The document discusses the advantages of ethernet services over IP/MPLS services for modern enterprises, highlighting ethernet's cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and ability to support various applications while addressing security concerns. It also presents Comcast's business SD-WAN as a solution to improve network visibility and management, allowing businesses to overcome bandwidth and scalability issues common with legacy MPLS networks. Real-world examples illustrate the challenges organizations face with bandwidth limitations when integrating modern data-driven applications.

1. Ethernet Services vs.
IP/MPLS ServicesExperience. Outcomes.
Positioning Statement
data services are vital to the success
of the modern enterprise. Data-driven
applications require varying degrees of
quality of service at a price point that the
time now, cost and complexity are often a
pain point. Ethernet services increasingly
and cost-containment are of paramount
concern, especially where large bandwidth
is demanded (and IP/MPLS service can
be particularly expensive). In addition,
where SD-WAN strategies are envisioned,
Ethernet can provide a viable and reliable
alternative to pricey data services while
still remaining a dedicated infrastructure
addressing security and reliability
concerns of the enterprise.
Ciena’s Packet Networking solutions
combine the best layer � and layer
� technology to address the needs
of today’s enterprise network-driven
it’s LAN heritage), while IP/MPLS solutions
and interoperability requirements with
existing core networks.
Considerations
service can handle any number of applications if engineered prudently and managed proactively.
SERVICE COMPARISON ETHERNET SERVICES IP/MPLS SERVICES
Layers and transport
Ethernet relies on layer � techniques (Ethernet) to forward IP/MPLS relies on layer � (IP) techniques to forward
Service separation
Usually uses VLANs or stacked VLANs (QinQ for example)
to distinguish customers, service types and individual
services
Usually uses labels to distinguish customers and/or
services into distinct paths through the network
Bandwidth delivery Can range from < �Mbps to ���Gbps
As a service, becomes quite cost prohibitive above
�Gbps
Cost
Usually lower, attributed to simplicity of operations and
“plug-and-play” characteristics
Varies with bandwidth and features required for QoS.
Can be costly to maintain and operate
Services accommodated Any, voice, video, data service mapped into Ethernet Any voice, video, data mapped into IP
SLA capability SLA-capable with engineered capacity, latency and jitter SLA-capable with engineered capacity
Application: Mobile Backhaul Simplicity, less need for routing or advanced features
Can be pricey as bandwidth increases, capable of
advanced routing and QoS features (especially in �G/�G
context)
Application: Ethernet
Business Services
Requires routers (can be pricey). Provides sophisticated
Application: Data Center
Interconnect
Usually seen as overkill
Security opportunities; encryption at layer � adds a security
“tunnel” to client IP services
Routing hacks can be a vulnerability if not managed
properly
Conclusion
Comcast and Ciena are trusted advisors leveraging the right solution to the given problem
programmable networks allow engagement on a variety of challenges and optimization of
to ultimate market success.
Consider Comcast Business SD WAN
With SD-WAN from Comcast Business, companies can retake control of their network by
business opportunities. SD-WAN provides enriched network visibility, with application-level
augmenting an existing MPLS network or updating your entire network, Comcast Business
SD-WAN helps put actionable insights at the center of your wide-area networking strategies.
SD-WAN puts the architecture in place that allows you to do more with your network. Paired
with gigabit speed broadband connections from Comcast Business, SD-WAN can help
overcome the bandwidth, scalability, and cost concerns common with legacy, T�-based MPLS
networks. Real life examples of customers struggling with the proliferation of personal/social
media in the workplace:
�. A construction company that encourages employees to access You Tube for educational
purposes but eventually had to shut down access because their network bandwidth simply
�.
locations. They wanted to stream music and video through their treadmills and other
exercise equipment and their MPLS network crashed trying to handle those applications.