Wholesale: Products & Services

Metro Ethernet - V17.0

Product Description

Metro Ethernet (Metro Optical Ethernet) Service is a flexible, easy-to-use, transport service that uses established Ethernet transport technology. Metro Ethernet allows customers to connect multiple enterprise locations within a service area using native Ethernet protocol. Metro Ethernet supports transmission speeds as low as 3 Megabits per second (Mbps) and up to 1 Gigabits per second (Gbps) in increments of 10 Mbps from 10 to 100 Mbps and 100 Mbps from 100 to 1,000 Mbps. This allows for flexible growth and permits the customer to choose a bandwidth profile that fits their real traffic needs.

The components that make up the Metro Ethernet service are:

• Network Interface (NI): The point that your end-user's data transmission enters the network that supports Metro Ethernet . It is the point of interconnection between CenturyLink's communication facility and your end-user's terminal equipment.
• Access Link: A Metro Ethernet Access Link connects a customer facility at the NI to an Ethernet port on the Metro Ethernet network with a standard optical or copper connection.
• Metro Ethernet Port: Metro Ethernet Port is an Ethernet port that is the physical entry point to the shared Metro Optical Ethernet Network. Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) Ethernet Virtual Connections (EVCs) originate and terminate on a Metro Ethernet Port. Customers may choose to connect to a 10/100 or 1,000Mbps port on the Company network.
• Bandwidth Profile: The Bandwidth Profile is bandwidth provisioned over the Metro Ethernet Port.
  • 10/100 Mbps Ports: 3 Mbps, 5 Mbps, 7 Mbps, 10 Mbps, 20 Mbps, 30 Mbps, 40 Mbps, 50 Mbps, 60 Mbps, 70 Mbps, 80 Mbps, 90 Mbps and 100 Mbps
  • 1,000 Mbps Ports: 10 Mbps, 20 Mbps, 30 Mbps, 40 Mbps, 50 Mbps, 60 Mbps, 70 Mbps, 80 Mbps, 90 Mbps,100 Mbps, 200 Mbps, 300 Mbps, 400 Mbps, 500 Mbps, 600 Mbps, 700 Mbps, 800 Mbps, 900 Mbps and 1,000 Mbps

Availability

Metro Ethernet is available where facilities exist throughout Legacy Qwest’s 14-state local service territory.

Additional information is available in the CenturyLink™ Rates and Services Schedule No.1 (QC RSS No.1) or state specific tariffs Tariffs/Catalogs/Price Lists or by contacting your CenturyLink Sales Executive.

CenturyLink's Network Disclosure, disclosure number 494 provides information on availability of Metro Ethernet by CenturyLink wire center.

Terms and Conditions

Terms and conditions are set forth in both the QC RSS No. 1 and state tariffs located in Tariffs/Catalogs/Price Lists.

Technical Publications

Technical characteristics, including Network Channel /Network Channel Interface (NC/NCI™) codes, are described in Technical Publication, Qwest Metro Optical Ethernet, 77411 Issue A.

Pricing

Rate Structure

Recurring charges are comprised of the following rate elements:

• Metro Ethernet Customer Premises, Central Offfice and Ethernet with Extended Transport (EwET) Bandwidths
• Ethernet with Extended Transport (EwET) Customer Interface
• Optical ITP
• Central Office Connecting Channel
• Multiple Ethernet Virtual Connections (EVCs)
• Quality of Service
• Protect Routing

NOTE: A DS3 Channel Termination and Transport Channel Mileage (for distance between a Metro Ethernet Central Office Switch and Non-Metro Ethernet Central Office) apply when Metro Ethernet is connected to EwET. An EwET Customer Interface will also be assessed.

Nonrecurring charges are comprised of the following rate elements:

• Metro Ethernet port (install and interface changes)
• Change to existing template (associated with Quality of Service)

Metro Ethernet may be obtained month-to-month, 12 month, 24 month, 36 month, or 60 month basis. Contact your Account Team / Sales Executives and Service Managers for more information.

Rates

Rates are available in QC RSS No.1 or state specific tariff, Exhibit A or the specific rate sheet in your Interconnection Agreement.

Tariffs, Rates and Services Schedule (RSS), Regulations and Policies

Tariff, regulations and policies are located in the state specific Tariffs/Catalogs/Price Lists.

Optional Features

Quality of Service

CenturyLink Quality of Service for Metro Ethernet (QoS) will allow customers to prioritize their traffic in four classes of service. The four different levels are Priority 1, Priority 2, Priority 3 and Priority 4. Together, they allow customers to match the correct level to their applications.

In all Quality of Service options, at least 3 Mbps or 5 Mbps of the Bandwidth Profile will be Priority 1 traffic. Priority 1 traffic is ordered in 3 Mbps or 5 Mbps increments, and customers may order multiple increments of Quality of Service at monthly and Pricing Plan rates. The 3 Mbps increment of Priority 1 traffic option is only available for 3 Mbps, 5 Mbps and 7 Mbps Bandwidth Profiles. The 5 Mbps increment of Priority 1 traffic is available for 5 Mbps Bandwidth Profiles and higher. Each individual Quality of Service Priority 1 increment reserves either 3 Mbps or 5 Mbps of the Bandwidth Profile for Priority 1 traffic, . For example: if a customer orders 4 increments of 5 Mbps of Quality of Service, the customer would receive 20 Mbps of the Bandwidth Profile for Priority 1 traffic.

In addition to the Priority 1 traffic, Priorities 2, 3 and 4 traffic percentage levels are specified for the remainder of the Bandwidth Profile. CenturyLink offers eight templates (Template 1 through Template 8), to allocate the P2 through P4 traffic. The amount of P2 to P4 traffic will equal the bandwidth profile, minus the amount of P1 traffic.

A Service Level Availability (SLA) is provided for Priority 1 traffic and a credit will apply should CenturyLink fail to meet the SLA.

Multiple Ethernet Virtual Connections (EVCs)

Each port provided by CenturyLink comes standard with the capability to provide one Ethernet Virtual Connection. Customers may order more than one Ethernet Virtual Connection per port. For each additional EVC, CenturyLink will bill a Multiple Ethernet Virtual Connection charge.

Metro Optical Ethernet Protect Routing

Protect Routing provides a separate facility path for the protection system between the Serving Wire Center and the Company Point of Termination. In the event that the working facility or the service performance becomes impaired, the facility automatically switches to the service protect path in order to maintain a near continuous flow of information between locations.

Protect routing comes with a service guarantee, and a credit will apply should CenturyLink fail to meet the service guarantee.

Central Office Bandwidth Profile

A Metro Ethernet offering that originates and terminates in the same central office for use with Synchronous Service Transport (SST), GeoMax and Self-Healing Network Service (SHNS) Ethernet Ports. This Bandwidth Profile can also be used for Collocation. Central Office Bandwidth Profile will support transmission speeds of 100 Mbps, 600 Mbps, and 1,000 Mbps.

Ethernet with Extended Transport (EwET)

Ethernet with Extended Transport (EwET) offers Metro Ethernet in 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 mbps bandwidths outside the designated Metro Ethernet service area.

Central Office Connecting Channel (COCC)

Central Office Connecting Channel (COCC) allows a Qwest Metro Ethernet service to connect to another Qwest Metro Ethernet service, a collocation, or another CenturyLink Ethernet service.

Features/Benefits

Features	Benefits
Ethernet Interface	Standard interface is widely available and well understood Simplifies operations and management
Tiered Bandwidth Profiles	Pay for the bandwidth you need
Optional Protect Routing	Provides added reliability by providing an alternate facility path when Metro Ethernet is transported over fiber optic facilities.
Versatile Configuration	Multiple Ethernet Virtual Connections (EVCs) and Quality of Service prioritization of traffic allows you to custom-tailor connectivity of your network to suit your needs
Bandwidths at Any Location	Customer Premises Bandwidth, Central Office Bandwidth, and EwET Bandwidth allow you to terminate Metro Ethernet service at almost any location.
Transport Across Multiple Architectures	Metro Ethernet can connect to SONET and DWDM Ethernet services for transport, allowing effective utilization of your network.

Applications

Metro Ethernet is ideal for data communications among multiple locations within a service area.

Implementation

Product Prerequisites

If you are an Interexchange Carrier (IXC), Internet & Data (ISP) or Wireless Service Provider (WSP) and have questions regarding your contract with CenturyLink, contact your Account Team / Sales Executives and Service Managers for more information.

Pre-Ordering

An AQCB form may be submitted to the CenturyLink System Design Engineer or the Custom Solutions Engineer for a facilities check, by your Account Team / Sales Executives and Service Managers. If facilities are not available, then your CenturyLink Account Team representative will submit a Notification of Potential Sale. A mini-business case will be developed to determine if it is economical for CenturyLink to build facilities to support this request. In the event a facility build is required, additional information regarding the equipment and space requirements at the customer premise are found in the Customer Premise Site Visit Requirements for Fiber Based Services.

You will need to perform the following activities prior to ordering Metro Ethernet , if the AQCB process is followed prior to submission of your request, using Customer Electronic Maintenance and Repair (CEMR).

Validate address

Service availability

Review Customer Service Record (CSR)

CSR for Metro Ethernet can be obtained by emailing a request to CenturyLink at mplswhl@centurylink.com. If you're unable to send via e-mail, please contact the Wholesale Frame Relay group at 800 285-8383 to arrange to send a manual FAX.

The following information is needed to process your request:

Email address -

End user's account telephone number

Fax number

Proof of agency authorization

Contract Process: Interstate Metro Optical Ethernet (Metro Ethernet ) Service must be purchased under contract.

Ordering

Separate service requests must be submitted for each User Network Interface (UNI), and each Ethernet Virtual Connection (EVC). Service requests for Metro Optical Ethernet (Metro Ethernet ) UNI services can be placed using the Access Service Ordering Guideline (ASOG) forms. Each request for UNI services will be reviewed to determine if AQCB is required if this was not done in the Pre-Ordering section. EVC requests can be placed using either the Access Service Ordering Guideline (ASOG) forms, or the CenturyLink Wholesale EVC Request Form. You can also work directly with your Sales Executive or Service Manager, who will assist you in completing the necessary forms.

The following Access Service Ordering Guidelines (ASOG) forms are used for submitting a service request:

• Access Service Request (ASR)
• Administrative (ADM)
• PRILOC End User Special Access (EUS)
• Service Address Location Info - PRILOC (SAP)
• SECLOC End User Special Access (EUA)
• Service Address Location Form (SAL)
• Tracking (TRK)
• Order Tracking (ORD)
• CKT Tracking (CKT)
• Ethernet Virtual Connection (EVC)

Field entry requirements are described in the Access Service Request (ASR) Forms.

Specifying Logical Port Configuration

In addition to ASOG guidelines, CenturyLink requires that you include one of the SPEC Codes below on Metro Ethernet UNI orders to specify Logical Port Configuration. Populate the appropriate code in the SPEC field of the ASR form:

TLSMetro Ethernet	Transparent LAN Service Port (TLS)
TLSPLS	Transparent LAN Service Plus Port (TLS-Plus)
NONTLS	Non-TLS Port
SVCPRV	Service Provider Port
SVCMUX	Service Multiplexer Port

See Technical Publication, CenturyLink Metro Optical Ethernet, 77411 - Chapter 2., for more specific information on Logical Port Attributes.

Rate Limiting the Bandwidth

CenturyLink complies with Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) technical specifications which allow for bandwidth profiles to be applied (rate-limited) at one of three places in the overall architecture.

1. Ingress to the UNI -- This type of bandwidth specification is handled using the UNI NC codes. The entire bandwidth profile of the UNI is allowed for the EVC.
2. Ingress to the EVC -- Individual EVCs (one or more) associated to a UNI have their own ingress bandwidth profiles applied. For example, 100 Mpbs UNI with one EVC @ 50 Mbps and another EVC @ 15 Mbps. This type of specification can be handled using the bandwidth (BDW) fields on the Level of Service (LOS) portion of the EVC form. If no QOS option is being ordered, specify "DEFAULT" in the LOS field, and indicate the bandwidth for the EVC in the BDW field.
3. Ingress to EVC with QOS -- This type of specification is also handled using the BDW fields on the LOS portion of the EVC form. When QOS is being ordered, specify P1 or Priority 1 in the LOS field, and indicate the amount of Priority 1 bandwidth being ordered for the EVC in the BDW field. Then make another entry on the second line of the LOS field, specifying which template should be applied for the remainder of the EVC bandwidth, and indicate the quantity of remainder EVC bandwidth in the BDW field. The total of the QOS P1 bandwidth plus the Templated remainder bandwidth equals the total bandwidth assigned to this EVC.
   
   EXAMPLE:
   LINE 1: LOS field = P1 and BDW field = 10M
   LINE 2: LOS field = Template 3 and BDW field = 90M
   The total rate limit for this EVC at this UNI location is 100 mbps.

A Design Layout Record (DLR) can be requested via the order form.

Expedites

Expedited service may be requested for User Network Interfaces (UNIs), Ethernet Virtual Connections (EVCs), or both. Expedite should be requested separately for the UNI and EVC request, if both are to be expedited. Appropriate charges will apply to each request for expedited service.

Proactive Notification of Scheduled Network Maintenance

CenturyLink has a proactive e-mail notification system to let you know whenever scheduled network maintenance might impact your Metro Ethernet service.

In order to receive these e-mail alerts, an e-mail address must be included on your service request, to which the alert can be sent for each Metro Ethernet circuit. A separate e-mail address may be used for each individual circuit if desired.

To provide or update this information for existing circuits, please send the contact information via e-mail to Qmoe .ProactiveNotification@centurylink.com.

Effective [EFFDATE], CenturyLink will no longer provide network maintenance alerts by telephone, so Metro Ethernet services which do not have an e-mail address on file will no longer receive proactive maintenance notifications for maintenance which occurs during the standard maintenance window - Monday through Friday, 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. local time. If maintenance that may affect Metro Ethernet service is scheduled to occur outside the standard maintenance window, CenturyLink will make every attempt to inform you.

Provisioning and Installation

FOC intervals are found in the Service Interval Guide (SIG).

Maintenance and Repair

Metro Ethernet Repair within Legacy Qwest’s 14-state local service territory can be reached by calling 800 227-2218.

Billing

IABS^® (Integrated Access Billing System) billing is described in Billing Information - IABS® (Integrated Access Billing System).

Training

View additional CenturyLink courses in the Course Catalog.

Contacts

CenturyLink contact information is located in Wholesale Customer Contacts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This section is being compiled based on your feedback

Last Update: November 11, 2011

IABS^® is a Registered Trademark of CenturyLink™
NC/NCI™ is a Trademark of Telcordia Technologies, Inc.