Ethernet Private Line

Ethernet Private Line (EPL) is a data service defined by the Metro Ethernet Forum, providing a point-to-point Ethernet connection between a pair of dedicated User-Network Interfaces (UNIs), with a high degree of transparency.

EPL service is specified using an E-Line service type, with an expectation of low Frame Delay, Frame Delay Variation and Frame Loss Ratio. EPL is implemented as a point-to-point Ethernet Virtual Connection (EVC) which, unlike Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL), does not allow for Service Multiplexing, i.e., a dedicated UNI (physical interface) is used to accept all service frames and map them 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. EPL is not fully transparent, as it must filter IEEE 802.3x Pause frames.

ee also

* Ethernet Virtual Private Line
* Ethernet Virtual Connection

External links

*
* - Metro Ethernet Services Definitions Phase I
* - Ethernet Services Attributes Phase 2