As discussed in our previous dispatch, Carrier Ethernet 2.0 lays great emphasis on not only performance assurance but even on end-to-end SLA performance prediction (which assumes the ability to model and predict SLAs), and on verification of circuits prior to service, as well as on measuring “Day 1” SLA performance.
Operator’s needs and networks are both evolving rapidly today. For example, operators with Ethernet in their portfolio are moving from single vendor networks with Ethernet MSPPs that had only basic performance monitoring capabilities to multi-vendor networks, with modular Carrier Ethernet platforms with advanced performance reporting and ability to deliver deterministic Ethernet (performance assurance). The integration of cloud/data center services into the portfolios of many operators is another factor pushing for advanced performance management.
If one analyzes what operators have said about their needs (from multiple forums, e.g. Carrier Ethernet World Congress, and other industry events, and from conversations with carrier experts in industry fora), one sees the following:
- Proactive reporting to customers
- Faster fault location and resolution (which lowers TCO)
- Improved cost structures and ability for faster innovation (or new service deployment)
All of these imply that instrumentation across the network is becoming more important than ever, and performance management will grow in importance as the transition to Carrier Ethernet 2.0 occurs.
The Carrier Ethernet 2.0 advancements also include: multi-CoS (which enables bandwidth efficiency by running different types of traffic and services on a single Carrier Ethernet 2.0 circuit), packet network synchronization to meet performance objectives, standards-based OAM to measure and manage CoS parameters, and maintain SLA performance requirements.
Thus, with the transition to CE 2.0, good performance management will be crucial, especially with emerging performance-based SLAs, and the need to model and predict service performance prior to a circuit ever being provisioned!
What is your view? As an operator, what are the pushes from your customers, from competition, and from the market in general that are shaping your views on performance management?
What do you wish you had? What is the eco-system doing well, and where is more work needed?
Feel free to share your thoughts, because that is what makes this Forum a venue for discourse and solutions!
In the next dispatch we will take a look at: Measurement Requirements & The Role of Performance Verification.