Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Practice Exam

What does the term 'DLCI' stand for in Frame Relay technology?

1. Data Link Channel Identifier

2. Data Link Connection Identifier

3. Dynamic Link Control Identifier

4. Data Link Communication Identifier

The correct answer is: Data Link Connection Identifier

The term 'DLCI' stands for Data Link Connection Identifier in Frame Relay technology. This identifier is crucial because it uniquely distinguishes each logical connection (or virtual circuit) on a Frame Relay network. Each DLCI corresponds to a specific virtual circuit, allowing the network to direct frames to the correct destination. In the context of Frame Relay, the DLCI is used in the header of a frame to indicate which virtual circuit the frame is associated with, facilitating the routing of data between devices connected to the Frame Relay switch. Knowing how DLCIs operate is foundational for understanding how data is encapsulated and transmitted over Frame Relay networks, as they allow multiple logical connections to share the same physical link efficiently. The other options, while they may seem plausible, do not accurately describe the function and definition of DLCI as it is utilized in Frame Relay systems. The specific terminology is key to grasping how Frame Relay manages connections and maintains efficient communication across network environments.