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Orbitor Frame Relay Auto-Learning

Article Number: I019
Article Type: Info
Modified: September 31, 1999

SUMMARY

The Orbitor simplifies the configuration of a Frame Relay circuit by its ability to learn both the configured LMI and the active DLCIs on a given link. This article overviews this powerful capability.

MORE INFORMATION

If you've just purchased an Orbitor 530, 5100 or a 6100, and you want to install it on a new Frame Relay circuit just delivered by your provider, you need not worry about the complexities of PVCs, link management and other issues of Frame Relay. In fact, the Orbitor contains a key feature that will have you up and running on this new circuit in short-order.

The Frame Relay auto-learning features of the Orbitor will allow it to learn both the specific Link Management protocol the provider is using as well as determining the PVCs that are presently active on the link. Both features allow you to get the Orbitor up and running without having to remember the DLCIs you were supposed to use.

Auto-LMI Detection

The Orbitor supports all three (3) main link management protocols used in Frame Relay circuits; they are LMI, ANSI-Annex D, and CCITT-Annex A. Sometimes knowing which one to use is not always obvious. The Orbitor makes this simple by detecting exactly which management protocol the circuit needs and then setting the configuration accordingly.

If the Orbitor experiences an error during this detection phase, it will be reported in the Network Events of the unit. Often, the presence of an error means that the Frame Relay circuit is not yet fully functional, and that you may need to contact your Frame Relay service provider for specific circuit support.

Auto-DLCI Detection

Once the management protocol has been detected, the Orbitor will learn the individual PVCs active on the link. This is completed by listening to the Full Status Reports provided by the Frame Relay network.

When the Orbitor detects the presence of a DLCI, it will automatically create a Remote Site entry in its configuration and will try to communicate with the router on the other side of the DLCI.

The Orbitor will continue to create a remote site for each new DLCI that is found.

Benefits

There are many benefits of this unique feature. Not only is the configuration greatly simplified, but the ability to detect incorrect configurations is also amplified. It is not unheard of to receive incorrect DLCI information from the Frame Relay provider, and the Orbitor can show these errors by reporting which DLCIs are truly active.

REFERENCES

If you require additional detail on this unique set of features, please consult the Orbitor Reference manual. §

Copyright © 1999 Develcon Electronics Ltd.  All Rights Reserved.