Ethernet Private Line Service-Metropolitan Area Network
(EPLS-MAN)
Ethernet Private Line Service—Metropolitan Area Network (EPLS-MAN) is a point-topoint, fixed-bandwidth Ethernet transport service that connects a local area network
(LAN) or location to another location within a metropolitan area. EPLS-MAN provides
a point-to-point fixed bandwidth circuit that is available at data transmission speeds
from 50Mbps to 1GBPS and supports a variety of applications and transport
protocols.
With EPLS-MAN, customers gain access to high bandwidth by using the same
Ethernet protocol as their current LAN application. The service transmits data
through the network using Ethernet-over-SONET encapsulation. The Ethernet
packets travel over a SONET transport network, so when ring failures occur, the
network uses SONET protection switching to quickly recover service—typically within
50 milliseconds. EPLS-MAN is similar to AT&T’s local private line service, except that
EPLS-MAN provides a Layer 2 Ethernet interface, while local private line provides a
Layer 1 SONET interface.
Benefits
•
Increases Efficiency - Your business or your customers’ businesses depend on
the ability to transmit large files among various locations. EPLS-MAN uses highspeed, point-to-point connections to link locations within a metropolitan area,
allowing you to transmit information easily. You get the bandwidth you need
with speeds of up to 1 Gbps. This allows you to avoid network bottlenecks and
delays and transfer large files quickly and effortlessly.
•
Reduces Costs – A company with multiple locations has employees using
servers, printers, and other specialized equipment which is duplicated at several
locations. By sharing resources, you can reduce the amount of equipment that
needs to be purchased and maintained by using high-speed, point-to-point
connections. Employees can transfer data quickly and reliably among locations,
and they can share equipment - reducing procurement and maintenance costs.
•
Creates a Collaborative Environment - Create a collaborative environment
for employees using high-speed, point-to-point connections. With a highbandwidth connection between locations, you can take advantage of a seamless
link between employees in different offices. You extend the reach of your
applications—such as email and VoIP— while still using your existing Ethernet
infrastructure. Employees can easily share information and collaborate online as
they work on projects that require high bandwidth. This saves travel expenses
and transit time, making more efficient use of employees’ time.
•
Provides High Reliability of a SONET Backbone – Through the built-in
diversity of the AT&T network, service is rerouted around network failure to
recover from outages within 50 milliseconds.
•
Offers Service and Support – AT&T’s Mean-Time-To-Repair (MTTR) goal is
less than four hours in the AT&T LNS network. Customers receive credits of a
percentage of their monthly recurring circuit charges in a given month if they
experience an outage.
•
Supplies Flexibility and Scalability – With more than 17,000 route miles of
fiber optic cable and broadband wireless in more than 300 communities, AT&T’s
LNS network provides advanced data services nationwide in more than 70 major
markets in the U.S. These numbers continue to grow, as we constantly expand
and improve our network.
•
Simplifies Networking – With AT&T EPLS–MAN, customers don’t have to
manage multiple local exchange carriers. They have one point of contact, one
place to call, and one bill for all their local networking services.
Features and Options
EPLS-MAN uses connector terminations to connect to the customer’s premises
equipment. For Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) service, the connectors are either singlemode or multi-mode fiber interfaces; Fast Ethernet (FE) service uses electrical
interfaces. We install a service demarcation (the interface between the customer’s
equipment and AT&T’s equipment) at your premises so you can connect to our
network. From the service demarcation, EPLS-MAN transports data over the AT&T
network as Ethernet-over-SONET traffic.
Figure 1: Sample EPLS-MAN Connection Between Two Locations
Key
MSP:
Multi-Service Platform
LNS:
Local Network Service
SONET: Synchronous Optic Network
Figure 1 depicts how EPLS-MAN provides point-to-point, fixed-bandwidth Ethernet
transport service between two locations within a metropolitan area.
EPLS-MAN provides the following features:
 Redundant Electronic Components—AT&T’s transport equipment uses many
redundant electronic components, such as power supplies. We also can provide
other redundancy options, such as dual entrance facilities. These redundancy
measures help minimize the risk of outages and increase your customer’s
system reliability.
 Automatic Ring Protection Switching—Since EPLS-MAN transports over
SONET facilities, customers get the same automatic ring protection switching
capability as traditional local private line services. They can rely on our network,
which has security built into every layer—from network transport to end-user
applications.
 Continuous Network Monitoring and Performance Management—
Customers receive unsurpassed network management expertise and reliable
support from a single point of contact. We provide continuous (24x7) monitoring
and troubleshooting to ensure your network performs at its optimum level.
The following options are available with EPLS-MAN:
•
Speed options let you choose your desired bandwidth.
For Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) service, you can choose from 50 Mbps,
o
300 Mbps, 600 Mbps, or 1 Gbps.
o
For Fast Ethernet (FE) service, you can choose from 50 Mbps or 100
Mbps.
EPLS-MAN uses the following components:

Cables—provide a high-speed link between your LANs. For GigE service, we
support single-mode or multi-mode fiber-optic cables. For Fast Ethernet (FE)
service, we support electrical cables.

Connector Interfaces—connect the Ethernet switches to your premises
equipment. For GigE service, the connectors are either single-mode or multimode fiber interfaces. For FE service, the connectors are electrical interfaces.
Availability
As an offer within AT&T Local Private Line Services, AT&T Ethernet Private Line
Service-MAN is currently available in more than 70 metropolitan areas in the U.S.