metro Ethernet network (MEN)

Metro Ethernet networks (MEN) are city networks based on Carrier Ethernet( CE 1.0) or Carrier Ethernet 2.0( CE 2.0). Now that the full- duplex operation of Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet has lifted the length restrictions for Ethernet networks, they are increasingly being used in city and wide- area networks as an alternative to classic WAN technologies. They offer cost-effective solutions, guarantee high network capacity efficiency, and support many simple and scalable services.

With Metro Ethernet, Ethernet-based broadband services can be mapped to classic WAN technologies such as Synchronous Digital Hierarchy( SDH) or Multi-Protocol Label Switching( MPLS). With such Ethernet services, carrier providers and service providers can offer special broadband services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and also residential customers. For example, broadband connectivity over copper lines, Long Reach Ethernet( LRE), which creates the conditions for Ethernet to the Home( ETTH), the point-to-point connectionE-Line, E-Tree for point-to-multipoint connections or the multipoint connection E-LAN.

Ethernet services in Metro Ethernet

Metro Ethernet requires existing infrastructures to be fiber-based and to support all high quality LAN applications such as IP traffic, multi- protocol label switching, quality of service( QoS) and VLANs. Such networks are suitable for metropolitan areas, but also for local carriers and utilities that have optical networks

Services in metro Ethernet networks

Metro Ethernet services include the formation of VPNs with service level agreements(SLAs) and can be used for multimedia and interactive services such as pay-per-view, video-on-demand or electronic program guides(EPGs) through defined quality of service for data transmission and real-time transmissionbut also through the return channel.

Point-to-point connection E-Line in Metro Ethernet Networks (MEN)

The essential services and procedures of metro Ethernet networks defined by the Metro Ethernet Forum( MEF) include pseudowire, E-Line and E-LAN.

In terms of network structure, a typical Metro Ethernet Network consists of many Layer 2 or Layer 3 switches or routers interconnected by optical fiber. It can be a ring topology or star topology, but also a meshed structure. Such a MEN network consists of a core network and the access network. In many cases, the core network is an MPLS network. Metro Ethernet data rates include Fast Ethernet at 100 Mbit/s, Gigabit Ethernet at 1 Gbit/s and 10 Gigabit Ethernet at 10 Gbit/s.