Metro Ethernet: Modern WAN Connectivity Solutions

Author Ermias Teffera

At ITVue Networks, we aim to deliver high-performance, reliable, and scalable WAN connectivity to our clients. After exploring Fiber, SDH, and SONET, it’s important to understand Metro Ethernet, a cost-effective and flexible alternative for urban and enterprise WAN deployments.

Metro Ethernet extends Ethernet services beyond a local area network (LAN) to metropolitan and regional WANs, connecting offices, data centers, and cloud services efficiently.

1. What is Metro Ethernet?

Metro Ethernet provides carrier-grade Ethernet connectivity over metropolitan area networks (MANs). It leverages the simplicity of Ethernet while offering higher bandwidth, reliability, and service-level agreements (SLAs).

Key Benefits:

• High-speed connectivity (1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, and beyond)

• Scalable to multiple sites with Ethernet point-to-point or multipoint topologies

• Lower cost compared to traditional leased lines or TDM-based services

• SLA-backed performance, including latency, jitter, and availability

2. Metro Ethernet Service Types

a) EPL (Ethernet Private Line)

EPL is a point-to-point Ethernet service. It provides dedicated bandwidth between two sites, like a private virtual circuit.

• Use case: Connecting two data centers or headquarters to a branch

• Advantages:

  • Full bandwidth guaranteed

  • Low latency

  • Transparent Ethernet service, supporting VLANs

    
    

Diagram: EPL

b) Ethernet Wire Service / Ethernet Relay

Ethernet Wire Service (also called Ethernet Relay) provides point-to-point connectivity across a service provider network, often using optical transport or MPLS.

• Function: Transparent Layer 2 link over a provider backbone

• Use case: Extending a LAN over a metropolitan WAN

• Benefit: No IP routing required; maintains VLAN transparency

  
  

c) Ethernet Multipoint (E-Line / E-LAN)

Ethernet Multipoint services connect multiple sites in a hub-and-spoke or full-mesh topology.

• E-LAN: Multipoint-to-multipoint, all sites can communicate as if on the same LAN

• E-LINE: Point-to-point, connects two sites

• Benefits:

  • Flexible and scalable

  • Supports multicast, broadcast, and VLAN transparency

    
    

Diagram: Ethernet Multipoint

d) Ethernet Relay Multipoint Services

Ethernet Relay Multipoint provides virtual LAN extension across multiple customer sites, maintaining Layer 2 adjacency over the service provider network.

• Use case: Enterprises with multiple branches needing full Layer 2 connectivity

• Benefits:

  • Transparent VLANs across locations

  • Supports voice, video, and data simultaneously

  • SLA-backed reliability and performance

    
    

3. Comparing WAN Services

Service Type	Topology	Use Case	SLA & Bandwidth
Ethernet Private Line (EPL)	Point-to-Point	Data center interconnect	Dedicated, guaranteed
Ethernet Wire / Relay	Point-to-Point	LAN extension over provider network	High reliability
Ethernet Multipoint (E-LAN)	Multipoint-to-Multipoint	Multiple branches communication	Shared or guaranteed
Ethernet Relay Multipoint	Multipoint-to-Multipoint	Full Layer 2 adjacency across sites	SLA-backed, scalable

4. Real-World Applications

• Connecting headquarters to regional offices with EPL for guaranteed bandwidth

• Extending a LAN to cloud or data center with Ethernet Wire/Relay service

• Full-mesh connectivity for retail stores, financial branches, or healthcare facilities with E-LAN or Ethernet Relay Multipoint

• Supports high-bandwidth applications, including video conferencing, VoIP, and cloud services

  
  

5. Best Practices

• Choose EPL for dedicated, high-bandwidth, low-latency connections

• Use multipoint services for branch connectivity and scalability

• Ensure provider offers transparent VLAN support for seamless LAN extension

• Implement redundant links (dual-ring or dual-path topologies) to improve reliability

• Monitor bandwidth and SLA compliance regularly

Conclusion

Metro Ethernet services like EPL, Ethernet Wire, and Multipoint services provide flexible, scalable, and cost-effective WAN connectivity for enterprises. By leveraging these technologies, ITVue Networks ensures high-performance, resilient, and SLA-backed WAN infrastructures that meet the growing demands of modern businesses.