Frame relay is a viable alternative in bandwidth sharing. There is no doubt that it is a legitimate topic for a graduate program in data communications or an advanced undergraduate course. If the author plans to market the text to an undergraduate audience, however, he will have to add a problem section.

The real advantage of Cavanaugh’s book is the practical nature of the material. After an introductory chapter on frame relay fundamentals (and misconceptions about frame relay), the rest of the book explores applications and enhancements of frame relay, using real case studies.

Part 2 of the book concentrates on business applications of frame relay. Chapter 2 details several models that justify the cost of frame relay in business settings. Examples include the raw cost savings model, the Kriensian bottom-line contribution model, the productivity improvement model, the cost displacement model, the increased sales or revenues model, and the intangible model. The section concludes with chapter 3, on the frame relay marketplace and current issues in frame relay use. The author explains several technical aspects of frame relay, including its relationship to the ISO/OSI reference model and the world of broadband model. There are sections on history and standards and on relay function and format. Among the current and interesting material in the book is the chapter on frame relay-to-ATM internetworking.

Part 3 presents conceptual case studies. Four chapters deal with traditional terminal traffic, migration to distributed computing, LAN-to-LAN applications, and LAN internetworking.

Part 4 presents real-life case studies. There are examples of frame relay applications at IBM, Greyhound, TeleChoice, Debris Systemhaus, UUNet Technologies, and the Allen Lund Company. Part 5 speculates on the future of frame relay. An appendix on frame relay resources and a bibliography round out the book.

The text is well written and well documented. It is ideal for IS professionals. It is also of value to graduate students, but in order for it to provide maximum benefit in the classroom, a problem section would have to be added.