
Ethernet these days is not only applied within LAN environments. We also come across it in MAN's (Metropolitan Area Networks, e.g. city rings) and in WAN's (Ethernet VPN's, dark fiber connections). Comparing carrier environments to LAN's, entirely different challenges are to be met.
Naturally, the networking industry picked up on this and in 2001 founded the 'Metro Ethernet Forum' (MEF), a nonprofit international industry consortium, dedicated to worldwide adoption of Carrier Ethernet networks and services. Today, this forum has 160 members, all pursuing development of new Ethernet standards in order to secure interoperability between different vendors.
Presenting results to all stakeholders within the industry, the MEF hosts a renowned yearly convention. Cooperating within what may well be the world's largest test facility, different vendors show how their appliances work synergistically with other vendor's devices.
Qi ict engineers Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM) devices by Actelis Networks, Brocade, MRV Communications and RAD Data Communications.