in computer networks is a packet-switching technology that mainly operates at the data link layer. Using virtual circuits, it enables a single router to link many faraway locations. It inserts data into a frame. In a frame relay network, user equipment configuration is relatively straightforward.

It is one of the best options for connecting local area networks using a wide area network because it offers excellent services like connection-oriented link-layer service and has properties like non-duplication of frames, preservation of the frame data transfer order, and small probability of frame loss.

It was originally designed for ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), but it become famous due to its low latency, minimal error-checking, and efficient bandwidth usage.

Key Features of Frame Relay

• Packet-switched technology for efficient bandwidth usage
• Uses virtual circuits (PVCs & SVCs) instead of dedicated lines
• Minimal error correction for lower latency
• Supports bursty data traffic
• Cost-effective for WAN connectivity

How does Frame Relay work?

Below, we have explained the working of frame relay in computer networks.

1. A data packet is created when a device on a local area network (LAN), such as a computer or router, needs to transfer data to another location through a Frame Relay network. This data packet is included in a frame that also contains control information (such as flags and error checks) and actual data.
2. The data packets are sent across the access link by the router of a LAN (or another border device connected to one). The private physical connection, known as the access link, is used for LAN network to LAN network communication across WAN.
3. A frame relay switch examines the packet transmitted by LAN to get the DLCI, which identifies the packet’s destination. The switch determines the destination LAN by examining the DLCI of the data packet since it already knows the addresses of the LANs connected to the network. In simple terms, DLCI detects the virtual circuit between the source and destination networks (i.e., the logical route connecting nodes that don’t really exist).
4. Depending on the routing table, the switch configures and sends the packet to another frame relay switch or straight to the target LAN.
5. Over its access connection, the destination LAN gets the packet from the corresponding switch.

History of Frame Relay

It was first introduced in the 1990s and widely adopted by the WAN service. It supports all forms of traffic, including audio, video, and others. It also provides superior performance and cheaper costs than leased lines and X.25. It is also compatible with both MPLS and ATM, which are known as WAN technologies.

Due to the introduction of more modern technologies like Ethernet, VPN, DSL, and cable modems, which provide higher bandwidth, better security, and greater flexibility, it has lost some of its popularity in recent years. However, some enterprises still use frame relay even though it is no longer the most widely used WAN technology because they have traditional hardware or applications that need it.

Frame Relay Frame Format

The frame relay frame consists of 3 main parts: the header and address area, the user data portion, and the frame check sequence (FCS).

Let’s first understand the address. It contains information such as:

DLCI (Data link connection identifier)

A 10-bit space that indicates the virtual circuit between the source and destination nodes. As one can see in the picture above, it is separated into two parts, i.e., 6 bits and 4 bits.

C/R (command/response)

The C/R field is a command/response bit that is used for control frames.

EA (Extended Address)

When the DLCI value in the default Frame Relay header is insufficient to identify a virtual circuit accurately, the Extended Address field is utilized.

Congestion Control

It is further divided into three parts. These are:

• FECN: FECN or Forward explicit congestion notification is a bit that informs the destination node about the congestion in the network.
• BECN: BECN or Backward explicit congestion notification is a bit that informs the source node about the congestion in the network.
• DE: DE or Discard eligibility is the ability that indicates whether a frame can be discarded or not during a congestion in the network.

Flag

The flag field is an 8-bit pattern that marks the beginning and end of a frame.

FCS

FCS or Frame check sequence guarantees the integrity of the data that is transferred. The source device computes this value to ensure transmission integrity, which the receiver then verifies.

Frame Relay Layers

The two layers of Frame Relay are –

Data Link Layer

Data packet framing, addressing, multiplexing, error detection, and congestion management are all done at the data link layer. It also specifies the logical connections known as virtual circuits that enable device communication across a common media. Data packets are encapsulated in frames, which employ DLCIs to identify virtual circuits.

Physical Layer

The establishment, maintenance, and termination of the physical connection between devices are within the responsibility of the physical layer. Additionally, it describes the transmission medium‘s mechanical and electrical properties, including the cables, connections, and voltage levels. Different physical layer protocols, including T1, T3, ISDN, fiber optics, etc., are supported via frame relay. It also supports ANSI standards.

Frame Relay Architecture

There are mainly two types of virtual circuits, these are:

PVC (Permanent Virtual Circuits)

PVCs are permanent connections usually preconfigured by the ISP or network administrator. When we talk about their utilization, these are mostly used for frequent and predictable data transmission between nodes that require low latency and better bandwidth.

One such example of PVC is when two branches of the same company located at a long distance call each other.

SVC (Switched Virtual Circuits)

SVCs, on the other hand, are temporary connections mainly used for occasional and unpredictable data transmission between nodes. In contrast to PVCs, these are used by nodes that do not require low latency and bandwidth.

An example of SVC is when someone downloads a file from a server or website; there is a temporary connection between the user and the server. Once the file is downloaded, it is closed.

Frame Relay vs. MPLS: Which is Better?

MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) has largely replaced Frame Relay because it offers:

• Faster switching based on labels rather than complex routing tables
• Better Quality of Service (QoS) for real-time applications
• More scalability for enterprise and cloud networks

However, it is still used in legacy networks where MPLS migration is costly.

Common Use Cases of Frame Relay

While Frame Relay has been largely replaced, it is still used in some scenarios:

• Retail Networks: Connecting multiple branch offices cost-effectively
• Banking & ATMs: Secure data transmission over private virtual circuits
• Government Networks: Legacy WAN infrastructure still in use
• Remote Offices: Low-cost connectivity for sites with limited bandwidth needs

Frame Relay vs Other WAN Technologies

Advantages of Frame Relay

Frame relay has advantages over other packet-switching methods, including:

• It is more efficient than X.25 since it does not repair errors and regulate flow at the data connection layer. These tasks are offloaded to higher layers or end devices to decrease network latency and overhead.
• It provides variable-length packets for various data and applications.
• Dynamic bandwidth distribution adapts to traffic patterns and network circumstances.
• Congestion control techniques warn source and destination devices of network congestion and enable them to modify transmission rates.
• It is cost-effective because it decreases the number of physical cables and devices needed to connect many nodes.

Disadvantages of Frame Relay

Some of the disadvantages are:

• The delivered packets may differ from the order at the sending end.
• Error-containing packets are simply dropped.
• It does not offer flow control.
• It does not provide received packet acknowledgment.
• If there is network congestion, the frame is rejected. In the event of network congestion, a frame (containing the data) is dropped without being retransmitted. The sender is required to carry out retransmission control on his own initiative.

Is Frame Relay Still Used Today?

Yes, Frame Relay is still used today, but rarely. Most companies have transitioned to:

• MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching): For high-speed enterprise networking
• SD-WAN (Software-Defined WAN): For cloud-based applications
• Fiber & Broadband WANs: Offering higher speeds and better QoS

However, some legacy systems in banking, retail, and government sectors still rely on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a frame relay?

Instead of transmitting packets via the network’s physical interfaces, frame relay is a technology that employs virtual circuits to transfer them through frame relay switches.

Q2. What are the features of frame relay?

Some of the features of it are:

• It allows communication through shared physical connections or private lines across multiple LANs.
• It supports dynamic bandwidth allocation and the transmission of packets of various sizes.

Q3. Is frame relay Layer 2 or 3?

Frame relay operates at both layer 1, i.e., the physical layer, as well as layer 2, i.e., the data link layer of the OSI reference model.

Q4. What is frame relay vs MPLS?

Frame relay and MPLS are both WAN technologies that use labels to route packets. It is a layer 2 technology that uses DLCIs as labels and operates over a virtual circuit. MPLS is a hybrid of layer 2 and layer 3 that uses multiple labels and operates over a label-switched path. It is cheaper and more straightforward than MPLS, but MPLS offers more features such as QoS, traffic engineering, and scalability.

Conclusion

Frame relay in computer networks is crucial to connecting LANs and transmitting data across WANs. In this blog, we have covered a detailed explanation of what is it along with its working. We have discussed the advantages and some of the disadvantages of using it and covered most of the important aspects related to it.

After 2016, Cisco reduced emphasis on Frame Relay but it is still an important covered in CCNA Course as it covers key networking basics.