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Continuing with the complex issue of limited bandwidth users are faces with in SA, Anton de Jager of Core Networks, local distribution channel for Extreme Networks, focuses on 10GB Ethernet in this column. The previous two published in January and February examined IP Time Division Multiplexing and Wavelength Division Multiplexing. The three articles complete this specific sector of the broadband market where Extreme Networks is a dominant player.
In order to serve the growing volume of Gigabit Ethernet traffic, not only in the LAN, but also for the first time, into MAN and WAN environments, the availability of next-generation, high-speed Ethernet becomes ever more pressing.
Positioned as a high-speed technology for networking applications in LANs, MANs, and WANs, 10 Gigabit Ethernet will provide very high bandwidth with simplicity and relatively low cost. In LAN applications 10 Gigabit Ethernet will enable network managers to scale their packet-based networks from 10 Mbps to 10,000 Mbps and thereby leverage their investments in Ethernet as they increase the performance of their network. IN MAN and WAN applications, 10 Gigabit Ethernet will enable Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Network Service Providers (NSPs) to create very high-speed links at very low cost between co-located carrier-class switches and routers.
In anticipation of this emerging market an alliance has been created among leading networking vendors and, since March 1999, approximately 70 companies and 150 engineers have been working on 10 Gigabit Ethernet in the IEEE 802.3 Higher Speed Study Group (HSSG).
In January of this year the IEEE formally authorised the creation of the 802.3ae Task force. This milestone marks the formal recognition that the study group has reached the necessary consensus about scope, goals, and technical feasibility of the project required to start a successful IEEE standard process.
Extreme Networks, in conjunction with 3Com, Cisco, Intel, Nortel, Sun Microsystems and Worldwide Packets, has formed the 10 Gigabit Ethernet Alliance in order to promote 10 Gigabit Ethernet and support the IEEE 802.3 10 Gigabit Ethernet Standards process. Extreme Networks is continuing its leadership in driving key standards and industry alliances, this time in pushing Ethernet to 10,000 Mbps.
"The market`s rapid acceptance of Gigabit Ethernet clearly has surpassed industry expectations," explained Tony Lee, president of the 10 Gigabit Ethernet Alliance.
There are now four distinct PMDs voted into the standard, they are 1550nm Serial, 1310nm Serial, 1310nm WDM and 850nm Serial. The new MMF objectives now specify "At least 300 metres over installed MMF" and "At least 65 metres over MMF". IEEE P802.3ae objectives include:
* Preserving the 802.3/Ethernet frame format at the MAC Client service interface.
* Meeting 802 Functional Requirements, with the possible exceptions of Hamming Distance.
* Preserving minimum and maximum FrameSize of current 802.3 Std.
* Supporting full-duplex operation only.
* Supporting star-wired local area networks using point-to-point links and structured cabling topologies.
* Specifying an optional Media Independent Interface (MII).
* Supporting proposed standard P802.3ad (Link Aggregation)
* Supporting a speed of 10.000Gb/s at the MAC/PLS service interface
* Defining two families of PHYs.
I`m please to say that Extreme Networks has already been successful in implementing 10 GB Ethernet at a number of sites in Europe and is actively working with some large SA corporations to bring this latest technology to this country.
The technology is already on the job in one metropolitan-area network (MAN). And it promises a faster, easier way to boost bandwidth - in minutes instead of months, in some cases. That`s why it appeals to companies whose bandwidth requirements are continually increasing. Turning up more bandwidth is no big deal and I expect 10 Gigabit Ethernet to be widely adopted both in MANs and for backbones in large campus settings.
Extreme Networks is a leading provider of high-performance, broadband networking solutions designed for the Internet economy. The Company`s family of Summit, Alpine and BlackDiamond switching solutions are built on a unique combination of ExtremeWare management software and an ASIC-based common architecture that enable service providers, e-businesses and enterprises to expand their businesses and be more competitive by speeding traffic through a simplified, super scalable network infrastructure. Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., Extreme Networks sells its award-winning switching solutions in more than 50 Countries through authorised resellers. The company was listed as the "fastest growing company in Silicon Valley" based on three-year revenue growth by The Silicon Valley Business Journal. For more information, visit www.extremenetworks.com
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