THE DAWN OF A NEW COMPUTER COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE - FRAME RELAY SERVICE MEETING NEW NEEDS FOR HIGH-SPEED DATA COMMUNICATIONS

The computer system environment is undergoing dynamic changes in both hardware and software elements as a result of moves toward networking, on-line operation, downsizing and multimedia capabilities. Today, computer systems must be much more than mere tools for boosting operating efficiency; they must also possess sufficiently high versatility and flexibility for immediate adaptation to changes in corporate strategies. In this environment, user needs for communications networks include demands for higher speed, greater economy and easier interworking with local area networks (LANs) and computers. Amid these trends, a great deal of interest is being focused on frame relay. This special feature presents an overview of frame relay service, and describes the technologies for constructing frame relay systems, the communications protocols involved and applications technologies, among other aspects.