Question for (mostly) Frame Relay Service providers

[pmesjar]

Hello guys. I have simple question for client's position - how do you create redundancy in frame relay cloud? It is just configuration of your frame relay switches? I mean when connecting to frame relay network, people usually connect through PVC. They also usually buy shared media and connect thhrough multiplexers. But since in PVC packets always take the same route, and people are always on same physical circuit, how is redndancy created in case my route to destination fails? Or do I have to buy another PVC line or the redundancy is automatically provided? And what about freme relay fully meshed topologies? If I would like to implement it, what would I need?

Thank you guys in advance Peter Mesjar
CCNA, A+ certified
pmesjar@centrum.sk

 

[StarTAC]

well, for redundancy, u are usually willing to sacrifice versatility.. u may install an ISDN-BRI link, and configure it to come online when your main frame relay link goes down...

a fully-mshed network could work, but is quite expensive, though very redundant...

an SVC [Switched Virtual Circuit], though quite rare, is much more redundant than PVCs, as they can automatically define an alternative path to the destination network if the main path has a failure..

u may need to talk to your telco, however..

good luck..

 

[gdschertz]

you could also get 2 frame-relay physical circuits and load balance across them. but 2 smaller circuits will cost you more than one larger one. it all depends on what you are willing to pay for the redundancy