CARRIER ETHERNET IN THE ACCESS METRO AND CORE

From it's beginnings in optical Metro, Carrier Ethernet has expanded to the access and beyond traversing an ever increasing variety of technologies. 

The architecture of Carrier Ethernet allows movement of data from UNI to UNI across "the network" with this layered architecture

When traffic moves between ETH domains is does so at the TRAN layer, This allows Carrier Ethernet traffic to be agnostic to the networks that it traverses. When it reaches the edge of a Carrier Ethernet Network the data is transmitted to the user as its original Ethernet frames

Carrier Ethernet Services Operate independent of the physical networks

This Creates a single service connection from Enterprise or business office, in a single person office, or on the road.

In the Metro and First Mile Ethernet is becoming the network of choice with migration from Frame Services.

Carrier Ethernet in the Access

The most active area of development in the MEF. Several areas of activity are expanding the reach of Carrier Ethernet well beyond its original scope.

These are:

Ethernet Access for Mobile Back haul Wireless Mesh Networks (Wireless Ethernet) Ethernet over Copper Wireless Optical Mesh Carrier Ethernet over
Hybrid Fiber Coax (HFC) Ethernet over TDM

See the Presentations and White Paper Sections of the Information Center for details of all the access technologies.


Carrier Ethernet in the Metro

The MEF's mission states that Ethernet Services for metro transport networks
shall be delivered over native Ethernet-based Metro networks and could also be supported by other transport technologies.

It's all about the service. The underlying principal is that the attributes of Carrier Ethernet are met. Specifically, while the Optical Ethernet is ideally suited in the
Metro, other aggregation networks may also meet the requirements or provide
viable alternatives either during a transition stage or indeed for the long term.
The goal remains the same to provide a Service that meets the requirements of ubiquity and scalability, performance and quality of service, is simple to manage,
is targeted to be always available and delivers a standardized and granular service.

Carrier Ethernet in the Core, National and Global Network

To match the agnostic nature of the architecture, the MEF merely expresses the preference for simplicity in the core of the network (or where data is being
transported globally), rather than any specific technology or proprietary solution.

These developments signal vast potential scalability beyond the original intention of Metro Optical Networks. Realization of these access technologies extends the reach from an Enterprises' principal worldwide offices to local branches, small business and individuals operating from an office or their own residence.