Connection-oriented Ethernet

Connection-oriented Ethernet refers to the transformation of <a href="/facts/Ethernet/nMfhU8tU">Ethernet</a>, a <a href="/facts/Connectionless_communication/MfMys8t7">connectionless communication</a> system by design, into a <a href="/facts/Connection-oriented_communication/2yAhgueh">connection-oriented</a> system. The aim of connection-oriented Ethernet is to create a networking technology that combines the flexibility and cost-efficiency of Ethernet with the reliability of connection-oriented protocols. Connection-oriented Ethernet is used in commercial <a href="/facts/Carrier_grade/vIlWKACH">carrier grade</a> networks.
Traditional carrier networks deliver services at very <a href="/facts/High_availability/y3J8GnEo">high availability</a>. <a href="/facts/Packet_switching/olDlDP1R">Packet-switched networks</a> are different, as they offer services based on <a href="/facts/Statistical_multiplexing/rLGcaGHV">statistical multiplexing</a>. Moreover, packet transport equipment, which makes up the machinery of data networking, leaves most of the carrier-grade qualities such as <a href="/facts/Quality_of_service/joz9VkUm">quality of service</a>, routing, provisioning, and security, to be realized by packet processing. Addressing these needs in a cost-efficient way is a challenge for packet-based technologies.
The IP-<a href="/facts/MPLS/k7cx1PWw">MPLS</a> approach aims at providing guaranteed services over the Internet Protocol using a multitude of networking protocols to create, maintain and handle packet data streams. While this approach solves the problem, it inevitably also creates a great deal of complexity.
This has resulted in the emergence of connection-oriented Ethernet which includes a variety of methodologies to utilize Ethernet for the same functionalities otherwise based on extensive IP protocols. The challenge of <a href="/facts/Carrier_Ethernet/d6pkk6Ha">carrier Ethernet</a> is to add carrier-grade functionality to Ethernet equipment without losing the cost-effectiveness and simplicity that makes it attractive in the first place. To meet this challenge, common connection-oriented Ethernet solutions have chosen to rid themselves of the complex parts of packet transport to achieve stability and control. Key connection-oriented Ethernet technologies used to achieve this include mainly <a href="/facts/IEEE_802.1ah/wblMUsQl">IEEE 802.1ah</a>, <a href="/facts/Provider_Backbone_Transport/rU6E9CJq">Provider Backbone Transport</a> and <a href="/facts/MPLS-TP/X9A5A2yb">MPLS-TP</a>, and formerly <a href="/facts/T-MPLS/csJ3IY3s">T-MPLS</a>.

Connection-oriented Ethernet open-in-new

Connection-oriented Ethernet