Fiber Too Expensive? Try EoC

As business applications become more and more demanding and dependent on IP and Ethernet protocols, Carrier Ethernet has emerged as the WAN technology of choice for enterprise access.  Carrier Ethernet promises an efficient, simple, scalable and cost-effective solution whether you are using it for dedicated internet access, connections to cloud applications, or VPN. 

Ethernet for business applications is estimated to grow substantially through 2015.  Of course, fiber optic connectivity is the preferred method service, but Ethernet over Copper (EoC) has become a strategic choice as well for its competitive price and service.  There are a few main reasons why companies may choose EoC, among them :

1.  It’s Ethernet.  Some new technologies promising broadband service may only be used for internet access or basic voice service.  Ethernet meets business-class symmetric service requirements, providing scalable, reliable and manageable features.  EoC delivers the service businesses have come to expect. 

2.  Fiber options may be very limited.  Currently only about 30% of businesses have access to fiber.  The cost to upgrade is very expensive, and it takes anywhere from 6-18 months to install.  Many companies do not want to wait that long, or invest so much money in the service.  Most facilities are connected to the legacy copper voice network, which makes it easy to transition to EoC in a matter of weeks.  Many providers have found they can increase speeds ten-fold with EoC, which may be enough for most companies.

3.  EoC is on par with fiber.  Nearly all service providers have multiple service classes, including many premium products,  in order to deliver the customer experience your company needs.  Most of them are able to provide a service equal to fiber-based Ethernet services.

4. Innovations in technology have advanced EoC capabilities.  New generations of EoC edge and aggregation equipment have increased capabilities to over 15 Mbps symmetric per copper pair, and providers can now deploy 200+ Mbps Ethernet.  This gives you the service at a fraction of the cost. 

The popularity of carrier Ethernet for business WAN service creates the demand that can’t be completely met with fiber.  Advances in EoC give businesses a good alternative that provides equal service at a fraction of the cost.

Ethernet Access Changing

Ethernet over Copper is slowly being replaced by Ethernet over native fiber in a lot of areas.  Thus, you will start to see that EoC is being offered less and less as the new thing for medium to large sized businesses. Although most companies can still offer and support both, the target is now moving to higher end speeds for IP/MPLS uses.

Many providers are seeing the need to expand both nationally and internationally, and are finding it easier to upgrade through existing fiber based facilities already in place.   This is also creating a situation with fiber pricing where the price points are pretty close in the 2-10 Mbps range in companies that are no longer offering EoC.   

As pricing gets more competitive with more companies being able to offer fiber based options, you will see the natural growth to EVPL (Ethernet Virtual Private Line) and ELAN (Ethernet LAN), even being carried by some mobile calling providers.  If you have been considering a switch to fiber, there has never been a better time to consider it!