OVERVIEW OF THE MEF

About the MEF …

Purpose

Mission

The MEF’s mission is to accelerate the worldwide adoption of Carrier-class Ethernet networks and services.

Objectives

1. Build consensus and unite service providers, equipment vendors and end customers on Ethernet service definition, technical specifications and interoperability.
2. Facilitate implementation of existing and new standards, Ethernet service definition, test procedures and technical specifications of the MEF to allow delivery of Ethernet services and make Carrier Ethernet-based core, metro and access networks truly carrier class.
3. Enhance worldwide awareness of the benefits of Ethernet services, enabled applications and Ethernet based networks.

Priorities and Scope

The primary priorities of the MEF are to define:

1. Ethernet Services for metro transport networks:
   Such services shall be delivered over native Ethernet-based Metro networks and could also be supported by other transport technologies.
2. Carrier-class Ethernet-based metro transport technologies by:
   Specifying architecture, protocols and management for Ethernet-based metro transport networks
   Supporting such Ethernet Services.

The secondary priorities of the MEF are (when deemed necessary) to define:

1. Work to be done by other organizations on other transport technologies
2. Non-Ethernet interfaces, if not defined by other organizations.

MEF Deliverables

1. Implementation Agreements on existing standards
   
2. Test Procedures
   
3. Position Statements to  propose new standards for existing standards bodies
   
4. Technical Specifications of new standards in the MEF
   
5. Marketing evangelism and collateral
   
6. Certification Programs
   
7. Education Programs and Demonstrations
   
8. Practical examples of Implementation of Carrier Ethernet

How it works

Most members send representatives to MEF Quarterly member meetings held in North America and Europe.

History & Milestones

2001

• The MEF was formed in 2001 to develop ubiquitous business services for Enterprise users principally accessed over optical metropolitan networks to connect their Enterprise LANs.
• Founded by Nan Chen (founding President) and Ron Young (Chairman 2001- 2003) with 16 initial member companies. Bob Klessig and Paul Bottorf lead the Technical committee. Mark Whalley appointed VP of Marketing

2002

• First Technology demonstration of Ethernet Services at Supercomm 2003.

2003

• MEF Board Expands. Mark Fishburn appointed Chairman of the Board (2003-2006).
• First MEF Specification published.
• Bill Bjorkman joins as Technical Committee Co-chair.
  
  

2004

• Eight specifications published.
• Bob Metcalfe joins as Advisory director.
• First Large Multi-vendor demonstration of Ethernet Services at SuperComm Chicago.
• Daniel Bar-Lev appointed Marketing Co-Chair.

2005

• Definition of Carrier Ethernet (Standardized Services, Scalability, Reliability, Quality of Service, Service Management)
• Definition of MEF Certification program.
• Three MEF Specifications published.
• Adoption of the MEF Certification Program.
• Worldwide services traversing national and global networks.
• Access networks to provide availability to a much wider class of user over fiber, copper, cable, PON, and wireless
• Economy of scale from the resulting converged business, residential and wireless networks sharing the same infrastructure and services.
• MEF introduces Carrier Ethernet Service Provider of the Year awards for North America. This expands to Europe and Asia.
• Scalability & rapid deployment of business applications.
• Large Multi-vendor demonstration of Carrier Ethernet at Globalcomm.

2006

• Mike Tighe appointed as Chairman of the Board.
• Appointment of Kevin Vachon as COO as first professional management of the MEF.
• Rapid Expansion of membership to over 100 members.
• Expansion from Metro to Access and Wireless Networks.
• Carrier Ethernet Attributes defined.
• Two new MEF specifications published.

2007

• Carrier Ethernet launched in India.
• 320 Systems, 45 Equipment Manufacturers, 17 Service Providers Certified.
• Three new MEF Specifications published.
• Louise Wasileswki appointed Co-Chair of Marketing.

2008

• Following retirement of founding Technical Chair, Bob Klessig, Paul Bottorff returns as Technical Committee co-chair.
• Marketing now organized under three regional chairs.
• Expansion of Carrier Ethernet into Mobile Backhaul Networks.
• Membership exceeds 150.

2009

• APAC Membership Continues to Grow.
• New Zealand Gears up for Carrier Ethernet Expansion.
• Ethernet Academy for Peer Reviewed Papers, Moderated Forums, Groups, Community Launched and adds Live Chat, Personal web pages, Podcasting.
• 500+ Systems, 75 Equipment Manufacturers, 30 Service Providers Certified. 1000s Tests Conducted, 750+ Certifications Granted.
• MEF Enhances and launches Service Provider Awards Program & Winners Announced.
• Unveils Industry Certification Program for Link OAM.
• MEF Elects 2010 Board Members.
• Development and Introduction of the MEF Global Interconnect Program. 
• Multiple Technical Specifications Published.  (see chart below)
• MEF Hosted Ethernet Business Services Seminars in Bangalore,Delhi, Mumbai. 

2010

• MEF 26 - Extended Ethernet to Ethernet (ENNI) and MEF 7.1 EMS-NMS Ratified.
• Ethernet Academy reaches over 1000 registered Carrier Ethernet Experts.
• Global Interconnect Announced.

2011

MEF Launches Certification Program for Carrier Ethernet Professionals.  Industry recognition for individuals with knowledge and skills to drive growth in Carrier Ethernet services.  Click here The First MEF Certified Professionals Announced. Ethernet Academy reaches over 3000 registered Carrier Ethernet Experts.

2012