Ethernet over Transport

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Abstract
A convergence of technology and applications has created an increased desire for Ethernet WAN connectivity. In many ways, Ethernet is an obvious technology choice. It simplifies enterprise network administration, and provides a ubiquitous, inexpensive infrastructure of existing Ethernet interfaces on enterprise equipment. The development of VCAT and GFP allows efficient transport of Ethernet frames through SONET/SDH networks. In addition, Ethernet bridge and router technology requires less provisioning and administration than technologies such as ATM. As some carriers begin a migration to using packet switching technology such as MPLS in their core networks rather than traditional circuit switching, Ethernet again looks like an excellent fit as an access technology.
This white paper describes how standards are developing to provide Ethernet WAN connectivity and primarily focuses on the set of new standards for Ethernet transport over public networks developed by ITU-T Study Group 15 (SG15). It discusses the Ethernet services that are being considered over public WANs; transport network models that can be used to support Ethernet services; the Ethernet-based user network interfaces (UNIs) and network-to-network interfaces (NNIs) required for transport network equipment to carry Ethernet services; Operations and Maintenance (OAM) capabilities; and protection and restoration technologies that can be used to guarantee carrier-grade service reliability for Ethernet WAN services.

About PMC
PMC-Sierra™ is a leading provider of high speed broadband communications and storage semiconductors and MIPS-Powered™ processors for Enterprise, Access, Metro Optical Transport, Storage Area Networking and Wireless network equipment. The company offers worldwide technical and sales support, including a network of offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia. The company is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the PMCS symbol and is included in the S&P 500 Index.

About the Author
Steve Gorshe, Ph.D. is a Principal Engineer in the Product Research Group and oversees ICs for SONET, optical transmission and access systems.
Currently Steve is a senior member of the IEEE and co-editor for the IEEE Communications magazine's Broadband Access Series. He is the chief editor for the ATIS OPTXS Committee (formerly T1X1), which is responsible for SONET and optical network interface standards. He is a recent recipient of the Committee T1 Alvin Lai Outstanding Achievement Award for his standards work and has been a technical editor for T1.105, T1.105.01, T1.105.02, and T1.105.07 within the SONET standard series as well as the ITU-T G.7041, G.8011.1, G.7043, and G.8040 recommendations. He has 26 patents issued or pending and several published papers.

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