What is a Carrier Ethernet network?
- A Carrier Ethernet network is a network that provides carrier-class Ethernet services for network service providers.
- A Carrier Ethernet network combines the advantages of an Ethernet network with the requirements of service providers for scalability, reliability, standardization, quality of service and service management.
- Service providers around the world use Carrier Ethernet to deliver Ethernet services for enterprises and to provide “triple play” services for consumers.
- Specifications for a Carrier Ethernet network are defined by the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF), which also certifies Ethernet services as Carrier Ethernet networks.
Enterprises seeking connectivity solutions have the choice between a standard and a Carrier Ethernet network. But what is a Carrier Ethernet network, exactly, and how does it differ from other Ethernet services? Here’s a primer on “What is a Carrier Ethernet network?” that discusses this topic in brief.
What is a Carrier Ethernet network?
A Carrier Ethernet network is an Ethernet network that adheres to standards established by the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF).
What is a Carrier Ethernet network designed to achieve?
Carrier Ethernet network standards are intended to identify Ethernet networks that can satisfy the requirements of service providers. MEF standards were developed as a response to the challenges that earlier Ethernet networks faced, including problems with lack of scalability, poor quality of service, limited protection and limited traffic engineering.
What is a Carrier Ethernet network list of standards?
MEF standards for a Carrier Ethernet network include specifications for scalability, reliability, quality of service and service management.
What is a Carrier Ethernet network vs. a regular Ethernet network?
A standard Ethernet network will typically not offer standardized services and will have limited service management, including some fault management. Standard Ethernet will offer enterprise-class equipment with limited quality of service across multiple domains, while Carrier Ethernet network will offer network-operator-class equipment with quality of service that is standard and interoperable across multiple domains.
What is a Carrier Ethernet network’s most significant benefit?
A Carrier Ethernet network provides connectivity that is faster and less expensive than many other technologies, while providing network operators with a feature-rich solution that includes management capabilities which simplify the implementation, management and monitoring of enterprise connectivity.
What is a Carrier Ethernet network’s speed and bandwidth?
To satisfy the requirements for high speed and bandwidth for enterprise customers, a Carrier Ethernet network will typically be able to deliver speeds up to 100 Gbps.
What is a Carrier Ethernet network service from Spectrum Enterprise?
Spectrum Enterprise provides External Network-to-Network Interfaces (ENNIs) throughout our network. Our ENNIs are best-in-class industrial switches that enable interconnection between the Spectrum Enterprise network and a customer’s network through standard MEF-certified ENNI connections. Our Carrier Ethernet network solution, Carrier E-Access, is offered over Access EPL and Access EVPL connections. With access to thousands of serviceable buildings, our network provides the coverage businesses need to better reach customers.