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Whitepaper
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Ethernet is a frame-based computer networking technology used in more than 90% local area networks (LANs). The Ethernet protocol defines the wiring and signaling standards for the physical layer and the method of network access (Media Access Control (MAC)) at the Data Link Layer. Ethernet also defines a common addressing format, known as a MAC Address. Each Ethernet port has a unique MAC address.
Ethernet, standardized as IEEE 802.3, was originally developed at Xerox PARC in 1973 - 1975 by Robert Metcalfe and David Boggs. Migration away from legacy mainframe systems that relied on proprietary protocols such as IBM SNA and DEC DECnet to client server systems drove the growth of LAN technologies such as token ring, FDDI and Ethernet. Ethernet emerged as the de facto standard by the early nineties.
Since more than 90% of networks terminate to offices running Ethernet, it makes sense that the WAN should also run on Ethernet.
Ethernet WAN Services
Today, the Ethernet technology is used in Metro Ethernet networks and WAN Ethernet networks to provide an alternative to other data network services. Metro Ethernet services are primarily used as an access method to connect to data centers or to replace point-to-point private lines. WAN Ethernet services capitalize on technology advances over the last decade that provide reliability, performance and ease of management.
While LANs needed to support 1Gbps, most WANs are based on legacy technology that scales up to 45 Mbps (DS3) or 155 Mbps (OC3). Ethernet WAN services scale to 1 Gbps and can be provisioned in 1 Mbps increments.
Since less equipment being required and Ethernet is easier to manage, Ethernet-based networks are 20-30% less expensive to operate than IP virtual private networks (VPNs).
With Ethernet services, you truly get more for less.
2. Glossary:
Ethernet Glossary
This is a basic glossary for the words normally used when talking about data services in general and Ethernet technology in particular. Contact us if you have additional questions.
ASP - Application Service Provider
A company that provides software applications and interfaces to multiple users from a centralized, managed facility over a shared network such as the Internet.
Bandwidth
The transmission capacity of a physical link between two devices. In digital links, the bandwidth is measured in bits-per-second (bps), or more commonly Kbps (Kilobits per second), Mbps (Megabits per second) or Gbps (Gigabits per second).
Bandwidth-on-Demand
The ability to dynamically increase bandwidth on an as-needed basis at the users' request. Ideally, this can occur in a matter of seconds by simply changing some network configuration parameters.
Broadband
This term is used loosely to refer to any kind of bandwidth above that of conventional dial-up modems (roughly 56 kbps).
Co-location Facility
A building constructed to house computing and communications equipment from different owners. Businesses locate equipment in these facilities in order to be physically close to other businesses' equipment with which they are interconnected.
Ethernet
The dominant Local Area Network technology. Ethernet operates at layer 2, eliminating the need for multiple conversions providing dramatic performance advantages such as lower-latency, lower-jitter and efficiency gains - all at a lower total cost of ownership. Ethernet is now deployed globally, quickly and easily. Interface speeds of 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps have been standardized and a 10 Gbps standard is not far behind.
Fiber-Optic Cable
A medium for transmission comprised of many glass fibers. Light-emitting diodes or lasers send light through the fiber to a detector that converts the light back to an electrical signal for interpretation. Advantages of fiber include huge bandwidth, immunity to eavesdropping, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and the ability to traverse long distances with minimal signal degradation.
IP - Internet Protocol
A widely-used networking protocol that provides a mechanism for routing data traffic across a shared network. As the name implies, it is the basis for the Internet.
LAN - Local Area Network
A system of connecting computers, printers, servers, and other data devices in an office or building so that they may communicate with each other.
Managed Network
A carefully planned system which combines a sophisticated data network with tools and devices that continuously monitor, report, analyze, and diagnose the health and performance of the network and enable the pro-active management and problem resolution of the network.
Network Architecture
Network architecture refers to the physical and logical design of a network and the inherent ability of that design to carry data from one location to another within the bounds required for acceptable performance for the end user.
Quality of Service (QoS)
The concept of applying and ensuring specific, quantifiable performance levels on a shared network. Performance can be assessed based on physical measurements of the network, the methods by which network traffic is prioritized, and on how the network is managed.
Routing
The process of moving a data packet from its local network to a remote network based on the address of the remote network. The packet may need to traverse many network nodes and links to reach its destination network. Routing is a complex process of determining which links and nodes will move the packet to its eventual destination.
Scalable
The ability to simply and quickly add bandwidth to an existing network without significant incremental expense or overhead.
Service Level Agreement
Written description of terms, parameters, and conditions which will be used to determine that the network is meeting a guaranteed level of performance, and the consequences if that performance level is not met.
WAN (Wide Area Network)
A network that links distant geographical areas such as different states or different countries (as opposed to the LAN).
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March 11, 2010
