It is All-Ethernet
Follow Ethernet and you will be guaranteed a low cost and robust solution for your network. If the buzzword was All-IP a few years back, it is definitely All-Ethernet these days (and yes, you can still run MPLS and IP over it).
We are now witnessing how Carrier Ethernet is extending into access networks. It is becoming a key technology for unifying EPON, GPON, Active Ethernet, Microwave, and Mobile Backhaul. In parallel, it is emerging as a peering technology in the Core.
Xelerated has been pioneering the Carrier Ethernet technology, contributing with a number of industry firsts. We believe in Ethernet. It is a superior technology from the access to the core, and nowadays it is not a question of if and how, rather when (can you deliver it) and how (much).
The potential in Carrier Ethernet is recognized by most service providers around the world. AT&T’s position is shared in a recent Light Reading article. Margaret Chiosi, executive director of Optics & Ethernet Service Development for AT&T Research Labs makes a strong point of using ‘Carrier Ethernet everywhere.’ It is a matter of driving down CAPEX and OPEX, while riding the bandwidth wave. But she also brings up an interesting caveat; “The challenge now is to make Ethernet services available at more locations with more customer choices.” I could not agree more.
Taking AT&T’s statement serious, it has some hard implications to Carrier Ethernet platforms. As services and standards keep evolving, every platform in the network should be programmable. This enables customized services and tailor made services over time.
When the network becomes All-Ethernet, it better be programmable.
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