MEF Ratifies ENNI Spec

BARCELONA -- The MEF (Metro Ethernet Forum) today announced that its latest quarterly meeting had ratified the key MEF 26 specification, defining Phase 1 of the External Network to Network Interface (ENNI). This specification, which standardizes the reference point between service providers' MEF Certified Carrier Ethernet networks and services, marks a significant advance in the MEF's Global Interconnect Program. It will greatly accelerate the current lengthy and complex process of matching different providers' Carrier Ethernet services. By supporting standardized interconnect and Ethernet services spanning multiple-operator Ethernet networks, and bringing issues such as CoS, SLAs and management into line, the ENNI will have a major impact on the industry, with new global business opportunities for service providers and vendors. It will also generate even wider opportunities for world business with its promise of fast and cost-effective global interconnection.

"ENNI is absolutely key to the future growth of Carrier Ethernet" according to Michael Howard, Principal Analyst, Carrier and Data Center Networks, Infonetics Research. "As operators increasingly migrate to all-packet networks, they are investing heavily in delivering Ethernet services to their customers. The ability to span these services in a timely and economical manner over multiple operator networks is a multi-billion dollar opportunity in waiting"

MEF