Situation

Ethernet-based data services offer the opportunity to create differentiation, command premium

pricing, and earn higher margin for such value-added data services as transparent LANs, storage

area networks, and virtual private networks. Extending native 10/100Base-T and Gigabit Ethernet

services across the LAN, WAN, and MAN means data services are less expensive to deploy,

provision quickly, and offer exceptional reliability and security. Yet as the Ethernet distribution

system grows with more routers and switches in central offices, all of these advantages can be

quickly erased by a poorly designed cabling and connectivity architecture.

As service providers move from being vendors of T1, T3 and OC-XX data pipes to partners

providing value-added Ethernet data services, an effective business model includes the following goals:

• Create a flexible, carrier-class Ethernet delivery system, and

• Decrease operating costs of Ethernet delivery.

Reaching these goals is contingent largely upon building the correct architecture to support

Ethernet data services.

Solution

Achieving the dual requirements of lower costs and carrier-class services is possible by creating a

centralized cross-connect patching system with an Ethernet Distribution Frame (EDF). An EDF

provides a cross-connect field that ties together all Ethernet network elements from multiple floors

of the central office (CO) or point-of-presence (POP), providing a common craft interface for

performing adds, upgrades, and rearrangements on Ethernet services. In this simplified

architecture, all network elements have permanent equipment cable connections that are, once

terminated, never handled again. Technicians isolate elements, connect new elements, route

around problems, and perform maintenance and other functions using semi-permanent patch

cord connections on the front of the EDF cross-connect bay. This craft-friendly design supports

cost-effective growth and change in the Ethernet distribution system.

Ethernet Distribution Frame

Centralized Cross-Connect System for

Managing Ethernet Data Services

Figure 1

Active Network

Element Bays

Ethernet

Distribution Frame

Active Network

Element Bays