Cable MSOs (Multiple System Operators) today are facing increasing competition from telecom operators planning to offer video services. In response, they are gearing up for the challenge by delivering higher-value bundled services over their infrastructure as well as voice and data business services. These developments, along with expanding roll-outs of high definition television channels and movies on demand to residential subscribers, continue to drive increased bandwidth requirements in the optical transport network, as well as an overall transition of the cable infrastructure.

In order to reduce capital and operational expenditures, simplify network architecture, and offer more scalable services, many Cable MSOs consider carrier Ethernet as the logical answer to providing next generation service delivery technology.