or Frame Relay Assembler/Disassembler) A device that assembles and disassembles frame relay frames. A FRAD is data communications equipment (DCE) that can be in the form of a standalone device, although it is generally embedded under the skin of a router or other device. The FRAD connects from the customer premises across a digital local loop, such as an E-1 or T1, to the frame relay network device (FRND) at the edge of the carrier network.The FRAD can be located at the network edge in support of dial-up users. See also carrier, DCE, E-1, frame, frame relay, FRND, local loop, router, and T1.