Ethernet Services 101

What is Ethernet?
Ethernet is a frame-based computer networking technology used in more than 90% local area networks (LANs). The Ethernet protocol defines the wiring and signaling standards for the physical layer and the method of network access (Media Access Control (MAC)) at the Data Link Layer. Ethernet also defines a common addressing format, known as a MAC Address. Each Ethernet port has a unique MAC address.

 

Ethernet, standardized as IEEE 802.3, was originally developed at Xerox PARC in 1973 - 1975 by Robert Metcalfe and David Boggs. Migration away from legacy mainframe systems that relied on proprietary protocols such as IBM SNA and DEC DECnet to client server systems drove the growth of LAN technologies such as token ring, FDDI and Ethernet. Ethernet emerged as the de facto standard by the early nineties.

 

Since more than 90% of networks terminate to offices running Ethernet, it makes sense that the WAN should also run on Ethernet.

 

Ethernet WAN Services
Today, the Ethernet technology is used in Metro Ethernet networks and WAN Ethernet networks to provide an alternative to other data network services. Metro Ethernet services are primarily used as an access method to connect to data centers or to replace point-to-point private lines. WAN Ethernet services capitalize on technology advances over the last decade that provide reliability, performance and ease of management.

 

While LANs needed to support 1Gbps, most WANs are based on legacy technology that scales up to 45 Mbps (DS3) or 155 Mbps (OC3). Ethernet WAN services scale to 1 Gbps and can be provisioned in 1 Mbps increments.

 

Since less equipment being required and Ethernet is easier to manage, Ethernet-based networks are 20-30% less expensive to operate than IP virtual private networks (VPNs).

 

With Ethernet services, you truly get more for less.