Networking technology is advanced to a point of mass user adoption, with frame relay leading this explosive growth trend. In fact, many experts believe that frame relay is already in use in 66% of datacomm shops and is now driving interest in its advanced capabilities. Frame relay has proven it can deliver the increased performance and network efficiencies IT managers are looking for while decreasing overall operations costs. In addition, carriers and equipment vendors continue to deliver the enhanced services and capabilities necessary to address today's and tomorrow's application needs.

Frame Relay 2000 will help you make sense of all that frame relay has become both domestically and internationally. Our seminar begins quickly by defining frame relay terminology and then explores important topics such as network management, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), disaster recovery, voice and SNA transport, and carrier and equipment vendor offerings. We will also address new features and services, and their benefits with an eye on future and next-generation services.

Jargon, Terminology, Components, and Basics

This section will provide a quick overview to help you better understand the basics of frame relay technology, including the relevant buzzwords. Next, this section will define and describe the service e components and how they fit together to supply an end-to-end-service. Topics include:

• Network access options
• Port / PVC / CIR
• Customer Premise Equipment (CPE)
• Assembling a Frame
• Oversubscription and Bursting
• FECN / BECN / Discard Eligible
• Cell vs. Frame Relay
• "The Cloud" - Service Provider Infrastructure
• Frame Relay Advantages and Disadvantages
• FECN / BECN / Discard Eligible
• International Frame Relay

If you are overwhelmed by the multitude of wide area network (WAN) services, and how they compare with one another, this section will provide you with a grounding in what works with what. The technologies include:

• Private Line
• X.25
• SMDS
• ATM
• IP
• VPN

Case Study - This study will show how a private line network can be transitioned to frame relay. We will analyze the benefits and disadvantages of migrating, and the pitfalls along the way.

Some companies prefer to manage their own network using sophisticated CPE, while others look to outsource these duties to their service provider. This section details what network management options are available and when to select one over the other.

• CPE capabilities
• Internal resources and expertise
• Price
• Service guarantees
• Service provider offerings and expertise
• Centralized vs. decentralized CPE solutions
• In and out of cloud monitoring

Case Study - This study will profile two different companies -- one that decided to retain all network management responsibilities, and another that outsourced them -- showing the business reasons each chose for its solution.

Service Level Agreements (SLAs) have become a standard part of many providers' offerings. Although widely available, the ways providers measure SLAs vary greatly. This section will assist you in understanding the provider claims and learn what to demand from providers.

• Standards
• Available SLAs
• Tracking and measurement options

With more enterprises placing mission-critical applications on public frame relay networks, reducing downtime and service interruptions is now increasingly important. This section addresses disaster recovery options and when they should be used.

Beyond the basic frame relay services, there is often a requirement for enhanced or value-added services. These include:

• Native LAN Service
• Native SDLC (SNA solutions)
• Qualities of Service (QOS)

As frame real offerings and CPE have matured, more IT managers are using the technology for mission-critical applications such as IBM's SNA. Here we will address the reasons, issues, and methods for migrating SNA architectures to a frame real transport solution.

Although frame relay was originally designed as a data-specific networking solution, companies are finding that voice over frame relay continues to evolve. This section details the issues involved in transmitting voice traffic over your frame relay network.

When creating an RFP, or implementing a frame relay network, you must know how to design the network or at least know what information is necessary for a service provider to design the network for you. This section explains this process and highlights important areas to consider.

• Define objectives
• Gather site information
• Map your network (today and future)
• Submit RFP
• How to negotiate a contract
• Transition your network to frame relay
• Common problems to avoid

This section profiles the major frame relay service providers and the services and features of each. This will help you know which carriers have the services your company requires.

One of the most important areas to consider when deciding whether to install a frame relay network is how it will solve your future business requirements. This last section discusses how frame relay is likely to evolve to meet future needs.

Prerequisite knowledge for this session should include a basic understanding of data communications and networking. This sessions is suitable for network / telecom planners, managers, designers, or administrators.