Multi-point Private LAN

Ethernet Private LAN for enterprise LAN transport

Similar to the figure discussed in the previous section, the figure below shows a customer (Customer 1) with a Private LAN connecting multiple sites. In such applications, multi-point connectivity enables simultaneous connectivity to all sites serviced by the Private LAN at all times. Ethernet Private LAN links are sized independently and are configured for 802.1q or Transparent VLAN mode. Finally, in multi-point Ethernet applications, the intermediate nodes (the Alcatel-Lucent 1665 DMX at the bottom of the ring in the figure below) provide a simple bridging function, passing-through all Ethernet traffic on the Private LAN. As such, the intermediate nodes do no require Ethernet functionality.

Figure 3-7: Private LAN application

Multicast Ethernet packets

Multicast Ethernet packets/transmission can be used to facilitate certain Private LAN applications. Yet, Ethernet Private LAN can be implemented using a variety of Ethernet cross-connection types. For more information about Ethernet cross-connection types, see Cross-connections in Chapter 6, System planning and engineering.

Multicast Ethernet can also be used to facilitate video distribution, webcasting, and any other application in which multipoint Ethernet cross-connections are used. For more information on the functionality of multicast Ethernet in the Alcatel-Lucent 1665 DMX, see Networking capabilities in Chapter 2, Features.

Application advantage

Ethernet Private LANs eliminate the need for an adjunct data switch and further simplify networks by eliminating intermediate WAN protocols, such as frame relay or ATM while giving service providers an ideal migration path from traditional Private Line, circuit-based services.

Ethernet Private LANs also provide absolute QoS and security for data transport applications with dedicated bandwidth and SONET layer protection switching (less than 50 millisecond restoration time).