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The only publication dedicated to OSS Volume 2, Issue 4 - September 2005 |  |
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SLA Verification Measuring Ethernet performance can be challenging for carriers, especially on an end-to-end (service) basis. It is even more difficult when you consider that 25% of services will be carried over wholesale services leased from other carriers. This has resulted in many carriers specifying trunk level or network core performance in their SLAs instead of end-to-end service level performance. While this may satisfy some enterprises, most desire end to end performance more in line with the types of SLAs that exist for existing frame relay and private line data services. Since the majority of Ethernet users (82%) will be migrating from a traditional data service to Ethernet, SLAs are a necessary step towards ensuring that customers will make the migration.  Delivering intelligent Ethernet services requires a network architecture that can support both robust service delivery and verification of SLAs. Customer premise located Ethernet demarcation devices based on emerging 802.1ag, ITU, and MEF recommendations can provide end-to-end visibility of SLA on both an in-service and an out-of-service basis and let carriers provide a differentiated intelligent Ethernet service. These devices can be used to measure all four Ethernet service parameters on a continuous basis, and provide 15 minute and daily measurement intervals necessary for SLAs. Demarcation technology is being integrated with Ethernet transport or media conversion devices which are required for most Ethernet services. This provides an optimized service delivery platform, which reduces the number of network elements required at the customer premise and increases reliability while lowering capex/opex costs. Supporting a variety of transport technologies enables delivery of a ubiquitous Ethernet service, allowing carriers to support multi-site customers both in-region and out of region.  Coaxing Enterprises customers to move from traditional data services to Ethernet requires evolving Ethernet from a best effort service to an intelligent Ethernet service that is carrier grade and incorporates SLAs. With new Ethernet standards and demarcation equipment, intelligent Ethernet can be deployed ubiquitously to profitably move Ethernet into the mass market environment.
© 2005, All information contained herein is the sole property of Pipeline Publishing, LLC. Pipeline Publishing LLC reserves all rights and privileges regarding the use of this information. Any unauthorized use, such as copying, modifying, or reprinting, will be prosecuted under the fullest extent under the governing law. |
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