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Hitachi Communication Technologies America

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IEEE 802.3ah

Standards - IEEE 802.3ah Standards

Hitachi supports standards for EPON which are included within the IEEE 802.3ah standard, also referred to as Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM).

This standard establishes rules for implementing Ethernet in service provider access networks. The same characteristics that have enabled Ethernet to flourish in enterprise networks can now be applied to carrier networks. The simplicity, ubiquity and bandwidth characteristics of Ethernet enable service providers to improve performance in the local access network compared to more complex, more bandwidth-constrained protocols.

The Ethernet in the First Mile standard is a collection of protocols specified in IEEE 802.3, defining Ethernet in the access networks. As Wide Area, Metro and Local Area Networks (LANs) had already been standardized, it made sense for a standard to be created for Ethernet in the access network. EFM defines how Ethernet networks should operate around the world, eliminating non-native transport solutions such as Ethernet over ATM in access networks.

EFM defines how Ethernet can be transmitted over the following media types:

  • Voice-grade copper. These EFM copper (EFMCu) interfaces allow optional multi-pair aggregation.
  • Long wavelength single fiber and long wavelength dual-strand fiber.
  • Point-To-Multipoint fiber. These interfaces are usually known as Ethernet over Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON).

EFM also addresses other issues, required for mass deployment of Ethernet services, such as Operations, Administration & Management (OAM) and compatibility with existing technologies (e.g. spectral compatibility for copper).

The IEEE 802.3ah Point-to-Multipoint standard has matured to the point where service providers can count on a stable, robust standard. Installations of systems based on this standard are simplified due to service technician familiarity with the standards. Furthermore, the existence of a reliable standard ensures interoperability in the access network and minimizes operational expenditures and training requirements