Dedicated information rate

What is Dedicated Information Rate?
In Frame Relay networks, the Committed Information Rate (CIR) is the bandwidth allocated to a logical link in a permanent virtual link (PVC). The bandwidth is guaranteed by the provider, even if other customers share the same physical connection via Frame Relay. The bandwidth is expressed in kilobits per second.

Frame relay networks allow multiple customers to share the same physical lines over virtual links. Because different customers have different bandwidth requirements, providers can use a fixed information rate to schedule faster connections to those who need them. A streaming video provider operating a content delivery network requires more throughput than a customer who, for example, primarily sends text data. Under a CIR, a customer is guaranteed a certain bandwidth within the framework of a service level agreement. Frame relay connections are normally also breakable at an excess information rate (EIR) or peak information rate (PIR).