Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) services are rapidly gaining popularity as enterprises and communications service providers look to reduce cost and simplify operations with Layer 2 Ethernet delivery models. The MEF defines Carrier Ethernet and its five service attributes based on Ethernet Virtual Connections (EVCs), and EVCs have become the standard way to deliver Ethernet traffic securely using bandwidth profiles that comply with service level aggrements (SLAs). The three most common types of EVCs include:
- E-Line: a point-to-point private Ethernet line between two sites
- E-LAN: a multi-site private Ethernet LAN (previously called a transparent LAN)
- E-Tree: a rooted E-LAN, allowing branch office access to corporate applications
Calix has invested substantial resources in development and test processes, including MEF-Iomatrix lab certifications, to ensure that its Unified Access solutions over fiber and copper are designed to MEF specifications, including:
- MEF-9 certified VLAN switching models
- MEF-14 certified traffic management and bandwidth profiles
- MEF-8 compliant TDM-over-Ethernet PWE3 solutions
- MEF-17 compliant performance and fault monitoring
MEF = Faster Time-to-Market for Business Services
Leveraging MEF service delivery models for the last mile connection accelerates time-to-market for service providers by simplifying operations and reducing costs over more complex, traditional Layer 3 IP/MPLS routing technologies in the access network. Unified Access also extends the aggregation function out from the central office to the most rugged environments, simplifying the engineering of the service rollout, with use of the following options:
- Environmentally (outdoor) hardened ONTs
- Pole and pedestal mounted FTTP and FTTN aggregation nodes
- Passive optical components as pole- and strand-mounted splitters
- Bulk MEF provisioning using CMS templates with Remote ONT Activation (RONTA)
- Embedded MEF Service Assurance (OAM) for remote performance and fault monitoring
Ethernet Service Assurance (OAM)
As MEF services gain momentum to satisfy the bandwidth demands of mobile backhaul, enterprises, and wholesale markets, service assurance tools are required to monitor performance and guarantee SLAs. Ethernet operations, administration, and maintenance (OAM) tools have emerged as a simple way to enable service providers to monitor and manage the Ethernet circuits and ensure that they conform to SLAs.
Every Calix 760GX ONT incorporates an embedded Ethernet OAM test head, providing remote-controlled service assurance tools for GPON and point-to-point Active Ethernet service drops. The Calix Management System (CMS) can initiate testing and monitoring at the ONT, eliminating the complexity of "OAM overlay networks" and enabling:
- Reduced CAPEX by removing external OAM network interface devices (NIDs)
- Reduced OPEX by eliminating truck rolls used to place external test heads at the UNI
- Simplified in-service reporting using Y.1731 performance monitoring tools
- SLA compliance reporting for Metro Ethernet circuits
- Remote monitoring and notification when a circuit degrades
Calix Integrated Service Assurance Tools
Learn more about P-Series ONT OAM support
Learn more about CMS OAM support
