THE CCNP EXAM TOPICS COVERED IN THIS
CHAPTER INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
Describe how different WAN technologies can be used to
provide remote access to a network, including asynchronous
dial-in, Frame Relay, ISDN, cable modem, and DSL.
Describe traffic control methods used to manage traffic flow
on WAN links.
Explain the operation of remote network access control
methods.
Identify PPP components, and explain the use of PPP as an
access and encapsulation method.
Configure Frame Relay operation and traffic control on
WAN links.
Design a Cisco Frame Relay infrastructure to provide access
between remote network components.
Troubleshoot nonfunctional remote access systems.
The use of
packet-switching
protocols has become the most
popular method for moving traffic across a wide area network
(WAN). One particular packet-switching protocol—Frame
Relay—has become the dominant player in the packet-switching market. Other methods of
passing data between routers across the WAN include dedicated lines, time division multiplexing
(TDM), ATM, ISDN, DSL, and others.
NOTE:
Because DSL is so much cheaper and faster than Frame Relay, it could eventually
replace Frame Relay and ISDN as the dominant player in the WAN markets.
As network sizes increase, you should pay particular attention to how DSL is
playing a larger role in network deployment. However, DSL presently has too
many distance limitations to completely replace Frame Relay anytime soon.
Understanding the theory and function of Frame Relay is important for numerous reasons.
Not only is it still tested on Cisco’s Remote Access exam, but when you get a Cisco-related job,
you will most likely see quite a few networks that depend on Frame Relay. Mastery of the information
covered in this chapter will enable you to gain an in-depth understanding of how and
why you would implement Frame Relay on your internetwork. This chapter goes over what
Frame Relay is, the components of Frame Relay, Frame Relay configuration, and how to verify
that Frame Relay is running properly.