Use Case and Reference Architecture
The reference architecture is based on modern Carrier Ethernet MAN, considering the transformation required to facilitate the diverse new services, applications, and use cases. Some common principles exist to deliver L2 and/or L3-enabled services for point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and multipoint-to-multipoint solutions—with more intelligent mechanisms enabling the coexistence of L2/L3 services and improved High Availability (HA) models.
The Metro as a Service JVD focuses on the service delivery and validation aspects defined by MEF 3.0 technical specifications and requirements and fulfilled with Iometrix Lab in the Sky cloud-based testing environment. The solution architecture deploys an infrastructure designed to support traditional metro access ring topologies with multi-service edge termination. In addition, the topology features a metro fabric spine-and-leaf design with border leaf nodes supporting metro-edge gateway services and facilitating connectivity to the computing complexes. Both infrastructures are designed to support seamless interconnectivity within and between different network segments.
The validation encompasses mandatory test cases and may include conditional mandatory test cases (where applicable) required for MEF 3.0 certification. The Metro Ethernet Forum 3.0 Carrier Ethernet certification for suppliers is limited to product-level certification. As such, the featured DUTs, including MX304, ACX7100, ACX7509, and ACX7024, are MEF 3.0-certified products and appear on the MEF registry. As for this writing, suppliers are not eligible for service-level MEF 3.0 certification, which is the primary certification path that operators take. The MaaS JVD claims MEF 3.0 service compliance but is restricted from certification. Nevertheless, the Juniper MEF validation allows operators to rapidly achieve MEF 3.0 certification using the solutions provided. This JVD can be further leveraged to reduce POC qualification cycles and speed up the time to market.
Metro Ethernet Forum
The Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) is an industry consortium dedicated to accelerating the adoption of Carrier Ethernet services and technologies. Its primary purposes and goals revolve around standardization, interoperability, and innovation within the Ethernet ecosystem. MEF works to develop and promote standards for Carrier Ethernet services, ensuring interoperability between Carrier Ethernet networks and equipment from different vendors, fostering innovation by promoting the development of new technologies and services based on Carrier Ethernet, and educating the market about the benefits and capabilities of Carrier Ethernet services.
MEF 3.0 Carrier Ethernet certification is a program designed to ensure that Ethernet services adhere to industry standards and best practices. The certification process involves rigorous testing and validation of network equipment, software, and services to ensure interoperability, performance, and reliability.
The certification provides several benefits to both operators and customers. For operators, certification can enhance market competitiveness, increase customer trust, and streamline the deployment of Ethernet services. For customers, certification ensures that they are investing in reliable and interoperable solutions that meet industry standards, reducing the risk of compatibility issues and downtime.
MEF 3.0 certification encompasses a range of technical specifications aimed at ensuring the interoperability, performance, and reliability of Carrier Ethernet services. Some of the key technical specifications included in MEF 3.0 certification are:
- Service Attributes: Defines the attributes and parameters of Carrier Ethernet services, including bandwidth profiles, service performance, and service multiplexing.
- Service OAM (Operations, Administration, and Maintenance): Specifies OAM functions for monitoring and troubleshooting Carrier Ethernet services, including connectivity verification, performance monitoring, and fault detection.
- Performance Monitoring: Defines performance metrics and monitoring mechanisms for Carrier Ethernet services, such as frame delay, frame delay variation (jitter), and frame loss ratio.
- Ethernet Access Services: Covers specifications for Ethernet access services, including Ethernet Virtual Connections (EVCs), service multiplexing, and service handoff at the network edge.
- Interconnection Services: Specifies requirements and protocols for interconnecting Carrier Ethernet networks, enabling end-to-end service delivery across multiple service providers.
- Network-to-Network Interface (NNI): Defines the interface and protocols for interconnecting Carrier Ethernet networks operated by different service providers, ensuring interoperability and seamless service handoff.
- Test and Certification: Outlines testing procedures and certification criteria for verifying compliance with MEF 3.0 specifications, ensuring consistent quality and interoperability of certified products and services.
These technical specifications provide a comprehensive framework for designing, deploying, and managing Carrier Ethernet services that meet the performance, scalability, and reliability requirements of modern networking environments.
