Carrier Ethernet delivered over
Service Provider networks across the MAN and WAN optimally enables next-generation
packet applications.
The first fundamental step is defining Carrier Ethernet, what it precisely means and
understanding the rationale for this definition. Also as fundamental, is an established
reference framework??”the context in which this definition applies, and the necessary
elements that make up this context. In so doing, a common and consistent understanding
as well as a ???language??? to describe Carrier Ethernet services is provided; with this
as the basis, the attributes are discussed in greater detail (note: in the context of this
book, only a sufficient overview can be reasonably provided), with selective discussions
in a few areas that are deemed especially critical to enabling Carrier Ethernet.
Most of the standardization effort, especially at the service-level, has been carried
on by the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) and so expectedly, this chapter devotes a
significant part to the MEF-initiated development; but efforts by other standards
bodies are also identified. This chapter also attempts to incorporate some commercial
developments enabling Carrier Ethernet.
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