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Ethernet OAM Source Code for LAN/WAN Developers

Introduction

Ethernet is beginning to join or even take the place of traditional wide-area networking (WAN) technologies while, at the same time, WAN technologies are being applied to LAN applications to increase the reach of what were once simple, distance-limited local networks. The result is today’s “super-LAN.”

Carrier networks are known for their sophisticated and effective management capabilities. They have long set a high standard for reliability, availability, fast fail over and recovery in order to ensure that service level agreements made by providers with their customers can be met.

One of the greatest challenges facing service providers as they deploy Ethernet-based solutions in WAN environments lies in achieving the same level of operations, administration, maintenance and provisioning (OAM&P) support that users are accustomed to receiving with traditional carrier networks. More directly, Service Level Agreements (SLAs) attached to specific services need to be met without regard to the underlying technologies used to provide them. Ethernet OAM is one set of the capabilities needed to meet these SLAs.

Until recently, functions weren't’t even defined for Ethernet OAM implementations—and it is still unusual for the OAM subset of these functions to be considered where Ethernet is concerned. However, standards bodies and major equipment manufacturers are increasingly addressing this issue. While optional today, it won’t be long before Ethernet OAM will be a base-line requirement for equipment providers.

NComm's implementation of Ethernet OAM maintains a clean delineation with the value added capabilities of your design. This insures portability and ease of problem isolation.

The following depicts NComm's Ethernet OAM package in a Linux environment:

Call now to find out how Ethernet OAM capability can be easily added to your ethernet equipment project.

Additional Ethernet OAM Resources