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Ethernet OAM
OAM (Operations, Administration and Maintenance) refers to the means by which service providers remotely monitor and manage their network infrastructure, as well as measure its performance. Such functionality in legacy TDM networks is well-defined. However, for next-generation technologies such as Carrier Ethernet, OAM poses a significant challenge. Why? Because Ethernet originated as a LAN technology, it never possessed the OAM capabilities required by network operators.
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The Need for Integration
Early deployments of Carrier Ethernet equipment often relied on a combination of enterprise Ethernet switches with FPGAs, NPUs or custom ASICS to provide the missing Carrier Ethernet features. However, the software-only approach does not scale well on Ethernet switches with dozens of ports, nor does it scale to support switches capable of handling thousands of MEF-defined services. Special hardware is typically needed for Service OAM, which enables the network to rapidly detect and recover from incidents without impacting customers. In contrast, hardware-based service OAM solutions, typically implemented in FPGAs or custom ASICs, can be cost-prohibitive for volume deployment. Consequently, Ethernet IC vendors are now embedding service OAM as an integral function in Ethernet switch chips.
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Designing for Tomorrow's Carrier Ethernet...Today
Hardware-integrated OAM protocols for Carrier-grade Ethernet open up a wealth of possibilities. Not only does it improve network performance and reduce the number of board components needed to implement Carrier Ethernet features, but it also decreases power consumption — a critical recurring operating cost.
Legacy network equipment, as well as new Carrier Ethernet deployments, can benefit from this approach. Standard Ethernet chips with Carrier Ethernet features such as embedded OAM support and service aware architecture will be fundamental in the migration to next-generation Carrier Ethernet.
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