This represents the formalized (i.e., standardization)
effort thus far toward enabling Carrier Ethernet. It must be noted that
Carrier Ethernet standardization activity is relatively dynamic and frequently there
continues to be new developments. It is, therefore, advisable to check the websites of
the standards bodies (see bibliography) to get a sense of the latest progress.
A Service Architecture for Carrier Ethernet
Since Carrier Ethernet is essentially a commercial service offered by a Service Provider,
it was vital to establish a clear and precise specification of what it entails. This was
especially necessary because Ethernet in the LAN was not typically offered as a service
but rather as a product/solution wherein the equipment was purchased, set up, and
managed by the enterprise (IT group) itself. As such, there were generally no serviceoriented
expectations of the LAN Ethernet. Unfortunately, this was also largely the
case with the Ethernet services that were initially (and to some extent are still being)
offered by Service Providers. There were no formalized definitions and expectations of
these services. The effort to change this only recently began in earnest and has been
driven primarily by the MEF.
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