Frame Relay is used in Wide Area Networks because it offers cost-effective, flexible connectivity between LANs with simultaneous transmission of different applications to many locations. The service is also used to provide high-speed connectivity to outside networks and is a highly efficient means of accessing the Internet. Verizon's Frame Relay is ideally suited for connections that feature bursty data traffic. In these applications, Frame Relay offers cost-effective and highly flexible connections. Each virtual connection is assigned a unique link address that remains active throughout the transmission.
All data packets follow the same path from source to destination.
Multiple PVCs allow customers to specify traffic patterns and route different information protocols over different paths. This option allows organizations to establish multiple data sessions over a single dedicated access facility, and at the same time, enables group addressing. In configuring the service, an initial network map of all PVCs is created. Bandwidth requirements for the entire network are defined so that different applications can be used simultaneously, while maintaining peak network performance. The CIR defines the allowable amount of information transmitted.