What do I need to test frame relay with cisco router?

[ejgilles]

I'm looking to practice frame relay using my cisco 2503 routers. Can anyone tell me what equipment I would need to purchase? Or is what I have enough to practice with.

Also, just curious how does frame relay work in the real world. Does your ISP drop a line into your cisco router and all you need to do is make sure your router has the proper configuration.

 

[burtsbees]

Usually frame relay is done with T1 lines, older with 56K modem lines. But yes---the T1 config is done on your end, but the ISP will usually supply the equipment with the rpoper configs, it all just depends.

How many 2503's do you have? The 2503 is perfect for a frame switch for two frame relay connections, but a router with more serial connections is needed for a hub and spoke type config...

Burt

 

[ashu6]

Yes you can use 2503 router to practice Frame relay configuration. But remember 25XX is legacy now, use 18XX or 28XX if available.

Telcos usually sell frame relay to businesses looking for a cheaper alternative to dedicated lines.

Mostly used from the edge to the customer, or used between Local Area Networks over the Wide Area network.

Lot of information is available at cisco.

Basic configuration on 2503:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/tech/tk365/technologies_configuration_example09186a0080094054.shtml

 

[ejgilles]

Thanks a lot guys. I have 2 2503's and about to get a third. Is the configuration for setting up frame relay on 2500 different from a 2800. If so, I'll look at getting a 2800 instead

 

[burtsbees]

You can actually set up a back to back frame relay with two routers, without a frame switch...

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/tech/tk713/tk237/technologies_configuration_example09186a0080094a3c.shtml

Burt