Existing digital subscriber line (DSL) deployments depend on asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), which substantially complicates service delivery both to the premises and through the backbone. To achieve higher data rates, Inverse Multiplexing over ATM (IMA) is normally used to bond copper pairs. But IMA bonding suffers from numerous limitations, such as when the throughput of all pairs in the bonded group drop to the lowest data rate of any single pair. In addition, the interworking required to convert from Ethernet to ATM (and vice versa) complicates operation and drives up the cost. Frame relay suffers from this same extra layer of complexity.

Recognizing the inherent limitations of DSL over ATM and other first/last mile solutions, the Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and the Ethernet in the First Mile Alliance (EFMA) set out to standardize Ethernet over copper wiring in the local loop.

This effort resulted in publication of an IEEE 802.3ah standard, joining the long list of other 802.3 standards that together govern all aspects of Ethernet Backhaul.

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