Frame Relay Forum ratifies multicast implementation agreement

Business Wire, Dec 12, 1994

FOSTER CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 12, 1994--The Frame Relay Forum has formally approved the Frame Relay Multicast Implementation Agreement that gives users more flexibility and control of network data flow.

With the multicast feature, which is possible in three configurations, frame relay networks can support point-to-multipoint frame delivery services. These services can be accessed by users through standard frame relay PVCs.

"Frame relay is popular because it continues to provide users and vendors with a lot of flexibility and economic benefits," stated Alan Taffel, president of the Frame Relay Forum. "The multicast IA further extends the adaptability of frame relay for both users and vendors."

The multicast feature will allow users to send frames simultaneously to multiple destinations in one of three configurations: One-Way, Two-Way and N-Way.

One-Way Multicast specifically addresses the needs of router interconnection. In this configuration, routers maintain the normal connections to their peer routers but have an extra PVC. Frames transmitted on this PVC will be delivered to all of the neighboring routers.

U S WEST, a member of the Frame Relay Forum, is one service provider that has just announced the commercial availability of one-way multicast. "The multicast feature can provide greater efficiency for router interconnection and other broadcast applications," said Andrea Vento, product manager at !NTERPRISE Networking Services from U S WEST. "For example, management traffic, such as routing updates, can be transmitted to peer routers simultaneously."

Two-Way Multicast allows a single point or "root" to multicast data units to a specified group of users. Frames transmitted by the root are seen by all the other group members; frames transmitted by the other group members are delivered only to the root. This configuration is ideal for such applications as remote learning and the distribution of continuous information such as the Stock Ticker. Two-way multicast also allows emulation of polled protocols such as BiSync and SDLC over frame relay.

N-Way Multicast allows multipoint transmission from any point within a specified group of users. Frames sent by any member of the group is seen by all the other members. This configuration is particularly useful for conferencing applications and distributed simulation.

How to Obtain the Multicast IA

To obtain a free copy of the Multicast IA, call the Frame Relay at 415/578-6980 and request Implementation Agreement FRF.7. The IA can be downloaded directly from the Internet at http://frame-relay.indiana.edu and ftp://frame-relay.indiana.edu:/pub/frame-relay, Facts-By-Fax at 415/688-4317 or from the InfoExchange on CompuServe.

About the Frame Relay Forum

The Frame Relay Forum is an organization, open to vendors and users, dedicated to promoting the acceptance, implementation and interoperability of frame relay based on national and international standards. The Forum was incorporated in May 1991 as a non-profit mutual corporation and has over 300 members worldwide. Offices are located in North America, Australia/New Zealand, Europe and Japan. For more information and/or a free applications guide that illustrates how frame relay is benefitting businesses around the globe call 415/578-6980.

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NOTE TO EDITORS: Facts-by-Fax and InfoExchange are trademarks of the Frame Relay Forum.

CONTACT: Frame Relay Forum

              Alan Taffel, 703/205-8447
              Corporate Communication Strategies
              Lisa Morgan, 408/377-8477