Ethernet Alliance Launches 10G EPON and 10GBASE-T Subcommittees

The Ethernet Alliance has formed two new subcommittees chartered to support the IEEE 802.3 standards development process.



The 10G EPON (10 Gigabit Ethernet Passive Optical Network) subcommittee will support the recently formed 10G EPON study group. The 10GBASE-T (10 Gigabit Ethernet over twisted-pair cabling) subcommittee will support interoperability demonstrations as the 10GBASE-T standards effort comes to completion.



A 10G EPON study group was formed within the IEEE 802.3 working group on March 9, 2006, following an industry discussion regarding the next speed jump for Ethernet PONs.



The Ethernet Alliance said increasing the speed of EPONs from the current 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps will support the delivery of advanced video services, gigabit-capable home networks, backhauls for 4th generation mobile communication networks, and high-bandwidth connections to multi-tenant and multi-dwelling residential units.



The 10GBASE-T standard remains on track for a June ratification. Development of 10GBASE-T will extend the benefits of copper cabling to high bandwidth platforms, beginning in the data center. Data centers have traditionally adopted twisted-pair cabling, based upon its ease of use and cost-effectiveness. As 10GBASE-T moves out of the lab and into wide deployment, the Ethernet Alliance will serve as a source of information for vendors and end users.



The Ethernet Alliance 10GBASE-T subcommittee will support the development of interoperability and conformance test suites, technology whitepapers, and facilitate technology demonstrations.



The Ethernet Alliance also announced the addition of eight new members: CebaTech, Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA), IXIA, KDDI R&D Labs, Siemon, Spirent Communications, Toshiba, and the University of South Florida. The group now has over 50 member companies.

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