All service providers are either currently deploying or are planning to deploy Ethernet services. But what are Ethernet services, and what are the challenges to cost effectively deliver them? Ethernet services, unlike IP services, enable service providers to connect two or more locations using Layer 2 Ethernet as the service delivery technology – resulting in lower OpEx when compared to delivering comparable services using IP or IP/MPLS technologies. Since over 95% of subscriber traffic starts on Ethernet, Enterprise subscribers have embraced Ethernet as the logical choice for MAN and WAN interconnections.

Ethernet has evolved from its origins as an Enterprise LAN technology to a robust service delivery technology for metro and wide area networks. The advanced Ethernet switching capability of Turin's Traverse family combines the flexibility and performance of Ethernet with the well-established reliability, service management and OAM capabilities of SONET/SDH. The Traverse family of products enable service providers to deliver the complete spectrum of MEF-certified E-Line (point-to-point) and E-LAN (multipoint) and E-Tree (point-to-multipoint) services and infrastructure today, without compromise.