Ethernet owes its ubiquity to its many desirable qualities: simplicity, scalability, flexibility, interoperability, manageability and affordability. Which is why end-to-end Ethernet—from the MAN to the LAN—affords numerous cost-saving advantages for both the service provider and the business customer. The lack of interworking arrangements among different protocols (TDM, Frame Relay, ATM and/or DSL) makes for a far more efficient and trouble-free networking environment. With fewer protocol conversions, along with a corresponding simplification and reduction in equipment, the management effort is dramatically simplified. Virtual LANs (VLANs) are able to function across the enterprise without complication, and users are able to enjoy a more seamless experience. As a result, help desk and other support costs drop to lows that are only possible with a homogeneous infrastructure.

With carriers spending an estimated 40% of operating expenses on the access portion of the network, and Ethernet affording an estimated savings of 23% or more, there is no longer any reason not to offer Ethernet services in the local loop. A Metro Ethernet Copper Access solution enables carriers to fully leverage every one of Ethernet’s many advantages to maximize revenue and minimize costs. In effect, the result of using pure Ethernet is the closest a carrier may ever get to pure profit!