Metro Ethernet as the next-generation broadband network

Enterprise and service provider core networks typically have plenty of bandwidth-the links between them however are comparatively slow. In the metro, IP edge, and the IP access networks, bandwidth is in short supply. Metro-area networks have many of the same capacity issues and limitations on delivering high-performance connectivity and rich services. Despite rapid deployment of Gigabit Ethernet in the enterprise, traditional TDM underpinnings in metro networks limit their ability to support Ethernet connectivity, IP services, or enormous growth in data traffic. To achieve profitability, service providers require networks that are integrated with their legacy infrastructures and are flexible to respond to changing market conditions and diverse customer requirements. This is especially important in metropolitan area networks because of the critical interface between enterprise and service provider networks. Ethernet has emerged as the leading access medium for a variety of reasons: it enables most cost-effective services; it provides ample bandwidth between the enterprise and the metro; it eliminates access bottlenecks; and allows service providers to deliver multiple data, voice, and video services to enterprise and consumer customers over a high-speed access connection. This paper shows how to build scalable access for subscribers of all flavours: enterprise, SOHO and residential. Emphasis will be on metro networks with an outlook of large-scale data networks and IP-based services.