IEEE Ratifies 802.1Qay (PBB-TE) for Connection-Oriented Ethernet

The IEEE has ratified IEEE 802.1Qay -- a packet-based connection-oriented Ethernet technology for next-generation service provider transport networks. It incorporates determinism and resiliency capabilities.


The IEEE 802.1Qay standard, "IEEE Standard for Local and Metropolitan Area Networks--Virtual Bridged Local Area Networks--Amendment: Provider Backbone Bridge Traffic Engineering," is based on the existing IEEE 802.1ah standard for Provider Backbone Bridging (PBB). IEEE 802.1Qay defines Provider Backbone Bridge Traffic Engineering (PBB-TE), a technology that helps enable service providers to explicitly set up traffic engineered paths across a Carrier Ethernet Network.

The IEEE said that unlike prior packet-based Ethernet, PBB-TE uses an external management plane for determining and deploying the traffic engineered paths. This approach simplifies the operational requirements of each network element and is consistent with current transport crafts and practices, enabling a smooth migration to next-generation transport networks.

"The ratification of IEEE 802.1Qay is an important milestone for the telecommunications industry, as service providers now have an approved standard for packet-based Connection-Oriented Ethernet technology and they can confidently proceed today with their IP network transformation programs," said Tony Jeffree, Chair of the IEEE 802.1 Working Group. "On behalf of the IEEE, I'd like to thank the 802.1 Interworking Task Group for its hard work and dedication and congratulate each member on this impressive achievement."http://www.ieee802.org