MEF launches Carrier Ethernet 2.0 certification program

May 1, 2012
The Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) has launched a Carrier Ethernet 2.0 certification program for equipment vendors and service providers, complementing the recent launch of Carrier Ethernet 2.0 (CE 2.0).

The Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) has launched a Carrier Ethernet 2.0 certification program for equipment vendors and service providers, complementing the recent launch of Carrier Ethernet 2.0 (CE 2.0).

CE 2.0 expands the number of services from three in Carrier Ethernet 1.0 to eight services, and supports manageability across interconnected service provider networks – unlike the standardized CE 1.0 services delivered over a single provider’s network. E-Line, E-LAN, E-Tree, and a new E-Access service type are available for certification both as port-based and virtual services.

The MEF says CE 2.0 brings significant benefits by matching the enterprise users’ application performance needs to MEF services with specific service-level agreements (SLAs), thus optimizing bandwidth use and costs. The MEF developed CE 2.0 certification to bring these new benefits to service providers, equipment vendors, and users more quickly, with higher quality and at lower cost. The 680 test cases in the new certification program replace months or even years of costly and highly specialized test development required for assuring compliance with the new CE 2.0 services, the MEF asserts.

Registration for CE 2.0 certification for is now open for equipment vendors and will open on May 28 for service providers. The MEF is providing detailed program descriptions in two key documents: the CE 2.0 Certification Blueprint and the CE 2.0 Technical Foundation, which are available at http://www.MetroEthernetForum.org/.

Widely recognized MEF 9 and MEF 14 certifications remain valid and available under the umbrella of the new “CE 1.0 Certification” brand.

“CE 1.0 Certification has been an extraordinary success,” said Nan Chen, president of the MEF. “With nearly 150 vendors and service providers already offering over 1,000 certified products and services globally, there is no lack of choice for demanding customers. With CE 2.0 experiencing immediate adoption, we expect CE 2.0 certification program to exceed the uptake of our first certification program.”

There will be a four month initial phase for the new certifications culminating in announcements of the first certified equipment vendors in 4Q 2012 and the first certified service providers in 1Q 2013. As with CE 1.0 certification, successfully certified members will be permitted to use the appropriate CE 2.0 certification logo and will be listed on the MEF’s Certification Registry on the MEF website.

For more information on Carrier Ethernet equipment and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.