1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to Ethernet communication and, more particularly, to a system and method for enabling operation of an Ethernet device over an extended distance.
2. Introduction
Incumbent local exchange carriers (ILEC) and competitive local exchange carriers (CLECS) are seeking to capitalize on the growing market for broadband Internet connections to the home. One example of an ILEC Internet service is a digital subscriber line (DSL) service, which provides a broadband connection over a conventional copper twisted pair. Recent ILEC offerings have enhanced the bandwidth of connections to the home using fiber optic technology. Hybrid solutions also exist where fiber optic solutions are combined with copper twisted pairs from a curbside or other remote terminal. These ILEC offerings are seeking to compete with cable providers that provide broadband connections using their existing coaxial cable TV infrastructure.
Regardless of the method of connection to the customer, the connections terminate on customer premise equipment (CPE). Examples of CPEs include a DSL or cable modem. In general, the CPE is responsible for performing media conversion, switching, security, provisioning, etc.
One of the major markets of competition for ILEC and CLECS are multiple dwelling units (MDUs) such as apartment complexes, office buildings, high-rise complexes, etc. This MDU market has vast potential due to the density of the customer base. In servicing such a market, it is important that the delivery of services to CPEs in individual customer premises be accomplished in a cost-effective manner. What is needed therefore is a service transport mechanism such as Ethernet that increases the cost effectiveness of a service provider in meeting the particular needs of the MDU market.