MARKETWATCH
www.comms-dealer.com
The Ethernet connection
ACCESS TECHNOLOGY
Ethernet is fast becoming a predominant fixed
access technology to NGNs as a growing
number of expensive legacy technologies
are replaced by cost-effective Ethernet.
Here, we look at the channel opportunity
in Ethernet as access technology.
thernet technology has its IP, meaning it doesn’t interfere with reach throughout the UK. “Through wonder Ethernet is central to COLT’s
E
roots firmly planted in the higher layer protocols, making it a numerous points of presence, in plans: “As businesses look to increase
1960s and 70s Local Area ‘plug and play’ access method for addition to new network nodes videoconferencing, centralise IT
Network, but according to IPVPN solutions. It’s also available opening all the time, access to applications and use software as
Rob Leenderts, Sector Development over a range of physical media Ethernet as an access technology a service, demand for Ethernet
Manager of Cable&Wireless from copper to radio to fibre, and is more widely spread than networks will only increase further.”
Worldwide, Ethernet has come it’s designed to support both large ever before,” he said. “SpiriTel
a long way since Bob Metcalf’s and small bandwidths. It’s also the has enabled businesses to use Ethernet is a ‘compelling proposition’
original design concept at MIT focal point for the telecoms industry Ethernet access to displace legacy for resellers, says Horn, because
was implemented during 1974. in terms of development. “The Internet access connections, it offers a number of features on
“Designed to connect small in impetus to further develop Ethernet multiple ISDN30 lines and PSTN top of resilient bandwidth. “For
building networks together Ethernet to fit common business needs plus links. We are confident that we example, it offers a high level of
has grown to become the LAN more niche requirements such as will see continued success in the flexibility as it is available in different
protocol of choice,” he said. “In TDM emulation and high speed deployment of Ethernet as the topologies to suit customer demand,
recent years Ethernet has emerged data centre requirements has chosen access technology.” including point-to-point, hub and
into the WAN space as a desirable never been stronger,” commented spoke and any-to-any options.
access method, driven primarily by Leenderts. “Ethernet is here now Another company firmly fixed Ethernet also includes enhanced
cost advantages when compared and will be for a long time come.” on Ethernet technology is RAD features such as class of service
to legacy access solutions. In Data Communications. Ethernet and multiport enabling customers
the access market today we see Ethernet technology is at the is significant for RAD and the to get more out of their connection.
customers requesting higher speed forefront of data access options, company is one of the top players Finally, the technology is easily
bandwidth from their provider, says David Anahory, Managing in Carrier Ethernet access. Ilan scalable because customers
with the need for greater flexibility Director of SpiriTel’s Business Division. Seidner, Director of Marketing, are not locked into a physical
and scalability, all for less money. “Ethernet provides businesses commented: “Carrier Ethernet is interface and so can scale their
Offering flexible granular Ethernet with the capability to transform having a major impact beyond bandwidth up or down as their
is now a must have requirement the way they communicate and fixed telecoms. In the mobile requirements change,” added Horn.
as most partners would rather ultimately improve their businesses worlds, with the migration to all-IP
pay for the bandwidth they need performance. Ethernet access networks and LTE, carrier ethernet SMEs can benefit from using
rather than an entire port.” combines advanced technologies is becoming a major factor Ethernet for a number of reasons:
with cutting edge services and in mobile backhaul. Since LTE IT managers just need the same
Bandwidth demand is being applications, all pulled together (Long Term Evolution -sometimes skill-set as for Ethernet LAN, so no
driven by the adoption of IP-based in the most innovative way. This known as ‘4G’) will require many special expertise or external experts
services and this trend is expected powerful combination creates more cell sites and LTE topology are required. SMEs can also buy
to continue over the long-term. a networking tool which has no is flatter, service providers with the bandwidth they need and are
“Couple this with advances in boundaries or limitations. The a proven carrier Ethernet track not constrained by legacy SDH
telecoms convergence, the way in concept of using this as a standard record will be able to offer mobile steps as Ethernet offers scalable
which consumers use the Internet access mechanism has only transport services, opening interfaces with granular bandwidth.
(Web 2.0), plus the emergence taken off over the last few years. up new revenue streams.” Finally, Ethernet equipment is
of more powerful and bandwidth Although prospects are more cheaper than TDM WAN interfaces.
hungry business applications, comfortable with the concept of While Ethernet has traditionally been “The flexibility and the resilience of
partners have a rich market in using a fat pipe to deliver multiple used by larger organisations only Ethernet make it suitable to support
which to sell, even in these difficult services, this will soon change.” for wide area networks, Andy Horn, hosted applications and SaaS,”
times,” added Leenderts. Head of SME at COLT UK, is also stated Horn. “This is both in terms of
Anahory pointed out that service seeing real demand among SMEs scalable bandwidth and ability to be
He noted that Ethernet is ‘uniquely providers have invested millions as the number of applications and configured for different topologies
placed’ as an access method, of pounds into their networks to volume of data they need for their such as point to point, hub and
highlighting that it is transparent to achieve impressive coverage and business continues to grow. Small spoke and any-to-any.”
n
38 COMMS DEALER SEPTEMBER 2009 www.comms-dealer.com
38 PG Ethernet.indd 1 27/8/09 3:57:40 pm
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