4.1 Introduction to Ethernet OAM
Ethernet OAM can effectively improve management and maintenance capabilities on Ethernet
networks, which ensures the stable network operation. Ethernet OAM is applicable mainly to
Ethernet networks.
Background
The Ethernet has developed as the major Local Area Network (LAN) technology because it
features easy implementation and low cost. Recently, along with the applications of Gigabit
Ethernet and the later 10-Gigabit Ethernet, Ethernet has been extended to the Wide Area Network
(WAN).
Compared with WANs, reliability and stability are not highly required for LANs. Therefore, a
mechanism for network Operations, Administration and Maintenance (OAM) is always required
for the Ethernet. The lack of the OAM mechanism prevents Ethernet from effectively functioning
as the Internet Service Provider (ISP) network. In this manner, Ethernet OAM is becoming a
trend.
Functions
Ethernet OAM has the following functions:
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Fault management
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Ethernet OAM can detect the network connectivity by sending detection messages
regularly or through manual triggering.
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Ethernet OAM can locate faults on the Ethernet by using means similar to the Packet
Internet Groper (ping) and traceroute tools on IP networks.
–
Ethernet OAM can work with the Automatic Protection Switching (APS) to trigger
protection switching when detecting connectivity faults. This ensures service
interruption in no more than 50 ms to achieve carrier-class reliability.
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Performance management
Performance management is used to measure the packet loss ratio, delay, and jitter during
the transmission of packets. It also collects statistics on various kinds of traffic.
Performance management is implemented at the access point of users. By using the
performance management tools, the ISP can monitor the network status and locate faults
through the Network Management System (NMS). The ISP checks whether the forwarding
capacity of the network complies with the Service Level Agreement (SLA) signed with
users.
Ethernet OAM improves network management and maintenance capabilities on the Ethernet
and guarantees a steady network.
4.2 Ethernet OAM Supported by the S3700
This section describes the Ethernet OAM features supported by the S3700.
EFM OAM
802.3ah, also referred to as Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM), defines the specifications of the
Ethernet physical layer and OAM used for user access. EFM OAM detects the link in the last
Quidway S3700 Series Ethernet Switches
Configuration Guide - Reliability
4 Ethernet OAM Configuration
Issue 01 (2011-10-26)
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