Frame Relay
The Answers

What is Frame Relay?
Frame Relay is a high-performance WAN protocol that operates at the physical and data link layers of the OSI reference model. Frame Relay originally was designed for use across Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) interfaces. Today, it is used over a variety of other network interfaces as well. The advantage of this technique is that it accommodates more flexibility and more efficient use of bandwidth.

Who needs Frame Relay?
Frame Relay is for companies who need a fast, dedicated, upgradable connection for a large network. This service connects your network to Northwest Internet and the Internet via a network of frame switches. This connection is not distance sensitive and offers permanent virtual connections at speeds from 56K to full T-1. Frame Relay requires special network equipment including routers and TSU/DSUs.

What do I need for Frame Relay?
Devices required for Frame Relay fall into two general categories: data terminal equipment (DTE) and data circuit-terminating equipment (DCE). DTEs generally are considered to be terminating equipment for a specific network and typically are located on the premises of a customer. In fact, they may be owned by the customer. Examples of DTE devices are terminals, personal computers, routers, and bridges.

DCEs are carrier-owned internetworking devices. The purpose of DCE equipment is to provide clocking and switching services in a network, which are the devices that actually transmit data through the WAN.

Northwest Internet offers this equipment at competitive rates, contact your Sales Representative for a price quote.

Return to Top

Frame Relay
The Features

Frame Relay allows you to expand the Internet into your office. Some common applications for dedicated Internet connections include employee access to Internet resources, electronic mail delivery, creating a virtual network with other offices on the Internet.

High speed and dedicated access is available on a case by case quote due to the complicated telephone territories and crossover telephone company territories.

Some companies are starting to require their satellite companies to have access to frame relay to network with the regional or corporate headquarters. As more and more networks are created, fast, efficient access to the Internet is a must.

Return to Top

Frame Relay
The Benefits

• Cost-effective solution for the residential customer
  Since dial-up service uses your normal phone line and requires no special hardware other than a computer and a modem, it is a relatively inexpensive solution.
• Unlimited time, on-line access to the World Wide Web
  NorthWest Internet offers monthly service with to limit to how often or how long you can be online. This is a great plus when it comes to downloading, researching, shopping, or just plain surfing the web.
• Single Email Account
  When you sign up as a NorthWest customer you receive your own email address. This service allows you to send and receive email letters to family and friends.
• Five Megabytes of server space for personal web pages
  Keep your family and friends up to date with a personal web site. Now you have a place to store your personal or family web pages up to 5 Mbs in size. NorthWest Internet makes it easy with simple update and maintenance features.
• Full-service support by phone or email
  Our friendly and knowledgeable technical support staff can help you get connected to the Internet. If you ever have any trouble configuring your computer to a Northwest Internet connection, just bring it down to our offices and we'll have it configured within 24 hours.

Return to Top