Metro Ethernet at Home

Metro Ethernet at Home

Metro Ethernet is a transformational technology that's allowing residential broadband users in metropolitan areas to access a wealth of next-generation video, voice and Internet services through their home televisions and home computers. With Metro Ethernet, home users can take advantage of superior entertainment and education on demand, multimedia ecommerce services, and they can reach out to relatives with full screen voice and video conferencing like never before. Additional services include remote security, surveillance and appliance monitoring.

In a typical home scenario, the local network service provider connects to homes in multi-tenant buildings via newly installed fibre optic cables or existing copper wire plants. A basic Metro Ethernet service package typically includes high-speed Internet access, low cost telephone service, on-demand TV and movies, and a range of other value added content and services.

Metro Ethernet has a number of unique advantages for home users who are limited by traditional Internet access services. First generation DSL and cable broadband services are usually asymmetrical in the sense that network traffic is much slower in one direction than the other. Asymmetrical services are not very suitable for advanced Internet applications such are video conferencing, remote collaborative workgroups, distance learning, gaming, media sharing, etc.

Metro Ethernet in contrast is a fully symmetrical network service, giving 1 - 10 Mbs or more of bandwidth in both directions. This symmetrical, high-speed, always on connection is the network connectivity that home users need if they are to take full advantage of the coming generation of content-rich, full-screen, full-motion entertainment and ecommerce services.

On-demand movies and TV are a good example of the next generation network services that Metro Ethernet enables. With on-demand, home users can choose to watch movies and TV content whenever they like. Unlike traditional broadcast TV, on-demand users can record, pause and replay content to meet personal viewing needs and schedules. For instance a news program that normally shows at 6:00pm can be viewed later in the evening or when time permits.

Work Freedom

In addition to the ability to time-shift programmes, news, and films, Metro Ethernet gives home users more freedom to work how and when they want. People with busy schedules and demanding jobs have the option of working from home when they need to. Due to the speed and quality of the connection, Metro Ethernet lets home workers access their work databases, documents, email and video conferences as if they are at their desk in the office. Because it's a seamless connection to office networks, Metro Ethernet improves lifestyles while enhancing the productivity of today's workforce.

Beyond telecommuting, entertainment and educational content, Metro Ethernet is a platform for an ever-expanding array of new services. For instance, an integrated video security system that allows homeowners to look after their property via the Internet from anywhere in the world. Video security services can run on the same Metro Ethernet infrastructure as the other services discussed above. And because Metro Ethernet has better quality of service for network applications, even delay sensitive applications like internet telephony can be run across the network, bringing a whole new economics to voice communications.

For home users and the network providers who service them, Metro Ethernet enhances lifestyles while creating new and sustainable revenue streams. Metro Ethernet is real broadband and a real opportunity for home users and providers alike.