When a router that is connected to a Frame Relay network is started, it sends an LMI status inquiry message to the network. The network replies with an LMI status message containing details of every VC configured on the access link.

Periodically the router repeats the status inquiry, but subsequent responses include only status changes. After a set number of these abbreviated responses, the network will send a full status message.

If the router needs to map the VCs to network layer addresses, it will send an Inverse ARP message on each VC. The Inverse ARP message includes the network layer address of the router, so the remote DTE, or router, can also perform the mapping. The Inverse ARP reply allows the router to make the necessary mapping entries in its address to DLCI map table. If several network layer protocols are supported on the link, Inverse ARP messages will be sent for each.