Operations and Maintenance Function for Ethernet Networks

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Abstract
Ethernet was originally designed to be a LAN protocol to be used in enterprise and home networking. One of the main goals of Ethernet was simplicity, plug & play and lower CAPEX and OPEX cost. The success of Ethernet in the LAN has inspired the network operators and carriers to use it in the WAN/MAN to reduce CAPEX and OPEX cost. However, for Ethernet to be a used in carrier-class networks, it needs to have some added functionalities. One of the main functions missing from the Ethernet in the LAN is the Operational and Maintenance (OAM). OAM refers to capabilities of detection, notification, verification and localization of failures that might happen in an Ethernet network. These failures could be hard failures (such as link cut) that could be detected by PHY layer or soft failures (such as memory corruption of a bridge) that can't be detected by PHY layer. The OAM functionality is essential for the carriers, in order to reduce their OPEX and to keep their service level agreements (SLA). This PMC-Sierra white paper outlines the various standards as well as ongoing efforts that are bringing OAM functionality to Ethernet networks, in order to make it a viable option for the WAN/MAN deployment.

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
Shahram Davari is a Senior Product Research Engineer in the Product Research Group at PMCSierra and oversees ICs for Ethernet, IP and MPLS systems. He is the chair of Canadian National Study Group 13 (NSG13) and the head of Canadian Delegation to ITU-T SG13. He is a regular attendee and contributor to the MEF, ITU-T SG13/Q3/Q5, IEEE 802.1 and IETF. He is currently the editor of the MEF Ethernet UNI Type 1 Implementation Agreement.

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