Frame relay vs. IP networks

IP, and more specifically, IP-based services, such as VPNs, intranets and extranets, are hot topics among industry analysts and end users. Many question whether IP will be a replacement technology for frame relay. What should end users who are currently using or evaluating frame relay consider in the frame relay/IP services debate?

For IP-based services, the pros include any-to-any connectivity, ease of linking business partners, service coverage and overall increased intelligence delivered from the network. The cons include security concerns, limited QoS or prioritization, and reliability in predictable service delivery.

Some people ask if IP is a viable replacement for the majority of frame relay networks in use today. Well, not yet. IP services are still in the early stages of defining their role in the market and must first overcome some of the larger hurdles they currently face, such as security, reliability and performance. Today, frame relay makes the most sense when dealing in a closed, multiprotocol environment where predictable performance is a requirement. Today's IP services best serve IP-only networks where key requirements include dial-up access and access to those outside your organization, such as business partners.

Frame relay continues to fulfill the requirements of businesses requiring secure, feature-rich, high-performance networks. IP is catching up but does not often compete head-to-head with frame relay for most customer networks.

TeleChoice is one of the leading telecommunications consultancies worldwide for the design, development, implementation, and migration of new and leading edge telecommunications hardware, software and services. Our focus is on public networking and value-added services for the telecommunications industry. You can contact TeleChoice at its corporate headquarters at (973) 239-0700 or visit our Web site for more information.

MCI to offer Visual view
of frame relay nets
Includes links to info about
monitoring frame-relay reliability
through service level agreements. Network World, 1/19/98.

Reservations about RSVP
Network World, 10/28/97.

Last-generation frame relay, next-generation VPN

It's quality of service, stupid
Network World, 9/29/97.

Are data VPNs ready for takeoff?
Network World.

Trouble haunts the 'Net: Is the Internet melting?
Network World, 8/4/97.

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