Sprint International has launched an international network for data communications using the Frame Relay packet switching technique and claims is up to 10 times faster than X25. Data transmission will be between 256Kbps and 2Mbps, compared with a typical 64Kbps achieved with the X25 protocol. The Frame Relay network will use the existing Sprint fibre optic network and is aimed primarily at local area network to local and wide area network connections. Because it is aimed at internetworking rather than direct connections to terminals, as X25 is, the Frame Relay protocol is balder, containing no routing or error correction instructions – the network relies on end user devices such as front end processors and routers. Data throughput and bandwidth rates are therefore higher. But flexibi-lity in setting calls up is lower and the network cannot be used for direct terminal connection. The network has a statistically multiplexed interface standard and conforms to two layers of the Open Systems Interconnection network model – compared to the three that Sprint’s X25 adheres to. As well as using the fibre network, Frame Relay will also make use of Sprint’s multiple-port TP4900 switches. In large locations the switches will be dedicated, either to the X25 or the Frame Relay network although in outlying places one switch will support both. Sprint is aiming at replacing point-to-point internetworking private line connections especially those with bursty, high speed data requirements. Target applications also include three or more network points in a meshed network configuration and SNA networks. The network will be available in the US, the UK and Japan via the SprintNet network. In the UK and Japan, the network will be accessed via US Sprint’s International Value Added network; other locations will follow deregulation.
