IP/MPLS Forum to Support MEF Carrier Ethernet Services

The IP/MPLS Forum will develop a new set of MPLS-based specifications and requirements supporting Carrier Ethernet Services as defined by the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF). Specifically, the Forum's work will support both Carrier Ethernet using Layer 2 VPN services as well as interworking with Provider Bridging Ethernet supporting Q-in-Q and MAC-in-MAC. The forum will closely align their efforts with ongoing work within the IEEE and IETF in these areas to ensure broad operator and vendor support for the final requirement and architecture specifications.


"MPLS has long been defined as a convergence technology which allows service providers to bring together disparate networks and leverage network features for greater economies of scale," said Andrew Malis, Chairman and President of the IP/MPLS Forum. "Through this new effort of the forum, we believe operators will be able to increase their use of Ethernet for both service and transport layers in the network, and economically offer Carrier Ethernet services to their customers."


Additional information including milestones and schedules will be announced by the Forum in the weeks and months ahead.
http://www.ipmplsforum.org