Ethernet Private Line

Ethernet Private Line (EPL) is a data service defined by the Metro Ethernet Forum, providing a point-to-point Ethernet Virtual Connection (EVC) between a pair of dedicated User–network interfaces (UNIs), with a high degree of transparency.

EPL service is categorized as an E-Line service type, with an expectation of low Frame Delay, Frame Delay Variation and Frame Loss Ratio. EPL is implemented using a point-to-point (EVC) with no Service Multiplexing at each UNI (physical interface), i.e., all service frames at the UNI are mapped to a single EVC (a.k.a. All-to-one bundling).

Due to a high degree of transparency, EPL is often used to provide point-to-point Transparent LAN Service (TLS), where the Service Frame’s header and payload are identical at both the source and destination UNI. Some implementations tunnel most Ethernet Layer 2 Control Protocols (L2CPs) except for some link layer L2CPs such as IEEE 802.3x Pause frames.

See also

• Ethernet Virtual Private Line
• Ethernet Virtual Connection

External links

• Metro Ethernet Services - A Technical Overview PDF
• Carrier Ethernet Services overview PPT (1742 KiB)
• MEF 6 DOC (472 KiB) - Metro Ethernet Services Definitions Phase I
• MEF 10.1 DOC (1720 KiB) - Ethernet Services Attributes Phase 2