Ethernet is virtually everywhere, even where you don’t see it. Pretty much anything that uses data gets to you via ethernet. Ethernet has displaced almost all legacy data transport technologies. Ethernet has been around for a while now, being the protocol of preference for local area networks for both businesses and homes.
What Is Carrier Ethernet?
This is a term used to describe the ethernet communications links that enable telecommunications network providers to provide ethernet services to utilize ethernet technology in their services. Typically, CE is used to provide point-to-point data links between local networks and backhaul for mobile communications.
When implemented for mobile communications, the concept of network termination units is introduced. The network termination device has several ports on the bottom to deliver telephone services.
The network termination unit is a device for connecting digital integrated services digital network customer premises equipment to ISDN lines. The network termination device allows customer premises equipment to be connected to the switching equipment at the telecommunications’ central office.
CE is based on 5 key attributes: scalability, reliability, standardized services, quality of service and service management. CE has evolved into a set of services that rely on a variety of technology to achieve 5 attributes:
Encapsulation and Transport
To transport an ethernet service, a number of techniques can encapsulate ethernet frames into various infrastructure types. This allows the Ethernet user data and headers to adapt to the specific infrastructure protocols. Once across the network infrastructure, the ethernet frame is reconstituted and delivered to the destination in its native form.
Added Resilience
Ethernet protocol data units can be mapped as client frames and carried transparently. The underlying protection mechanisms can provide fast protection in the event a failure occurs.
OAM Functions
One TDM-based service that carrier ethernet solutions have completely revolutionized is OAM functionality. As a result, Ethernet OAM is required for visibility into function and services performance. This is especially important because ethernet services traversing a wide area network can span hundreds, even thousands of kilometers.
Quality of Service
Hierarchies of service levels enable the delivery of appropriate resources for multiple services and applications. Here is what I mean:
A customer can differentiate voice, video and HTTP traffic based on an application’s need for end-to-end delay.
Scale
Technologies like connection-oriented ethernet address most of the scalability issues at the protocol level with robust and future-proof approaches.
What to Look Out for in Carrier Ethernet Solutions
Simple to Use SDN Portal
Getting started is and should be easy. You should be given an opportunity to try out the SDN portal and experience what it can do in real time. On-demand services mean that users can turn up services straight away without having to go through a lengthy process.
That folks, is the true difference from the legacy networking model and it will allow you to expand globally whenever need be.
Robust Global Infrastructure
It is important to have a close as possible look at the solution and see what kind of infrastructure underlies the SDN portfolio. There is a massive difference between a basic switching infrastructure and carrier grade MEF-certified global WAN. The portal and intelligent networking solutions are only as good as the connectivity infrastructure underlying it.
Comprehensive Connectivity Solutions
Networking is going to be more efficient if the solution you choose offers a comprehensive set of solutions beyond point-to-point ethernet.
This means being able to turn up services far beyond ethernet connectivity with extra services like voice services for the best possible user experience. This makes it easier for you to meet the present customer needs as well as future-proof your networking requirements minus all the complexity surrounding managing multiple suppliers around the globe.
