The Ethernet network layer provides no inherent management capabilities using
any predefined OAM protocol, mainly due to short structure reach and limited area
coverage. However, the IEEE 802.3 ah??“compliant OAM protocol, targeting enhancement
of the already existing SNMP in its management utilities rather than its replacement,
seems to be a step in the right direction to provide link level, embedded administration
and maintenance functionalities for Ethernet networks. Moreover, it is by definition compatible
with all the Ethernet in the first mile (EFM) technologies, including Ethernet
in the first mile over copper (EFMC), Ethernet in the first mile over fiber (EFMF) and
Ethernet in the first mile using Passive Optical Networks (EPON). The underlying and
shared OAM tools and procedures, common to all P2P and P2M Ethernet topologies
currently defined in the IEEE 802.3 standard, provide network operators with the
freedom to choose and mix any Ethernet link technologies, based on their business
models, network architectures, and subscriber needs, without losing the underlying
OAM functionality.
Additionally, EFM OAM is backward compatible with any already existing and
deployed full-duplex P2P Ethernet links, dating back before the EFM ratification.
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