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Ethernet

WAN evolution can be a challenge. Our Ethernet services help you untangle your network using a tried-and-tested technology to deliver scalable connectivity with the flexibility of EVPL and ELAN topologies to simplify your network. Ethernet is a private network connection with a high level of security and bandwidths from 10Mbps to 40Gbps.

High-speed
Flexible
Scalability & affordable

Explore our Ethernet network

Discover our Ethernet product offerings with interactive maps and explore Arelion’s extensive network coverage. Easily filter for specific Ethernet services, locate Points of Presence (PoPs), and submit your inquiry directly via our interactive map.

Ethernet business services

Take the speed and simplicity of your Local Area Network (LAN) into your Wide Area Network (WAN), to support your evolving business needs. Configure and shape your network with different Ethernet topologies using our EVPL and ELAN services. Our Ethernet services also underpin other solutions we offer, such as Smart IP-VPN and Cloud Connect.

Ethernet business services, based on high-speed connectivity and dedicated bandwidth, are a perfect fit for business segments where security and reliability are of highest importance.

Ethernet topologies

With Ethernet, you can rely on high-speed connectivity to distribute your critical data. We guarantee speeds of up to 40Gbps, for the topology you choose; easy to scale up and always able to meet your growing capacity demands.

Ethernet over MPLS 

Ethernet over MPLS facilitates transparent Layer 2 Ethernet frame transport across an MPLS network, with services benefitting from the inherent reliability and resilience of the network underlay. Additional benefits include multiple topologies support, such as point-to-point, point-to-multipoint and any-to-any VPLS. 

EVPL and ELAN

In point-to-point and point-to-multipoint topologies, we can support EPL (Ethernet Private Line) when configured in port-mode as well as EVPL (Ethernet Virtual Private Line) when configured in VLAN-mode. Arelion's collective name for these service configurations is EVPL.
Ethernet LAN (ELAN) topology is more common for multiple sites connection via any-to-any connectivity at high bandwidth.

Benefits of ELAN and EVPL services:

  • Control of the IP addressing
  • Utilization of the same port for multiple services (ELAN/EVPL service and Cloud Connect or IPT service on one port)
  • Service protection built-in and at lower cost than protected Wavelengths
  • Performance and stability well above a public Internet solution
  • Fast implementation with unrivaled bandwidth flexibility

What customers say

Apelby, a global provider of ICT and telecommunications services, has been utilizing Arelion's IT services for their IP transit and EVPL needs. (...) Arelion's expertise in providing these services has been crucial in helping Apelby to maintain a reliable and efficient network infrastructure. Arelion's technical support team has been exceptionally helpful in resolving any issues that have arisen, and their fast response time has ensured minimal downtime for Apelby's business operations. Apelby is extremely satisfied with the quality of Arelion's services and the reliability of their network infrastructure. With Arelion's assistance, Apelby has been able to focus on their core business while having peace of mind knowing that their IT needs are taken care of by a trusted partner. Arelion's commitment to providing high-quality IT services has resulted in a strong and successful partnership with Apelby.

Jan Doricak, IT&Cyber Security Manager

AccessOn Networks highly recommends Arelion. Their combination of unparalleled network reliability and exceptional customer-centric service makes them an ideal partner for anyone demanding top-tier connectivity.

Steve Ledford, CEO
AccessOn Networks

Excellent customer service and a top-notch network! The team was highly responsive and delivered everything within the expected timelines, just as communicated from the start. I would definitely recommend Arelion — a great team to work with!

Anonymous verified customer

    MEF 3.0 certified services

    Our Ethernet services are MEF 3.0 certified, and are underpinned by our high-capacity, top-ranked MPLS backbone and highly-skilled Operation team . We guarantee the service quality from the ground up so that you can benefit from the carrier-grade Ethernet quality.

    MEF 3.0 certified

    MSOP

    Arelion’s Ethernet solutions leverage our extensive, high-capacity Tier-1 global network, delivering guaranteed bandwidth up to 40Gbps with Multiple Services over One Port (MSOP) support, for more design flexibility and more cost efficiency. 

    Customers can combine multiple products on 1GE, 10GE or 100GE interfaces taking advantage of existing infrastructure and saving Cross Connect costs.

    Guaranteed bandwidth up to 40Gbps with Multiple Services over One Port (MSOP)

    Advantages of Ethernet in the AI era

    AI workloads, especially those involving large model training or real-time inference, require substantial data throughput. Ethernet, particularly at speeds up to 100Gb, supports high-speed data transfer, which is essential for moving large datasets between servers and storage systems. Read more about AI Direct, Arelion’s high-performance connectivity suite.

    Low latency

    Real-time AI applications (e.g., autonomous vehicles, robotics, financial trading) demand minimal delay. Ethernet offers lower latency compared to many other media, ensuring faster response times and more efficient processing.

    Reliability and security

    Ethernet is less susceptible to interference and signal degradation, making it ideal for AI systems that require consistent and stable data flow—such as those in data centers or edge computing environments. Additionally, Ethernet used in private network configurations reduces the risk of data interception, which is crucial for AI applications handling sensitive information. 

    Ethernet use cases

    Networking around business models
    Ethernet is a ubiquitous and versatile technology that scales efficiently and flexibly to meet specific business needs.
    Future-proof technology backbone
    Ethernet has become the indispensable backbone technology for organizations across multiple industries. It is simple to operate, administer and maintain.
    Supporting business expansion
    Ethernet offers unparallel flexibility and can be upgraded to meet evolving customer needs — connecting new branch offices, data centers, and cloud service providers quickly and easily.

      Build you core network on the world's #1 Internet backbone

      Watch this video to learn more. 

      Technique and security

      Technical highlights
      Ethernet Topology Arelion Product MEF-defined services Also known as

      Point-to-point topology

      EVPL

      E-LINE - EVPL

      E-LINE - EPL

      Point-to-point

      Hub-to-spoke

      Any-to-any topology ELAN

      ELAN – EP-LAN

      ELAN – EVP-LAN

      Any-to-any

      VPLS

      Features
      Checked Ethernet over MPLS
      Checked High availability incl. end-to-end visibility with optional Network Interface Device (NID)
      Checked 10Mbps – 40Gbps
      Checked Global reach with managed Network Interface Device (NID) in >120 countries
      Checked Multiple Services on One Point (MSOP)
      Checked Comprehensive SLAs and Ethernet CoS for traffic prioritization
      Security highlights

      Solid network security requires full traffic visibility. We offer various monitoring tools to check and maintain traffic performance.

      Secure by design
      Checked Private connectivity – logically separated from any other traffic
      Checked Near real-time & historical bandwidth usage views
      Checked Network performance parameters, including latency in our MyArelion portal
      Checked NOC situated in a well secured and connected building with multiple power sources
      Checked Physical and logical security from design to deployment
      Checked Customer Service authentication procedures
      Checked Clear customer data handling policies

      Ethernet frequently asked questions

      Where can Arelion deliver the service – in other words, where are Arelion’s Points of Presence (PoPs) located?

      Arelion is a global network operator with:

      • 350+ PoPs globally (and growing every year)
      • Over 450 certified local access network partners around the world 
      • 180+ NNI agreements
      • Live MPLS end points in 90+ countries

       

      For more details, see: Arelion global fiber network and Network news.

      What speed / bandwidth options are available - min, max and increments?

      Arelion offers a broad range of Ethernet bandwidth options, starting from 10 Mbps and scaling up to 100 Gbps*, with granular increments of 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, and 10 Gbps. These options are available with a variety of optical and electrical interfaces supporting 1GE, 10GE, and 100GE.

       

      *Note: Bandwidths from 40 Gbps to 100 Gbps can be delivered via 100GE and 400GE ports, subject to technical validation.

       

      Ethernet Virtual Circuit (EVC) bandwidth options Mbps:

       

      EVC bandwidth (Mbps) in increments 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
      100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
      1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 7,000 8,000 9,000
      10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 90,000
      100,000

       

      Port types (standard interfaces supported):

      Port types
      Electrical RJ45 100/1000Base-T
      Optical 1G LC 1000Base-SX 1000Base-LX 1000Base-EX
      Optical 10G LC 10GBase-LR 10GBase-ER
      Optical 100G LC 100GBase-LR4 100GBase-ER4 100GBase-CWDM4

       

       

       

      Does Arelion support jumbo frames and Layer 2 control protocol transparency, even in the last mile?

      Arelion’s Ethernet solution supports jumbo frames up to 9100 bytes across our MPLS backbone network. Layer 2 control protocol transparency is fully supported, including last mile access, through Arelion’s Advanced Ethernet option. This option includes the installation of a Network Interface Device (NID) at the customer site, configured in tunneling mode to enable Layer 2 control protocol transparency.

       

      For the Basic Ethernet option, which does not include a NID, Layer 2 control protocol transparency can be validated on an Individual Case Basis (ICB) for both on-net and last mile scenarios.

       

      Arelion has implemented a rigorous onboarding process for third-party last mile access providers. 

       

      All supplier partners must undergo a strict certification process. While not all providers can support jumbo frames in the last mile, Arelion will make every effort to source a suitable supplier to meet customer requirements at the time of order.
       

      What SLA availability guarantees does Arelion offer, with and without the last mile and a NID?

      Arelion’s MPLS backbone is designed for high resilience, offering 99.999% backbone availability for services running across it. This ensures robust protection against network faults and fiber cuts, providing customers with added peace of mind. For Ethernet services, Arelion offers two levels of service availability:
       

      Basic Ethernet
      Arelion guarantees 99.99% PoP-to-PoP availability for customers who do not require managed Network Interface Devices (NIDs). For SLA measurement, the service demarcation point is the customer-facing port on Arelion’s aggregation switch or router within the MPLS PoP. This excludes any cross-connects or third-party access tails.
       

      Advanced Ethernet
      With a managed NID installed at the customer premises, Arelion offers 99.5% end-to-end availability. For SLA measurement, the demarcation point is the LAN-side port of the NID, and the SLA includes the NID itself, any cross-connects, and third-party access tails.
       

      What is the latency SLA on both primary and/or the protected paths?

      Arelion’s core MPLS backbone is engineered to support low-latency applications, with latency SLA commitments available for EVPL and ELAN Ethernet services, as detailed in the figures published on our customer portal.

       

      To further optimize latency, Arelion has implemented Segment Routing and Flex-Algo, specifically tuned for low-latency performance. As a result, all Ethernet services are provisioned on our low-latency routing plane and dynamically directed along the lowest-latency path available.

      Is Arelion's Ethernet MEF certified?

      Arelion Ethernet services are MEF 3.0 certified: MEF Services Certification Registry
      We adhere to industry standards to simplify implementation and deployment for our customers, while also offering design flexibility to support various network topologies.

       

      EVPL service
      Arelion’s EVPL supports point-to-point and hub-and-spoke configurations, aligned with MEF E-Line EPL and EVPL definitions, available in both port-mode and VLAN-mode.
      When using port-mode UNIs, the EVPL service provides a compliant EPL offering with partial Layer 2 Control Protocol (L2CP) transparency on certain routes. Full L2CP transparency can be requested as an option and is available when the Advanced Ethernet service, including a NID, is ordered.
       

      ELAN service
      Arelion’s ELAN service supports any-to-any configurations, in accordance with MEF EP-LAN and EVP-LAN definitions, also available in port-mode and VLAN-Mode.

       

      E-Access for wholesale customers
      For wholesale partners with an External Network-to-Network Interface (ENNI) with Arelion, we offer E-Access services with handover on the ENNI UNI.

       

      Table below summarizes the options available:
       

      Ethernet topologies Arelion products MEF-defined services Also known as
      EVPL

      E-LINE – EPL

      E-LINE – EVPL

      Point-to-point

      Hub-to-spoke
      ELAN

      ELAN – EP-LAN

      ELAN – EVP-LAN

      Any-to-any

      VPLS

       

      What is the difference between Ethernet over SDH and Ethernet over MPLS?

      Ethernet services can be delivered over circuit-switched technologies such as SDH, or packet-switched technologies like MPLS.

      • Circuit-switched networks (e.g., SDH) require dedicated physical point-to-point connections and support EPL (Ethernet Private Line) topologies. However, they are more vulnerable to fiber cuts and other network-related failures due to their rigid infrastructure.
      • Packet-switched networks (e.g., MPLS) use label switching to efficiently route traffic between multiple locations. MPLS offers high reliability, while Ethernet provides affordability and simplicity.

       

      Ethernet over MPLS enables transparent Layer 2 Ethernet frame transport across the MPLS network, combining the benefits of Ethernet with the resilience and reliability of MPLS. This setup supports multiple topologies, including:

      • Point-to-point
      • Point-to-multipoint
      • Any-to-any

       

      In a point-to-point configuration, Arelion supports:

      • EPL when configured in port-mode
      • EVPL (Ethernet Virtual Private Line) when configured in VLAN-mode

      Arelion collectively refers to these configurations as EVPL.

       

      *Note: EPL service includes partial Layer 2 Control Protocol (L2CP) transparency on certain routes. Full L2CP transparency can be achieved when the Advanced Ethernet service is ordered, with the NID device configured in tunnelling mode.
       

      How fast can Arelion provision the solution?

      Arelion’s on-net Ethernet EVPL and ELAN services can be delivered in as little as three weeks, including the physical connections required to activate the initial service (e.g., port or cross-connects*).

       

      Once the physical infrastructure is in place, additional logical services—such as extra VLANs or Cloud Connect—can typically be provisioned within seven calendar days.

       

      If third-party access is requested as part of the order, delivery timelines will depend on the supplier’s lead times, which generally range from 60 to 90 calendar days. In cases where delivery is affected by civil works or permit delays, longer lead times may apply.

       

      *Note: Cross-connect delivery lead times depend on access arrangements and the availability of a Letter of Authorization (LOA).

      Is Ethernet a protected service?

      Ethernet services delivered over Arelion’s MPLS backbone are inherently resilient due to the robust design of the underlying network. This architecture provides strong protection against network failures and fiber cuts.

       

      With multiple diverse physical routes between each Arelion Point of Presence (PoP), we are committed to delivering optimal performance and reliability. The presence of several diverse paths between key regions—such as Singapore and Europe, and across the Atlantic—demonstrates the strength and redundancy of our global network.

      From a pricing perspective, is Arelion's Ethernet a competitive solution?

      Ethernet is one of the most cost-effective network technologies available—simple to operate, manage, and maintain. With service coverage in over 129 countries and more than 180 third-party ENNI agreements, Arelion is well positioned to offer competitive pricing almost anywhere in the world.

       

      Additionally, our MSOP (Multiple Services over One Port) proposition allows customers to configure multiple Arelion services—such as EVPL, Cloud Connect, or IP—on a single interconnect port. This maximizes the value of existing interconnection points and eliminates the need for additional physical interconnects when expanding service.

      Ethernet service performance portal

      Gives our customers visibility of the latency, frame loss, and Inter-frame delay variation for the Ethernet Advanced services. See the demo and read more in our Ethernet service performance blog.

      Why Ethernet – find out more

      Learn more about our high-speed private connectivity with low latency. The solution is aimed for customers with business-critical connectivity that require high level of flexibility and scalability. 

      Below you can read our latest AI report, download our Ethernet infographics, Ethernet FAQ, Ethernet solution brief and read the What is Ethernet guide

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