Carrier Ethernet describes a metropolitan and long haul bandwidth service based on Ethernet rather than traditional telco TDM technologies. Within a single metropolitan area, the service is often called Metro Ethernet. These services are professional grade bandwidth solutions that offer high reliability as well as high dedicated bandwidths.
Ethernet can be carried over long distances on existing SONET/SDH fiber optic networks, or the newer MPLS networks that are favored by competitive service providers. Last mile connectivity can be over fiber, twisted pair copper or wireless.
Ethernet over copper? Yes, in fact it is called just that. EoC uses multiple copper pair telco cables and new generation terminal equipment to transport Ethernet via copper cabling that is already provisioned to most business locations. How much bandwidth can you expect from such a solution? Standard 10 Mbps Ethernet and fractional bandwidths such as 1, 2, or 5 Mbps are typical selections. High level bandwidth up to DS3 replacement levels of 45 Mbps are sometimes available depending on distance to carrier facilities.
For Fast Ethernet at 100 Mbps and above, fiber optic transport is essential. Larger businesses and organizations now consider 100 Mbps a reasonable bandwidth level to support their highly computerized operations. The good news is that Ethernet pricing is not only competitive with TDM based services such as DS3 and OC3, but actually much cheaper on a Mbps basis. You may be shocked to hear that you can get 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet service at prices you’d expect to pay for DS3 at 45 Mbps. If you have a long-standing bandwidth contract, you’ll likely find Ethernet service a downright bargain.
Even Gigabit Ethernet at 1000 Mbps is within reach of many larger organizations and those whose businesses are bandwidth-intensive. If you need more than that, 10 GigE at 10,000 mbps is available in major metropolitan areas. Even 100 Gbps is coming soon. Why? Because the productivity improvements possible with high speed connectivity justify the cost.
That cost is getting easier and easier to justify. Carrier Ethernet services are expanding rapidly into medium as well as large metro areas. The ease of interfacing and managing an Ethernet WAN service make it the connectivity of choice regardless of price. But with prices lower, not higher, than traditional bandwidth solutions, it’s pretty hard not to insist on Carrier Ethernet.
Would you like to expand your bandwidth service or get a better price on the bandwidth you now use? If so, check Carrier Ethernet and Metro Ethernet availability and pricing now.
