Ethernet in the first mile (EFM)
The 802.3ahworking group of the IEEE is dedicated to the connection area. This area, generally known as the last mile, is called the first mile at IEEE because it is viewed from the LAN. Ethernet in the First Mile ( EFM) is an important standard for Ethernet access networks. It will drive Ethernet-based unification of network access and replace other access technologies such as the T and E transmission interfaces.
Ethernet in the First Mile uses the 802.3media access method( MAC) as the access technology in the access area. This technology eliminates the need for complex protocol conversions between different access technologies and allows a user's network infrastructure to connect directly to that of the service provider. Users and service providers can use the same technology.
Connection types of Ethernet in the First Mile
The EFM architecture supports point-to-point( P2P) links over optical fiber and copper cable, as well as point-to-multipoint( P2MP) linksbased on FOC and Ethernet over passive optical networks, EFMP. With Ethernet in the First Mile, traffic always travels from the subscriber to a central distribution point, the Central Office( CO). In the case of the copper-based point-to-point connection, EFMC, data rates of 10 Mbit/s are achieved over 750 m over existing copper cable. For the same type of connection over optical fiber, EFMF, transmission rates are up to 1000 Mbit/s over 10 km. Standardization scenarios include: EPON, the passive optical network for point-to-multipoint connections with fiber to the home, and EoVDSL, Ethernet over VDSL. EoVDSL is a high-speed DSL technology that achieves downstream data rates of up to 52 Mbps.
In addition to the activities mentioned above, there is also the OAM(Operation, Administration, and Maintenance) working group, which deals with remote error indication, remote loopback, and linkmonitoring. There are also other activities towards a 10 Gigabit Ethernet in the connection area, the 10 Gigabit Ethernet PON( 10GEPON). These activities are being handled by the IEEE 802.3av working group.