In recent years, numerous businesses have opted for Carrier Ethernet services for various connectivity needs, including Dedicated Internet Access (DIA), point-to-point private lines, last-mile access to MPLS networks, and meshed connections linking multiple business locations within the United States. This capability is now expanding globally. For instance, Level 3, a prominent international carrier, received recognition from the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) for its services in the Caribbean and Latin America.

While international voice and data services have been around for a long time, facilitated by extensive undersea fiber optic cables connecting continents, the recent shift lies in protocol changes and the emergence of new services for global companies and organizations.

Ethernet’s displacement of older protocols stems from the dominance of IP packets in electronic communication. Most Local Area Networks (LANs) are Ethernet-based, and the internet, the largest interconnected network, relies on routing IP packets. This begs the question: why not extend existing networks using the Ethernet protocol?

The primary obstacle to a faster transition to IP-based core networks is legacy infrastructure. The substantial investments in infrastructure over the past century, primarily built by telephone companies using Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) standards like T1, DS3, and SONET, won’t disappear overnight.

Fortunately, existing telecom equipment doesn’t need to be replaced to implement Ethernet services. Carrier Ethernet functions over IP and TDM networks. Ethernet over T1 (EoDS1) serves as an effective last-mile connection for MPLS networks or point-to-point private lines, leveraging the extensive reach of T1 infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Ethernet over DS3 (EoDS3) offers higher bandwidth at 45 Mbps, while Ethernet over SONET starts at 155 Mbps and scales to at least 10 Gbps, with some connections reaching 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps.

The presence of the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF), an industry standards group, has accelerated Carrier Ethernet adoption. The MEF establishes and maintains standards for manufacturers and Ethernet service providers, such as the E-NNI (Ethernet Network to Network Interface), which enables predictable and carrier-agnostic traffic exchange between networks. This allows carriers to expand their reach through peering arrangements via E-NNIs, accessing markets they don’t directly serve without laying fiber globally.

Level 3’s award-winning project involved providing Ethernet-based connectivity solutions for a major banking and financial services company throughout Brazil. An increasing number of large and medium-sized businesses are considering Ethernet services for interconnecting their locations worldwide. Smaller companies are also recognizing the cost benefits and seamless connectivity of Ethernet, making it a compelling choice when renewing contracts or setting up new installations.

If your organization, regardless of size, seeks improved connectivity at lower costs compared to traditional telecom services, explore the pricing and features of Carrier Ethernet services.

Note: Map of Latin America image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.