Release Notes for Router Software Version 11.00 Revision 4n
114968-A Rev. A 25
Group Access Mode
In group access mode, upper-layer protocols treat each Frame Relay network
interface as a single access point to the switched network. The upper-layer
protocols use a single network address to send all traffic destined for the switched
network to the Frame Relay network interface. When you configure each router,
you assign only one network address, for example an IP or IPX address, to the
Frame Relay interface, not to each PVC. The DLCMI dynamically configures
PVCs; you do not need to explicitly configure them.
Group access mode advantages are that it
• Supports all protocols.
• Simplifies network addressing because you define and associate only one
protocol address with the Frame Relay interface.
• Is easy to configure.
• Conserves resources because it requires a small number of circuits.
Its disadvantages are that it
• Allows only one group of PVCs per Frame Relay connection.
• Uses large amount of buffer space during broadcasts.
• Increases customer costs because it has only a single broadcast domain.
Service Records and Group Mode
Service records retain all of the advantages of group mode. Service records also
• Allow multiple groups of PVCs per Frame Relay connection.
• Enable you to gather multiple PVCs for each network protocol into a separate
group or service record, thereby reducing the number of buffers needed per
circuit during broadcasts.
• Lower customer costs by creating multiple broadcast domains.
Using service records to define Frame Relay removes the need to think in terms of
group mode.
