Metro Ethernet is widely accepted as a cost-effective, resilient, and scalable switching and transport technology. Used for delivery of next generation IP-based services, including triple play, it facilitates the availability of affordable bandwidth on demand and highly secure private network communication. Yet despite the lucrative and strategic advantages it brings, many providers are reluctant to embark on full implementation to bring carrier-grade Ethernet offerings to market. This is due, in part, to the inherently greater complexity of maintaining carrier-class quality at the node and network levels. The hesitancy also stems from a lack of standardized test and monitoring tools and procedures.
Compounding the challenge of rolling out and maintaining carrier-grade Ethernet are stringent Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that specify, in granular detail, performance parameters for acceptable Quality of Service (QoS). As triple-play services delivery gains greater market presence, its service component offerings-particularly Voice over IP (VoIP) and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) which carry very high Quality of Experience (QoE) expectations-will introduce additional scrutiny to network performance. In this competitive market, providers may get only one chance to earn customer loyalty.
