How Ethernet Enables Cloud Connectivity

Great article written by Rosemary Cochran, principal at Vertical Systems Group.

Excerpt:

Standards for Ethernet-based cloud connectivity continue to advance. The MEF's Carrier Ethernet 2.0 (CE 2.0) initiative provides guidelines for cloud-ready Ethernet services and equipment. Developments are focused on multi-network Interconnectivity, end-to-end SLAs (Service Level Agreements), application-aware QoS (Quality of Service) and dynamic bandwidth provisioning. A new CE 2.0 certification process aims to ensure standards adherence.

iPhone 5 and growth in 4G driving adoption of MEF Carrier Ethernet v2.0

NetEvents, Portugal, 28 September 2012. The MEF (Metro Ethernet Forum), the defining body for Carrier Ethernet, today referenced the Dell’Oro Group Mobile Backhaul Report that predicts large-scale network investments as a result of the proliferation of mobile devices like the new iPhone 5. Dell’Oro Group forecasts investments in mobile backhaul infrastructures will approach $40 billion over the next five years, with Carrier Ethernet equipment accounting for the vast majority of the expenditures.

Telecoms groups are predicted to make more money from data than voice by 2017 according to research for the Financial Times (London) by the GSMA, which represents nearly 800 mobile operators in 220 countries. T-Mobile USA, the fourth largest U.S carrier, which this week appointed John Legere as its new CEO, is the latest member of the MEF. T-Mobile USA is starting to aggressively court owners of the iPhone while preparing to roll out its own fast 4G LTE network, set to go live next year.

“To keep up with the exponential demand for mobile data, operators will need to adapt their mobile backhaul infrastructures rapidly in the next five years,” says Nan Chen, President of the MEF. “Carrier Ethernet has transformed WAN and enterprise connectivity as well as providing an infrastructure to fuel soaring user expectations for mobile applications.” 

Click "Read More" below...

The National Telecommunication and Information Administration (NTIA) granted NebraskaLink with $11.5 million which together with $5 million from their members used to build a state-wide fiber network. The company extends its network to serve community anchor institutions including over 100 schools, colleges, and universities across the state. In addition, the new fiber optic network will serve hospitals, medical clinics, public safety services, city, county governments, and key businesses and industries in Nebraska. NebraskaLink provides high-end broadband Ethernet based services to meet the increasing broadband access needs and provide competitive carrier options to its customers.

NebraskaLink uses Telco Systems T-Marc demarcation line and T-Metro aggregation switches to offer up to 1 gigabit to mobile operator’s backhaul, business and educational institutions combined with multi 10 gigabit Ethernet (10GE) network to deliver assured, reliable, high availability Ethernet services and backbone throughout the state.

Click "Read More" below...