Abstract: A data communications network consists of a number of interconnected nodes and a network station having a memory. The memory stores a data base containing predefined circuit provisioning information for a number of users. A user accesses the frame relay network by dialing into the network via an ISDN connection. When the user calls into the network, signaling information is received at a first node of the network and passed to the network station. The signaling information includes automatic number identification (ANI) information which identifies the calling user. The network station uses the ANI to index the data base and retrieve associated circuit provisioning information. The circuit provisioning information is used to automatically install a circuit according to the predefined information. In this way, the user is provided with dial access to the frame relay network.

Abstract: A data communications system consists of a number of interconnected nodes forming a frame relay network. A user accesses the network by dialing in via a dial access server (DAS). The DAS-to-frame relay interface supports CCITT Recommundation Q.931 protocols for call control. A data link connection identifier (DLCI) for use in the DAS-to-frame relay network interface is provided in a Q.931 call establishment message.