Metro Ethernet seems to be causing a bit of confusion. Businesses ask for it, but it always takes some questioning to see what they actually need it for, and often, people get the terminology mixed up. We see so much of this that we have decided to put pen to paper to dispel some of the myths about what Metro Ethernet is. We will outline what it really is, and also, what people and businesses are actually looking for when they ask for it!
The dictionary definition of Metro Ethernet is actually that it is a carrier grade network (i.e. something that the big telecoms providers, rather than many other businesses, will normally buy). Originating as a LAN (Large Area Network) technology, and it links multiple areas of the network together. These are often known as Metropolitan area Networks (MANs), or this is shortened to Metro Ethernet.
The networks link various things together, such as data centres with users, cell masts with the internet, or even residential premises with offices. Carriers can then sell private access to these services, which will guarantee things like bandwidth and traffic prioritisation. The larger operators (like Cell networks) will still use this technology, but for a business looking to install something like VPLS? Well, technology has simply moved on.
Businesses can buy access to the Metro Ethernet services and be ‘on net’ with their provider, allowing them to link multiple locations (via VPLS) to things like data centres or applications.However, due to the way that technology is progressing, this is normally not the best way to deliver these services for companies. Data centres now have interconnects with just about everyone (and it is much cheaper to get these installed if they don’t), while multi-site companies are fast moving to using technology such as SD-WAN to connect multiple offices. SD-WAN can be much cheaper as the service can be delivered over any connection such as Fiber Ethernet,Ethernet over Copper (EoC) or even DSL. Much fewer limitations on the routers you are able to use drives the cost down even further and there are a whole host of other functionality benefits as well. With that in mind, probably the biggest amount of enquires we get are just from people looking for a fiber ethernet connection ina metropolitan area!
It’s a fact that companies are changing how they access their critical applications. Previously, a server room would have housed all of the business applications. However, the world started changing about 10 years ago, and companies didn’t want to have to buy and maintain all of that costly infrastructure, so they started moving it to data centers instead. This allowed for shared processing power, an OPEX model. and better uptime. The majority of smaller businesses (and some larger ones) are now moving to SaaS applications, meaning they are outsourcing all of their maintenance requirements for things like their CRM, data processing and storage. Using SaaS instead of hosting the data themselves allows companies to have plain old internet facing connectivity, which massively reduces the complexity and maintenance requirements.
Whenever we are assessing the needs of a company we always try to consider what their requirements are now, but also, what and where they will be in the next few years.
1. Metroethernet doesn’t really just mean ethernet in a built-up area
2. Big companies wanting wholly private connections may still want Metro Ethernet
3. Businesses are normally looking for a reliable, high availability and high bandwidth internet connection. For this, either fiber to the cabinet (FttC) or Fiber tothe premises (FttP) is normally best. However, due to supplier limitations, companies often still have the last mile of the service into the premises delivered as Ethernetover Copper (EoC)
4. SaaS is making many business owned networks redundant – is yours going to be?
With over 75 years of combined experience, the TelcoSolutions team has a wealth of knowledge in the telecom sector. We have seen drastic changes occur throughout this time, and have made it our priority to stay ahead of the curve to be able to offer our clients the right solutions at the best prices. We are able to do this by leveraging the 180 providers in our portfolio to find the correct solution for our individual clients. Customer satisfaction is of utmost importance to us. Through our dedicated account management team, we ensure that the installation, on-boarding, billing, and customer service are all accounted for and run as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Our experienced professionals and desire to maintain high levels of customer satisfaction are what set us apart from our competitors.
With over 75 years of combined experience, the TelcoSolutions team has a wealth of knowledge in the telecom sector.
We represent a vast range of providers that prove to be stable, affordable and trusted partners. We only acquire top quality service.
We are so happy with TelcoSolutions. Not only did they provide us with a service we can count on, they reduced our costs.
While initially focused on the United States, TelcoSolutions has expanded to being able to offer solutions around the world. Our relationships with 180 providers allows us unprecedented access to offer voice, data and cloud solutions globally.
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