Ethernet has frequently been heralded as the future of long-haul networks, due to its combination of simplicity and low cost, but data from TeleGeography’s Ethernet Research Service (ERS) suggests that the reality is far more complex than popular belief.
"Ethernet can be less expensive than traditional wide area network technologies," said TeleGeography analyst Brianna Charpentier. "However, Ethernet prices can vary dramatically, and the underlying network technology has a big impact on costs."
ERS data show that the median price of 100 Mbps FastE Pseudowire service on six major routes was 15%-80% lower than a FastE circuit delivered over SDH/Sonet.