Data-Link Connection Identifier

Data-Link Connection Identifier ( DLCI ) is a term from network technology , specifically frame relay technology. This is a packet -switching technology, but it also includes aspects of a circuit-switching network. This is made possible by virtual channels that represent a route through the frame relay network. An identifier is assigned to each of these channels. In order to route a packet through the network, it is provided with a DLCI of the corresponding channel ID.

A frame relay switch consists of a number of inputs and outputs as well as a relatively simple table that assigns a pair of input and DLCI to a pair of output and DLCI. On the basis of this information, the switch decides which packet to forward where.