A significant development in network connectivity over the past few years has been the nationwide rise of Carrier Ethernet services, and this trend is gaining momentum. Here’s why you should consider it for more affordable metropolitan, long-distance, and last-mile connections using the Ethernet protocol.

You might be wondering about the buzz surrounding Carrier Ethernet, especially since bonded T1, DS3, and SONET fiber optic services have been available for years and their prices have been steadily declining. Is there really a need for another technical standard?

The answer is yes, primarily because Ethernet is the future of connectivity. Traditional transport technologies like T1, DS3, and SONET were developed by telephone companies before computer-to-computer communication became dominant. They were designed to carry numerous low-bandwidth phone conversations, with each channel using 64 Kbps. These channels are combined, like train cars, to create T1 lines at 1.5 Mbps, DS3 bandwidth at 45 Mbps, and SONET fiber optic services ranging from 155 Mbps to 10 or 40 Gbps. This method is known as Time Division Multiplexing (TDM).

However, digitized phone calls are no longer the primary traffic on networks. Today, data, VoIP voice, and video dominate. These utilize IP-based protocols, a packet-switching technology that also forms the foundation of Ethernet. As networks modernize to support packet protocols over circuit-switched TDM, core networks are being redesigned for direct IP support. Carrier Ethernet has emerged as the standard carrier service to replace older telco-provided options.

The Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF), a standards body, is further solidifying this shift to Carrier Ethernet. They provide technical specifications ensuring compatibility between providers, preventing chaos and enabling seamless traffic exchange between networks.

A key driver behind Carrier Ethernet’s success is the MEF’s E-NNI (Ethernet Network to Network Interface) standard. Carriers implementing E-NNI can easily exchange traffic, expanding their reach into each other’s territories. This transforms small regional or national carriers into global players without requiring each to have infrastructure everywhere.

Currently, most carriers are expanding their services. Tw telecom, for instance, offers national Ethernet service, including their “one-to-many” E-Access product. This is especially beneficial for content providers and others needing to distribute large data volumes quickly and affordably. As a wholesale service, it benefits carriers connecting to businesses nationwide without building their own fiber networks.

Integra Telecom now provides E-LAN (Ethernet LAN) service, a standardized MEF Ethernet service offering multipoint-to-multipoint Layer 2 VPN. Connecting multiple LANs across locations at the OSI Layer 2 level allows corporations to create extensive bridged networks spanning the country.

Other providers offer low-latency fiber optic connections between the United States, Europe, and Asia. Point-to-point Ethernet or E-LAN connections simplify global operations for multinational corporations.

Are you interested in the enhanced performance and cost savings of Carrier Ethernet services? You might be surprised by the range of options available due to recent Carrier Ethernet Provider expansions.