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- Connection-oriented Ethernet refers to the transformation of Ethernet, a connectionless communication system by design, into a connection-oriented system. The aim of connection-oriented Ethernet is to create a networking technology that combines the flexibility and cost-efficiency of Ethernet with the reliability of connection-oriented protocols. Connection-oriented Ethernet is used in commercial carrier grade networks. Traditional carrier networks deliver services at very high availability. Packet-switched networks are different, as they offer services based on statistical multiplexing. Moreover, packet transport equipment, which makes up the machinery of data networking, leaves most of the carrier-grade qualities such as quality of service, routing, provisioning, and security, to be realized by packet processing. Addressing these needs in a cost-efficient way is a challenge for packet-based technologies. The IP-MPLS approach aims at providing guaranteed services over the Internet Protocol using a multitude of networking protocols to create, maintain and handle packet data streams. While this approach solves the problem, it inevitably also creates a great deal of complexity. This has resulted in the emergence of connection-oriented Ethernet which includes a variety of methodologies to utilize Ethernet for the same functionalities otherwise based on extensive IP protocols. The challenge of carrier Ethernet is to add carrier-grade functionality to Ethernet equipment without losing the cost-effectiveness and simplicity that makes it attractive in the first place. To meet this challenge, common connection-oriented Ethernet solutions have chosen to rid themselves of the complex parts of packet transport to achieve stability and control. Key connection-oriented Ethernet technologies used to achieve this include mainly IEEE 802.1ah, Provider Backbone Transport and MPLS-TP, and formerly T-MPLS. (en)
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