Question : Frame Relay - when to use a FRAD and/or CSU/DSU?

Does someone have experience in having to set up a F/R, and decide, based on their Lan configuration, whether or not to use a FRAD and/or CSU/DSU at the terminations of the PVC's?  I can find definitions of the different device but no clear guidelines on when to use which type of equipment.  

Answer : Frame Relay - when to use a FRAD and/or CSU/DSU?

Generally . . .

A FRAD has less functionality than a router. For example, when you buy a Cisco router with Enterprise software you get support for Vines, Decnet, Borroughs poll select, and on and on. You also get all sorts of features on routers such as network address translation, HTTP servers, interface and protocol redundancy. Again, FRADs tend to be vanilla versions of routers. This is for the most part a marketing distinction however. FRADs are manufactured by vendors that cant break into the market that Cisco has locked.

Protocol availability, cost and lack of complexity are usually the deciding factors in purchasing a FRAD instead of a router.

Offer up some more detail. I have used Motorola and Sync Research FRADs. And I have experience with 3Com, Cisco and Nortel/Bay routers.

Good luck.
Steve