T1 - Frame Relay Access Probe (T-FRAP)

The T-FRAP is a Frame Relay Access Probe with an embedded SNMP agent and T1/FT1 DSU/CSU. Part of the robust family of FRAP devices, the T-FRAP offers advanced in-band management which allows the device to be SNMP-managed remotely without the use of an external SLIP, PPP or LAN connection. This eliminates router dependency and management cables and it improves reliability.

The T-FRAP independently monitors the frame relay network and provides valuable network performance statistics on frame relay traffic as well as the ability to trend application protocol usage for adjustable, local unit collection periods.

Features

• Collects information on frame relay environments such as DE, FECN/BECN, LMI and more
• Monitors performance of SNA, IP, IPX and other transport protocols and tracks application usage by socket protocols, such as HTTP, SMTP and many others, using the Pro-Act software module
• Pro-Act module maintains statistics locally on the T-FRAP for up to 4 days, reducing polling activity
• VT-100/TELNET access and PING support
• TFTP software downloadable over the network
• 90 day warranty

Benefits
Every frame relay network that employs T-FRAP technology will experience substantial benefits:

• calibrate network resources to fit application requirements – this reduces network operating costs
• minimize network downtime by anticipating and pinpointing problems before they strike – this prevents costly network outages and maximizes network availability
• minimize technical support personnel needed by providing effective, but simple-to-use management tools – this saves labor costs and maximizes productivity
• optimize application of network resources and improve network availability with comprehensive information for network planning – this maximizes business revenues

Applications

• The T-FRAP can be used at the central site to provide frame relay access for routers and Frame Relay Access Devices (FRADs) and to monitor traffic and provide statistics on the frame relay network.
• The T-FRAP can be used for monitoring T1/FT1 remote sites.
• The T-FRAP collects and routes network management data back to the central site without requiring local LAN access.

Trend Analysis and Circuit Management

• The T-FRAP gathers frame relay statistics which provide vital network utilization information for both end users and carriers. These statistics, used independently or in conjunction with VITAL's Performance Manager, produce graphics-based trending reports, enabling network managers to analyze network performance over time, calibrate bandwidth and pinpoint potential problem sources before they affect users.

VNIP Provides Troubleshooting Tools for Virtual Networks

• Virtual Network Interactive Protocol (VNIP) is a software protocol that enables network operators to gain visibility of their virtual network to ease troubleshooting and network planning and to ensure quality of service. While virtual topologies, such as frame relay, result in significant cost savings, the traditional, point-to-point network troubleshooting tools are no longer available. VNIP architecture gives T-FRAP users visibility into the network "cloud" to automatically discover end-points and potentially provide other valuable services such as network latency delay measurement and logical per PVC loopbacks.

Advanced In-Band Management
The T-FRAP provides five SNMP access methods:

1. Piggyback (In-Band Injection) – injects management packets into data stream during quiet traffic periods. It is designed to deliver SNMP information without adding a significant network latency burden. Requires no cables and is independent of the router. It even continues to deliver information should the router fail.
2. Local Data Link Connection Identifier (DLCI) – a private DLCI provisioned between the router and the T-FRAP allows the exchange of SNMP traffic. The local DLCI configuration provides a cost-effective management solution without the use of SLIP, PPP or costly LAN attachment methods at no extra cost to the user.
3. Remote DLCI – allows a central site or carrier NOC to monitor the remote T-FRAP via a separate management PVC without passing through the remote router.
4. Bi-directional – local and remote DLCI methods enabled simultaneously; allows both carrier and customer to examine information collected by the T-FRAP.
5. SLIP – allows operators access via SNMP or TELNET using an optional SLIP connection if desired.

Specifications
Unit monitors 100 user-selected PVCs and supports an unlimited number of unmonitored PVCs for data.

IP(TCP & UDP) – TCP, UDP, FTP, TELNET, SMTP, TFTP, HTTP, NetBIOS, SNMP, SNMPTRAP, OSPF, RIP, and more

IP (ICMP) – Echo_Request, Echo_Reply, Destination_Unreachable, Source_Quench, Redirect, Time_Exceeded, Parameter_Problem, Timestamp_Request, Timestamp_Reply, Address_Mask_Request, Address_Mask_Reply, Packet _Too_Big, Group_Membership_Query, Group_Membership_Report, Group_Membership _Reduction

IPX – SPX, NCP, SAP, RIP, NetBIOS, and more

ARP – ARP_Request, ARP_Reply, RARP_Request, RARP_Reply, INARP_Request, INARP_Reply

SNA – Subarea, Peripheral, APPN, NetBIOS

User Definable – Allows user to select up to 4 other protocol types for collection

The following features are available for both the T-FRAP and T-FRAP with Pro-Act

Frame Relay Support

• LMI Type 1 (original)
• ANSI T1.617 Annex D
• ITU Q.933 Annex A
• RFC 1490

Frame Relay Statistics Per PVC

• FECN & BECN Indicators
• Data throughput
• Packet (Frame) Count
• Aborted Frames
• Bad CRC
• Discard Eligible Packet
• CIR report

MIBs Supported

• SNMP MIB II (RFC 1213)
• T1 Serial Transmission MIB (RFC 1406)
• Frame Relay Transmission MIB (RFC 1315)
• Enterprise MIB 485

Network Interfaces

• Recommended Cable – Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
• Line Rate – 1.536 Mbps
• Line Type – T1 Circuit (AT&T Pub. 62411, 54019A)
• Physical Interface – RJ-48C
• Density Monitoring – 1 of 16, 1 of 64, 12.5%, None
• Clocking Modes – Internal, External, Recovered from Network (Loop)

Data Port Interfaces

• Data Rates Supported – Nx56 Kbps; Nx64 Kbps
• Interface Type – Winchester 34 pin standard pin-out
  M-Block (Female)

Integral DSU/CSU Compatibility

• T1 Support – AT&T Pubs 62411, 54019A, 54016
• ESF Support – AT&T Pubs 54016, ANSI T1.403 (also
  supports D4)
• Certifications – FCC Part 15 Class A; Part 68; UL/CUL Listed; DOC31

Download Capabilities

• TFTP down-line loadable; local; remote via modem

SNMP and Other Access Methods

• Asynchronous SLIP
• Local and Remote DLCI
• Bi-directional – local and remote DLCI simultaneously
• Piggyback (Inband Injection)
• VT-100/ASCII, SLIP/TELNET, front panel LCD & key pad

Physical Characteristics

• Height 1.5 in (3.81cm)
• Width 7.5 in. (19.05cm)
• Depth 10.5 in. (26.67cm)
• Weight 3.0 lbs w/power supply (1.36kg); 5 lbs (2.23kg) shipping weight

Power

• 110 to 230 VAC
• Power dissipation 10 Watts/18 BTUs per hour

Operating Environment

• 32° to 122° F (0° to 50° C)
• 0% to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing

Diagnostics

• V.54 Set/Clear DTE loopback
• Aggregate and remote loopback
• Bi-directional DTE interface loopback
• QRSS/511 Test Pattern
• PING Support
• T1 Net interface & payload loopbacks

Warranty

• 90 day