Frame Relay supports the multiplexing of traffic from multiple connections over a shared physical link. It uses hardware components that include router frames, bridges, and switches to pack data into individual frame relay messages. Each connection uses a 10-bit Data Link Connection Identifier (DLCI) for unique channel addressing. There are two types of connections :
* Permanent Virtual Circuits (PVCs) for persistent connections are intended to be maintained for long periods even if data is not actively transferred.
* Switched Virtual Circuits (SVCs) for temporary connections that last only one session.
Frame Relay then places the data in a variable-size unit called a frame and leaves any necessary error correction (data retransmission) until the endpoints, speeding up the overall transmission of data.
