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Reducing Frame Size without Fragmentation can be problematic

Article Number: P002
Article Type: Problem
Modified: January 7, 1999

SYMPTOMS

In an Athena network, traffic that is forwarded across the network may be lost depending upon the frame size.

CAUSE

Within the Frame Relay Call Group configuration, you may select a frame size smaller than the default. When set, the Frame Relay traffic must be within the size specified. If a frame is received that is larger than this maximum frame size, it will be discarded.

SOLUTION

The default frame size within the Frame Relay Call Group is 2000 bytes, which will accommodate most all traffic types. However, if you must reduce the frame size supported in your network, you may want to consider using fragmentation. Fragmentation will split larger frames into smaller ones so that they will fit within the maximum frame size specified. Without fragmentation, traffic can be discarded.

In general, there is usually no need to reduce the frame size, but there are compelling reasons to turn on fragmentation. Particularly when transporting Voice traffic through the Athena/Access network.

REFERENCES

For further details regarding the Frame Relay Frame Size and the use of Fragmentation, please consult the Athena/Access User Guides. §

Copyright © 1998 Develcon Electronics Ltd.  All Rights Reserved.