Columbus, Ohio-based Compuserve Inc is to upgrade the backbone of its value added data network, using the frame relay standard for fast packet switching. The frame relay method of transmitting data is gaining popularity among data carriers and resellers that currently use X25 packet-switched networks. SWIFT, the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications banking network giant, recently ordered $6m worth of frame relay swtiches for its international network and Quick Europe Ltd, which operates a pan-European financial service has also committed to the technology. CompuServe has bought 38 fast packet IPX T-1 networking systems from California-based StrataCom Inc, which developed the fast packet technology. At CompuServe, the system will supplement the information provider’s X25 network offering and will enable CompuServe to expand 9,600bps dial-up access on its network to 150 US cities by April 1992. The frame relay service will provide CompuServe’s packet network customers with high-speed bandwidth on demand for data transmission and applications such as interconnecting local area networks and point-of-sale credit authorisation. The technology will also be used in CompuServe’s Information Service on-line information service for personal computer owners.
