The Metro Ethernet Forum's (MEF's) upcoming adoption, E-Access, will address issues left behind from the previous adoption of a "Phase One" External Network-to-Network Interconnection (ENNI) standard,which was meant to ensure smoother interoperability.
As a more definitive implementation guide, E-Access -- projected for January 2012 adoption --will mark another major step toward standardizing Ethernet interconnection and so potentially enhance service competition and availability, variety and quality worldwide.
According to the latest report from Heavy Reading Insider, less expensive Ethernet virtual private line will particularly benefit from new wholesale standards, meaning lower costs and greater flexibility.
Further, wireless backhaul and cloud services are major drivers for growing carrier Ethernet exchanges as well as new Ethernet wholesale standards more broadly.
Standardization continues to embody a chronic conflict for vendors and carriers, making it inherently difficult and time-consuming. At the same time,interconnection is an increasingly important Ethernet growth source, especially as wholesale growth exceeds retail.