What is Metro Ethernet (MetroE)?

Metro Ethernet is a type of network that provides point to point or multi-point connections over a MAN (metropolitan area network). The maximum throughput for this network is 10gbps.

The disadvantages consist of latency, small upload speeds and high packet loss.

Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) is an organization which is a non-profit that seeks to accelerate the use of carrier class Ethernet networks and services worldwide. This organization is made up of leading service providers, local exchange carriers, test equipment vendors, network equipment vendors and other networking companies which share an interest in the organization's goal.

Metro Ethernet Forum basically provides two types of certifications which are as follows −

• Services & Technology Certifications: This is also divided into two types as Services Certification and Technology Certification respectively.

• Professionals Certifications also known as Carrier Ethernet.

Benefits

The advantages of metro ethernet are as follows −

• Scalable.

• Flexible.

• Reliable.

• Cost effective.

• Easy to use.

• Quality of service.

Service Providers

The service providers for Metro Ethernet are as follows −

• Public cloud.

• Private Cloud.

• Branch office

• Corporate office.

• Data centre.

• Residential subscribers.

• Radio Access networks.

These Service providers use Metro Ethernet to do the following −

• Interconnect business offices or data centres.

• Metro Ethernet is used to connect more than two sites, sometimes 100’s of sites.

• It is used to connect residential subscribers.

• Provide connectivity to public or private cloud data centres.

• Provide multicast delivery and video applications.

Standards

The standards that are suitable for Metro Ethernet are −