Executive Briefing:
ATM and Frame Relay Networks
Distributed Networking Associates
Fall, 99
Copyright & Notices
Professional Opinions - All information presented and opinions expressed by Distributed Networking are the current
opinions of Distributed Networking based on professional judgment and best available information at the time of
presentation. Consequently, the information is subject to change, and no liability for advice presented is assumed. Ultimate
responsibility for choice of appropriate solutions remains with the Customer.
Biographical Information - The seminar will be led by Steven Taylor, President of Distributed Networking Associates and
columnist for Data Communications magazine. Now in his tenth year as an independent consultant, planner, author, and
teacher, Mr. Taylor is frequently quoted in the trade press and is one of the industry's most published authors on high
bandwidth networking techniques. Distributed Networking Associates may be contacted at 2707 Lake Forest Drive,
Greensboro, NC 27408; Phone: (336) 288-3858; Electronic mail: taylor@[Link].
Copyright, 1999 - Distributed Networking Associates. All portions of this presentation are copyrighted by Distributed
Networking Associates and/or the organization credited as the source of information. All forms of reproduction and/or
recording, including photocopying, tape recording, and video taping are strictly prohibited without the express prior written
permission of Distributed Networking Associates. Animations presented as a part of this presentation are copyrighted by
Bellcore and are used with permission. These animations are part of Bellcore TEC's computer-based training programs,
and ordering information about these programs may be obtained by calling 1-800-521-CORE.
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
Executive Briefing
What are ATM & Frame Relay?
u ATM / Frame Relay Networking Advantages
u ATM & Frame Relay: Technologies, Services, and
Standards
u What About Multimedia?
u Physical Layer: Dedicated Bandwidth
u Future of the Private Network
u
Executive Briefing
u
What are ATM & Frame Relay?
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
Telecommunications Trends
u
Evolution from Host-Centric to
Distributed (Network-Centric)
Computing
Fueled by high-performance,
low-cost workstations
Character-based to file-based
traffic evolution
Result: Bursty, high-volume
traffic
Facility
speed
9.6 kbps
Transfer
Time
14 minutes
64 kbps
2 minutes
1.544 Mbps 5 seconds
45 Mbps
.2 seconds
150 Mbps .05 seconds
Based on 1 megabyte of information
Lan Interconnection
u
Traditional LAN Internet
Dedicated circuits with too
much or too little bandwidth
LAN
A
LAN
B
LAN
C
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
Packetized LAN Internet
Elastic bandwidth provided
"on demand"
LAN A
LAN B
LAN C
What are ATM & Frame Relay?
PACKET technologies and services optimized for
the transport of protocol oriented data
u Functional competitor for dedicated 56 kbps,
Fractional T1 and T1/T3 services
u Not a realistic direct competitor for X.25, SNA,
DECNet, TCP/IP, OSI, etc.
u Implementations include Frame Relay, SMDS, and
ATM
u
Positioning Broadband Packet
Broadband packet provides a "MAC" layer for wide
area networks
User Appl.
Application
Presentation
Presentation
Data Flow
Session
Xmission
Transport
Path Control
Network
L3-Packet
Packet
Data Link
Data Link
L2-Frame
Frame
Physical
Physical
Level 1
SNA
OSI
X.25
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
Broadband
Packet
What is Framing?
Framing is the method used by both Time Division
Multiplexers, including Circuit Multiplexers (TDMs),
and Packet Multiplexers (statistical multiplexers), to
determine which data belong(s) to which channels
u This forms the basic difference between circuit
(dedicated bandwidth) multiplexing and switching
and packet (dynamically allocated) multiplexing and
switching
u
Circuit (TDM) Multiplexing
Dedicated bandwidth
for each channel
u Minimal, fixed delays
u "Transparent"
throughput
u Implicit Framing
u
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
4800
1200
1200
1200
1200
F 4800
9600
4800
1200
1200
1200
1200
1200 1200 12001200
Packet (Statistical) Multiplexing
u
u
u
u
True dynamic bandwidth
allocation
Variable delays
Protocol dependence
Explicit framing
4800
4800
4800
4800
4800
9600
Ch
1
Ch
3
4800
4800
4800
4800
7200
Ch
Ch
F
2
5
Fractional Services
Traditional "Bandwidth
Fractional" T1
"Time Fractional" T1
512 kbps
256 kbps
Time
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
el 2 el 3 el 4
ann ann ann
Ch Ch Ch
Full T1
512 kbps
Bandwidth
256 kbps
Full T1
Bandwidth
el 1
ann
Ch
Time
Delimiter
Payload
Fixed vs. variable PDU
length
Connection vs.
connectionless
Header
Protocol Data Unit (PDU)
is basic building block
Key differences:
Delimiter
Trailer (opt.)
Generic Packet Format
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
Delimiter
Trailer (opt.)
Payload
Payload
Fixed length: Cells
Easy to process
Predictable delay
ATM
Variable: Frames
Efficient use of
bandwidth
Frame Relay
Header
Delimiter
Generic Packet Format: Payload
Generic Packet Format: Header
Delimiter
Universal, unique
address
Needs large address
space
Trailer (opt.)
Connectionless
Payload
Virtual Circuit number
Conserves address
space
Header
Header
Connection oriented
Delimiter
Is this a problem?
More later.
Executive Briefing
What are ATM & Frame Relay?
u ATM / Frame Relay Networking Advantages
u
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
Traditional Network
u
1:1 Physical to
logical connectivity
Separate physical
interface for each
location/link
C
A
B
D
Fractional T1 helps
physical interface
problem, but not
bandwidth allocation
Return
ATM / Frame Relay Network
u
Single physical interface
with multiple logical
terminations
Higher speed interface
handles multiple logical
sessions
B
C
Return
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
Public ATM / Frame Relay
Advantages
u
Dynamic allocation of
bandwidth in the network
Traditional
Allows carriers to share
facilities on a packet-bypacket basis
Primarily economic
advantages
ATM / Frame Relay
Public ATM / Frame Relay
Advantages
u
Dynamic allocation of
bandwidth in the network
Reduced local access
costs
Dedicated local access can
be 50% to 70% of total
WAN cost
3 or more sites: great
savings
u
Traditional
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
Statistical multiplexing on
access lines
Inter-LATA
Intra-LATA
Similar savings, plus intra-
ATM
/ Frame
LATA
service Relay
10
Typical Monthly Local Loop Costs
u
Estimates - Dollars per month
50
75
230
850
1,000
200
400
600
Analog
56/64 kbps
800
T1
1,000
T3
OC-3
Dollars per kbps
2.6
1.34
0.149
0.0189
0.00645
0.5
1
Analog
1.5
56/64 kbps T1
T3
2.5
OC-3
Analog assumes 19.2 kbps modem
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
11
Public ATM / Frame Relay
Advantages
u
u
u
Dynamic allocation of
bandwidth in the network
Reduced local access
costs
Reduced hardware costs
and commitment
Traditional
Single access port serves
multiple connections
Software upgrade is primary
change for various type of
broadband packet (plus
CSU/DSU for SMDS & ATM)
Significant reduction in costs
ATM / Frame Relay
Router Net without ATM / Frame
Relay
Inherent "bypass" capabilities
u "Self-learning" to discover network topology
u Requires router to perform WAN routing tasks
u
W
RU
?
WRU?
U?
WR
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
12
Router Net with ATM / Frame
Relay
One physical interface; multiple logical terminations
u Same "self-learning" discovery process
u Locically point-to-point
u
WRU?
WRU?
WRU?
A
Network says DLCI is Active
Router sends messages
C
D
Public ATM / Frame Relay
Advantages
u
u
u
Dynamic allocation of
bandwidth in the network
Reduced local access
costs
Reduced hardware costs
and commitment
Simplified network
management
Traditional
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
u
u
u
u
Move from physical to logical
management
Ease of growth and change
Significant reduction in
"Windshield Time" (or "Airplane
Time")
Improved Reliability
Carrier office based switching
ATM / Frame Relay
13
Public ATM / Frame Relay
Advantages
u
u
u
u
u
Dynamic allocation of
bandwidth in the network
Reduced local access
costs
Reduced hardware costs
and commitment
Simplified management
Support for multimedia?
Traditional
Advantages
"Seamless & scaleable"
network for all applications
Eliminates redundant nets
Excellent support for "data"
Generally attractive pricing
Cautions
Real-time video vs. Image
Status of packetized
video/voice
LAN/WAN issues
ATM / Frame Relay
Private Frame Relay Networks
u
Network bandwidth is
dynamically allocated to
channels, but dedicated
A
internodally
Key to efficiency is lots of
traffic
Enhanced hardware & B
management options
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
C
D
Network
Node
14
Migration from Current T1
Networks
u
Advantages
Protects current installed
based (legacy systems)
Add-on to current
equipment
Integrated TDM/Packet
preserves simple voice/data
integration
Provides interim solution
Disadvantages
Most T1 equipment is
based on circuit switching
architecture
Requires large amount of
traffic from each site to gain
"good statistical mix"
Still must engineer to meet
peak traffic over dedicated
lines for internodal trunks
Public vs. Private Decision
Factors
u
Price
Cost of services - Dedicated leased lines vs. packetized
services
Cost of equipment
Commitment and dedication of capital expenses
Commitment of personnel
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
15
Case Study Demands
SFOLA DCNY
SFO to
384
768 384 384
LA to
384
DC to
384 768
NY to
384 768 768
384 56
384
SFO
384
384 768
768
768
LA
56
768
NY
768
768
384
DC
768
Case Study Prices
13,689
15,436
MCI
33,863
17,134
18,812
AT&T
33,097
5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000
Frame Relay
Asymmetrical
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
Frame Relay
Symmetrical
Dedicated
Aggregated
16
Case Study Summary
u
Dedicated Network
IXC Cost: $31k+ per month
Minimum of 8 local loops
Limited alternate routing
Relatively complex upgrade
path
u
u
u
u
Frame Relay Network
IXC Cost: $13k to $19k per
month
Minimum of 4 local loops
Alternate routing within
network
Relatively simple upgrade
path
Public vs. Private Decision Criteria
Price
u Network Topology
u
Private nets tend to excel where there is a high density
of traffic among a relatively few sites
Public nets for bursty traffic among many sites
Does the service availability fit the net topology?
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
17
Public vs. Private Decision Criteria
Price
u Network Topology
u Network "Religion" and views on outsourcing
u
Commitment to a singular type of technology
Internal vs. external network responsibility
Capital commitment
Enslow's Law & Taylor's Corollary
Public vs. Private Objective
Criteria
Network facilities
Network access
Net hardware
Access hardware
Maintenance Respons.
Price base
Technology migration
Historical precedent
Intracompany comms.
Intercompany comms.
Service ubiquity
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
Public
Private
Stat muxed
Dedicated
Stat muxed
Dedicated
Not owned
Customer owned
CPE - DTE & DSU
Local Connection
Network
Customer
Usage sensitive
Fixed per month
Fairly easy
More difficult
Voice only (US)
Strong for data
Good
Good
Possible
More difficult
Needed
Not needed
18
Executive Briefing
What are ATM & Frame Relay?
u ATM / Frame Relay Networking Advantages
u ATM & Frame Relay: Technologies, Services, and
Standards
u
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
Delimiter
Payload
Fixed vs. variable PDU
length
Connection vs.
connectionless
Header
Protocol Data Unit (PDU)
is basic building block
Key differences:
Delimiter
Trailer (opt.)
Generic Packet Format
19
Fixed vs. Variable Length PDUs
Payload
Trailer (opt.)
Delimiter
Trailer (opt.)
Delimiter
Cells have fixed length
payloads
Payload
Header
Efficient bandwidth use
Excellent match for data
Header
Frames have variable
length payloads
Delimiter
Simple processing
More predictable delay
Type of Addressing
u
Connection Oriented
Both PVC and SVC
Connectionless
Contains complete
source/destination address
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
Delimiter
Based on circuit number
Bandwidth efficient
20
What is ATM?
Payload
Trailer (opt.)
Delimiter
Payload
Trailer (opt.)
Delimiter
"Fixed-packet-length"
Frame Relay
Header
Header
Easy to process
Not particularly efficient
Latency can be controlled
Delimiter
Packet Technology
Cells
Delimiter
ATM
u
Connection-oriented
PVC & SVC in current
specs
Mandated by overhead
Many connectionless
aspects addressed by
SMDS / AAL3/4
Cells
Easy to process
Not particularly efficient
Latency can be controlled
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
21
Standard cell is agreed to
be 53 Octets
Actual size is compromise
Long cells
Good for bandwidth
efficiency re header
Short cells
Cell Delimiter
Cell Header (5 Octets)
Cell Relay Format
Cell Payload
(48 Octets)
Good for delay
Good for "last cell"
efficiency
ATM Adaptation Layers
u
Different AALs for different types of traffic; Most
common: 1, 3/4, 5
Constant Bit Rate
(CBR); Voice &
video
Variable Bit
Variable Bit Rate;
Rate;
connection-oriented
connectionless
3/4
ATM Layer - 53-octet cells
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
22
Multiprotocol Encapsulation
u
First step in
transporting
information
ATM uses IETF RFC1483
Frame Relay uses IETF
RFC-1490
Equivalent, but not the
same
Native Information
ID
Native Information
Multiprotocol Encapsulated Frame
ATM Adpatation Layers
MPE Information
SSCS
CPCS
Convergence
Sublayer
Frames
SAR Sublayer
ATM Layer
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
Cells
23
Traditional ATM DXI
MPE Information
SSCS
CPCS
Router
Router
Convergence
Sublayer
DXI
SAR Sublayer
ATM
ATM CSU/DSU
CSU/DSU
Cells
ATM Layer
Internetwork using ATM
MAC DA/SA Info
Router
Router
F HDR/DLCIDA/SA Info
CSU/DSU
CSU/DSU
F H Cell
H Cell
H Cell
H Cell
H Cell
Cell Xport
Network Core
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
24
Frame Relay
Excellent match for data
Efficient
Challenge for voice/video
Delimiter
Frames
Trailer (opt.)
Payload
PVC widely available; SVC
also in progress
Extremely appropriate for
limited bandwidth
Header
Connection-oriented
Delimiter
Frame Relay Format
u
Simple wrapper around native information
Routing Info
Flag
DLCI & Ctl.
"Payload"
CRC
Flag
"Native Mode" Information Frame
(TCP/IP, XNS, SDLC, X.25, etc.)
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
25
HDLC Framing and Flags
Like X.25, Frame Relay and DXI use HDLC Framing
u Problem distinguishing the flag (7E or 01111110)
u Solution:
u
Insert "0" after any five consecutive 1's unless really a flag
Includes everything except flag
Last function before physical line; removed when received
Remember for T1 discussion
Span of Zero Insertion
DLCI & Ctl.
Flag
"Payload"
CRC
Flag
Internetworking using Frame
Relay
MAC
DA/SA
Info
Router
HDR/DLCI
DA/SA
Info
F
Frame Xport
Network
"MAGIC"
F
HDR/DLCI
DA/SA
Info
F
Router
MAC
DA/SA
Info
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
26
Virtual Circuits
Define a path (endpoints) in the network
u Dont use resources until needed
u
Other than address space in switches
u
Based on packet header
Permanent Virtual Circuits (PVCs)
Network operator sets endpoints
u Actual path through net may vary
u
PVCs have alternate routing
u
Multiple PVCs over a single access (or
network) link
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
27
Switched Virtual Circuits (SVCs)
u
Endpoint(s) set by user (real-time)
Well-defined call setup procedures
May coexist with PVC
In fact, this is usually the case at host sites
Current SVC Status
Standards in place for Frame Relay & ATM
u Equipment
u
ATM: Primarily ATM LAN equipment
Frame Relay: Some routers / FRADs, switch support coming
u
Services
Essentially no availability today
Brings immediate need into question
Management & price may be ultimate deciding factors
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
28
Connection vs. Connectionless
Summary
u
u
u
Primarily a "religious"
issue; Both forms "work"
Histories; LAN vs. WAN
Some of the issues:
Connectivity
Overhead
Call set-up
Issue
Connection
Con'less
C a ll setup
Yes
No
Overhead
Lower
H ighe r
W ide
connectivity
Require s S V C
Yes
Best Traffic
P a ttern
F a irly constant
Sporadic
Complexity
Lower
H ighe r
H e r itage
WAN
LAN
Technology/
S e r v ice
AT M ,
F r Relay
SMDS
User-to-Network Interfaces
u
Most standards are some
form of UNI (aka SNI)
Intra-network transport is
still largely proprietary
ATM evolving Network
Node Interface (ATM NNI)
DTE
Transport
Network
DTE
(NOT subject to
standards)
UNI
(Subject to standards)
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
29
Network-to-Network Interface
u
u
u
Standards are in place;
work generally based on
expanded UNI with higher
speeds & more addresses
Also called ISSI, ICI, B-ICI
Important both for multiple
carriers and for LEC
access to IXC
Executive Briefing
What are ATM & Frame Relay?
u ATM / Frame Relay Networking Advantages
u ATM & Frame Relay: Technologies, Services, and
Standards
u What About Multimedia?
u
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
30
Voice and Video
u
"Interactive" vs. "File"
Multimedia
Some conversations may
need cell-based ATM for
latency control
"Files" may need cells for
speed, but not for delay
characteristics
Freeze-out: Myth & Reality
Delay (msec)
10,000
500 Bytes
64 kbps
1,000
4,000 Bytes
100
Ethernet
Echo Cancellation
Needed
T3
10
1
T1
0.1
10
100
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
1,000
10,000
Speed (kbps)
100,000
31
Voice and Video
u
u
Packet Voice & Video
"Stat muxing" is the real
power of Frame Relay and
ATM
Voice is half duplex
Frame-based Multimedia
u
Products, mostly proprietary, are currently available
for both voice and video
Caveat: Need for enhanced products and standard
algorithms for both voice and video
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
32
Executive Briefing
What are ATM & Frame Relay?
u ATM / Frame Relay Networking Advantages
u ATM & Frame Relay: Technologies, Services, and
Standards
u What About Multimedia?
u Physical Layer: Dedicated Bandwidth
u
Physical Layer: Dedicated
Bandwidth
u
Switched Dedicated Bandwidth
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
33
Switched Dedicated Bandwidth
Services
u
Provides high bandwidth as a metered service
Though often viewed as competitor with broadband
services, SDBS can be complementary where
appropriate.
ISDN, plus Switched 384, T1, T3
u Requires call set-up procedure
u
Questionable set-up time for "instantaneous" on-demand
needs
Switched Dedicated Bandwidth
Services
(Continued)
u Excellent for short-term, predictable needs
u
Time-of-day reconfiguration; disastery recovery (dial
back-up); Video conferencing; Other voice-like traffic
u
May use inverse multiplexing to combine multiple
slower streams into a single high-speed stream
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
34
Inverse Muxing
u
Typically multiple 56 / 64
kbps to a sub-T1 speed
Emerging needs for
speeds greater than T1 but
less than T3
"BONDING" coalition
setting ad-hoc standards
Bandwidth on Demand
Interoperability Group
High
Speed
Data
Inverse
Multiplexer
Circuit Switched
Carrier Services
Multiple 56 or 64 kbps
circuits
High
Speed
Data
Switched Services vs ATM/Frame
Relay
Switched Services
Multiplexing Mode Circuit
Typical Speed
Up to T1, some T3
Billing Increment
Circuit/Time
Error Detection
No
Optimal Traffic
Any; Transparent
OSI Layer(s)
1
Common Conn. Type Dedicated BW circuit
Internat. Standard ISDN only
Typ. Data Efficiency Difficult to define
Set-up speed
Few seconds?
Technology
Conceptually simple
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
Broadband Packet
Packet
64 kbps to T3
Packet Load
No
Protocol Oriented
"MAC"
PVC/SVC
Yes
High
N/A for PVCs
Sophisticated
35
Physical Layer: Dedicated
Bandwidth
Switched Dedicated Bandwidth
u Transport Facility Issues
u
Clocking: Packet vs. Circuit switching
Bit density
T3 & SONET
T1 Transport with SF
u
Most services today
will use T1 as a
transport medium
SF or ESF still must
be used with 193rd
bit reserved for
carriers
Note "matrix" format
for framing
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
Framing bit
Frame number
Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8
Ch 23 Ch 24 1
Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8
Ch 23 Ch 24 2
Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8
Ch 23 Ch 24 3
Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8
Ch 23 Ch 24 4
Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8
Ch 23 Ch 24 5
Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8
Ch 23 Ch 24 6
Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8
Ch 23 Ch 24 7
Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8
Ch 23 Ch 24 8
Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8
Ch 23 Ch 24 9
Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8
Ch 23 Ch 24 10
Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8
Ch 23 Ch 24 11
Ch 1 Ch 2 Ch 3 Ch 4 Ch 5 Ch 6 Ch 7 Ch 8
Ch 23 Ch 24 12
36
Bit Density
u
u
u
T1 circuits require roughly
1/8 of the bits to be 1's due
to clock recovery method
Fundamental reason
behind 56 kbps services
B8ZS (ZBTSI, etc.) needed
for "clear channel"
Compare bit density for T1
with flag problem for HDLC
Possible mechanism for bit
density without B8ZS: Data
Inversion
What about framing bits?
T3 and SONET Compatibility
For discussion here, assume essentially a "fast T1"
u T3, provides about 45 Mbps, equivalent of 28 T1s
u
Higher bandwidth provides challenge in local loop
"Fractional T3" for an intermediate speed circuit is a
challenge - but possible if needed - since the
components are "asynchronous" to each other.
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
37
T3 and SONET Compatibility
For discussion here, assume essentially a "fast T1"
u T3, provides about 45 Mbps, equivalent of 28 T1s
u SONET provides bandwidth at ~50 Mbps & above
u
Framing structure is much like ESF
Basically a TDM structure with lots of management
hooks built in
International standards (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy SDH) starts at 150 Mbps.
Physical Layer: Dedicated
Bandwidth
Switched Dedicated Bandwidth
u Transport Facility Issues
u Mixing Dedicated and Packet
Technologies/Services
u
Often viewed as an "either-or" (mutually exclusive)
decision
Most realistic solutions are a combination
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
38
Possible Technology Choices
SMDS
Seconds
X.25
Packet
B-ISDN/ATM
Frame Relay
Burst Duration
Minutes
Hours
Dial
Modems
Days
SDBS
Dedicated
Modems
Months
Leased
DDS &
F-T1
T1
T3
SONET
45 mbps
1 Mbps
kbps
Dial
STM SONET
500 Mbps
Speed
"SDBS" = Switched Dedicated Bandwidth Services, or Dial-up "Bandwidth
on Demand" in N x 56/64 kbps to N x T1 increments
Physical/Packet Layer
Combinations
Frame Relay
SMDS
ATM
56/64 kbps
Yes
SMDS DXI
ATM DXI
F-T1
Yes
SMDS DXI
ATM DXI
T1
Yes
Yes
YEs
T3
Yes (demo)
Yes
Yes
SONET
No
No
Yes
N-ISDN
Yes
??
??
Sw. 56
Yes
Maybe
No
Sw. T1
Yes
Maybe
Maybe
Sw. T3
Maybe
Maybe
Maybe
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
39
Switched Services
Switched dedicated bandwidth, SVC, and
connectionless all provide "switched services"
u Switched dedicated services allow "per minute"
connections, especially for access to the local
service point
u SVC & PVC services assume some form of
dedicated bandwidth at the physical layer
u Possible to mix and match to provide best possible
mix of services
u
Switched Service Combinations
Packet Type
Physical
Characteristics
PVC
Dedicated
Typical installation today for Frame
Relay and ATM
PVC
Switched
Provides "virtual modem pool" and/or
reduced access costs
SVC
Dedicated
Traditional SVC arrangement with
dedicated access but changeable
endpoints and wide connectivity
SVC
Switched
Behaves like traditional "Public Data
Network"
Connectionless
Dedicated
Connectionless
Switched
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
SMDS today
Technically feasible if needed
40
Executive Briefing
What are ATM & Frame Relay?
u ATM / Frame Relay Networking Advantages
u ATM & Frame Relay: Technologies, Services, and
Standards
u What About Multimedia?
u Physical Layer: Dedicated Bandwidth
u Future of the Private Network
u
Future of the Private Network
u
Private networks will
continue to exist in some
form. Remember:
Economics
Failure of the Carriers to
Respond to Users' Data
Networking Needs
Network Flexibility and
Competitive Advantages
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
Move to tighter "hybrid"
integration
Broadband packet services
will lead to new transport
mechanism for "private
networks"
Requires shift in philosophy
by vendors, users, and
carriers
New network component:
Access Switches
41
Access Switches
u
Look like a single DTE to
the network
Look and feel of a private
network to the private
network operator
Take advantage of
emerging broadband
packet public network
offerings
DTE
DTE
DTE
Packetized
Interface
DTE
DTE
DTE
DTE
DTE
Access
Switch
DTE
DTE
DTE
Public Packetized
Transport Network
DTE
(ATM/Frame Relay)
DTE
DTE
DTE
DTE
DTE
Private Network-Network Interface
u
Private solution to address lack of carrier NNI
DTE
Allows user to optimize network
DTE
DTE
DTE
DTE
DTE
DTE
DTE
DTE
DTE
DTE
LAP Packetized
Transport Network
(ATM/Frame Relay)
DTE
DTE
WAN ATM or
Frame Relay
Network
DTE
DTE
DTE
DTE
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
42
Hybrid Trunking
u
Hybrid access transport
Can be an enormous help with access line costs,
especially for branch sites
DTE
DACS
Ftn.
DTE
PBX
PSTN /
ISDN
Network
Single
Access
Line
Frame Relay
or ATM
Network
DTE
DTE
PBX
Private Line
(T1/E1 - T3/E3)
Network
Hybrid Access Switches
Access switch for Frame Relay/ATM services
Private line transport when more advantageous
u
Pricing, back up, etc.
DTE
Frame Relay
or ATM
Network
DTE
DTE
DTE
DTE
DTE
DTE
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
DTE
43
Frame Relay, ATM, or IP?
u
IP
May offer excellent pricing
Limited Quality of Service
Needs encryption and authentication
"Politically" very popular
Frame Relay, ATM, or IP?
u
Frame Relay
Available today, Excellent pricing
Inter-LATA & intra-LATA
PVC today; SVC coming
Limited voice support
Sub-T1 to T1; T3 emerging
Easy upgrade; compatible with "legacy" networks
Network or access method
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
44
Frame Relay, ATM, or IP?
u
ATM
Excels at T3 and above
Real-time multimedia
Technology is capable
Not defined available for single-line voice
Real-time video / "imaging"
Available today for high-end applications
LAN/WAN issues
Frame Relay, ATM, or IP?
u
Combination
"Mix and Match" eventually according to applications
and prices
Frame Relay & IP as access technologies
Start gaining benefits
Migration paths to ATM when (or if) needed
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
45
Frame Relay / ATM Interoperability
u
Network Interworking
Specification already in place
Frame Relay transport over ATM
Limited Frame Relay <> ATM (SSCS)
Frame Relay
ATM
ATM
Transport
Network
Network Interworking
u
Advantages
It works
Not bad for frame relay transport
Disadvantages
Requires FR-SSCS
Not otherwise necessary in ATM device
ATM device must know frame relay
PVCs only
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
46
Frame Relay / ATM Interoperability
Network Interworking
u Service Interworking
u
Specifications ratified
Complete translation
Frame Relay
ATM
ATM
Transport
Network
Service Interworking
u
Advantages
Provides needed translation
Transparent to users
Disadvantages
Still must translate Multiprotocol Encapsulation
RFC 1490 vs. RFC 1483 (reminder)
PVCs only
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
47
Network and Service Interworking
Provide necessary functions
u ATM and Frame Relay stay separate
u
Well defined frame/cell boundaries
u
Should work for Frame Relay to/from F-UNI
translation
Even though translation shouldnt be needed
Widespread adoption planned
Executive Briefing: Summary
What are ATM & Frame Relay?
u ATM / Frame Relay Networking Advantages
u ATM & Frame Relay: Technologies, Services, and
Standards
u What About Multimedia?
u Physical Layer: Dedicated Bandwidth
u Future of the Private Network
u
Copyright, 1999. Distributed NEtworking Associates,
Inc.
48