Stanica, R: Monitoring Ethernet Links

Operation, Administration, and Maintenance (OAM) describes the tools and utilities for installing, monitoring, and troubleshooting the network. Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM) together with Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) are standard protocols that are based on OAM feature. EFM standard is a preferred broadband access technology between carrier and customer networks. Broadcast Internet access is reinforced by security and Quality of Service to obtain a scalable network. EFM is compatible with any Ethernet technology and can be used even on small networks. The main functions provided by EFM are: link monitoring, fault detection and fault signaling, and loopback testing. MEF standard is an implementation based on bridged-Ethernet. With the help of Ping and Hello packets, MEF estimates service assurance (SA) metrics and connectivity tests. MEF can monitor the activity of a single link or the entire bridged-Ethernet network.