In the late 1990s, the Ethernet deployed by operators was not very satisfactory. At that time, Ethernet lacked scalability and could not meet the number of thousands or even millions of users. The reliability also needed to be improved, and it lacked the support for providing QoS to different applications.
2000 was of epoch-making significance for network technology, and Ethernet based on MPLS officially emerged. MPLS makes up for the lack of scalability, reliability and QoS for Ethernet. But the development of Ethernet has not stopped.
In 2002, VPLS appeared. Although it is called a service, this MPLS-based technology is no longer limited to enterprise services, it is also a protocol. As an enterprise service, VPLS is a powerful alternative to dedicated lines, with point-to-multipoint connections. More importantly, as a protocol, it brings higher reliability, scalability and QoS to Ethernet.
In fact, VPLS provides high reliability. When any router fails, the data flow can go from the backup path, and the traffic pauses for only a few thousandths of a second, which human vision and hearing cannot feel at all. VPLS also provides network administrators with more effective means to track network failures so that they can be repaired in a timely manner.
Now Ethernet has taken another step forward, with layered VPLS (HVPLS). This latest technology is also based on MPLS, which allows Ethernet scalability to support millions of users in a broad geographical range. This is necessary for Ethernet as the infrastructure of metropolitan area networks.
Under the fierce competition among mobile operators, fixed-line operators' voice revenue is constantly declining, and new revenue sources are urgently needed. New services like Internet TV can make up for the decline in traditional business revenue. But there must be a delicate balance here. In order to attract users from cable and satellite TV operators, telecom operators must be able to provide the same or better service, or provide services that bundle voice, video and data at a lower price. This means they must improve efficiency for their networks as much as possible, avoiding profits from being damaged by low prices. At the same time, they must ensure that end users benefit from the service, especially on video services.
HVPLS also enables service providers to dynamically allocate bandwidth within the network and establish unique intervals among users. HVPLS also uses network bandwidth more efficiently, especially for video applications. By pushing multicast to the edge of the carrier network, HVPLS greatly reduces the load on the core part of the metropolitan area network.
Perhaps, the latest development of Ethernet is the most attractive thing to service providers as before: the cost. MPLS Ethernet routers are cheaper to use for HVPLS networks than IP or multi-service edge routers, and the HVPLS network is easier to operate and has lower costs.
Today's operators are looking for new forward-looking investment directions. Then, combining the scalability, reliability and QoS of MPLS, VPLS and HVPLS with the cost advantages of Ethernet, operator-grade Ethernet can provide a very attractive solution, which is exactly what operators expect. Service providers in China and around the world are evaluating the possibility of deploying triple-Play.
Today's network is very different from before. Today’s Ethernet technology capabilities help service providers successfully meet new challenges and remain competitive. (The author of this article is the vice president of Asia Pacific, Ruitong Network, United States)
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