Provisioning services automatically

Provisioning of frame relay services should be a lot easier in the not-too-distant future, thanks to the Frame Relay Forum's FRF.1.2 implementation agreement, which was quietly approved last July.

FRF.1.2 enhances the message set for status updates across the frame relay interface. With a compliant set of network features and customer premise equipment, users can eliminate the need for manual programming of the CPE, which is usually some form of router. Bottom line: easier, faster and less error-prone provisioning of frame relay permanent virtual circuits (PVC).

These benefits come from an enhanced status update message. In pre-FRF.1.2 implementations, the status update message existed, but without all of the parameters normally needed to configure a PVC in a router. With FRF.1.2, a PVC is first configured in the network. Then, a router (or other frame relay equipment, such as a frame relay access device) sends a status inquiry to the frame relay network, and the network responds with all of the parameters needed to fully configure the PVC in the router. These parameters include, according to FRF.1.2, " the maximum frame size, throughput (i.e., committed information rate), burst size, excess burst size, transfer priority, discard priority and service class. "

The key benefit to this automated provisioning is the elimination of programming errors, whether a router is programmed and supported by the service provider or by the enterprise customer. This reduction in programming errors - and the resultant increased uptime - provides a benefit for the service provider in reducing and automating support tasks. For the user, it makes the service more reliable. The bottom line is a win-win for the service provider and the customer.

Over the next few weeks, we'll look in more detail at the cost benefits and technology behind FRF.1.2. We'll also query major service providers and equipment manufacturers concerning their support levels for FRF.1.2.

In the meantime, you can obtain a copy of FRF.1.2 from the Frame Relay Forum's Web site (www.frforum.com) under the " Implementation Agreements " section. We also have a new tutorial on FRF.1.2 presented by Mike Walsh, chairman of the Forum's Market Development and Education Committee, posted at www.webtorials.com.

Steven Taylor, consultant and broadband packet evangelist, and Joanie Wexler, an independent networking technology editor and writer, team up to bring you this analysis and commentary. Taylor specializes in education and market analysis, and Wexler adds incisive reporting and research. For more detailed information on most of the topics discussed in this newsletter, connect to www.webtorials.com, the first Web site dedicated exclusively to market studies and technology tutorials in the Broadband Packet areas of Frame Relay, ATM, and IP.

Feedback and additional topic ideas are welcome. Please contact taylor@webtorials.com or joanie@jwexler.com.

Frame Relay archive
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FRF1.2 tutorial

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