The non-profit Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) has ratified three new MEF technical specifications for carrier-class Ethernet. The organization says the specifications provide an interface model between element and network management systems, and create an implementation agreement for circuit emulation services and test procedures for point-to-point (E-Line) and any-to-any (E-LAN) services.
"MEF 9 – Test Procedure for Ethernet Services – is especially significant because it provides test procedures for subscribers to ensure successful integration of Ethernet services into their network infrastructure as defined by the industry's first metro Ethernet service specification, MEF 1,” says Nan Chen, president and director of MEF.
Chen adds metro Ethernet equipment suppliers and service providers also will be able to use MEF 9 to ensure their products conform to a commonly defined set of capabilities.
The other specification, MEF 8, defines the implementation agreement for the emulation of PDH circuits over metro Ethernet networks (MENs). MEF 8 provides requirements to implement the circuit emulation services over MENs as defined in the earlier MEF 3 technical specification.
Meanwhile the third new specification, MEF 7 – the Element Management System- Network Management System Interface Information Model – addresses network management by defining a logical, protocol-neutral model to guide the development of consistent management interfaces across diverse protocols.
The MEF has ratified nine industry specifications in the past 12 months.
