MEF stands for Metro Ethernet Forum. It is an industry consortium formed in 2001 with the aim of accelerating the worldwide adoption of Carrier Ethernet networks and services. MEF's main focus is the development of standards and best practices for the deployment and operation of high-quality Ethernet-based services, specifically targeting the needs of service providers and enterprises.
MEF's work revolves around defining and promoting the concept of Carrier Ethernet, which refers to the use of Ethernet technology in metropolitan area networks (MANs) and wide area networks (WANs) to provide scalable, reliable, and cost-effective connectivity. The forum develops and maintains a set of standards and specifications known as the MEF Specifications or MEF CE (Carrier Ethernet) standards, which are used by service providers to design and deploy Ethernet services.
One of MEF's key contributions is the creation of a service framework called the Ethernet services (E-Services) model. This framework defines multiple standardized Ethernet service types, such as E-Line, E-LAN, and E-Tree, each catering to different connectivity requirements. The MEF Specifications also cover other important aspects, including service management, service performance, and service interoperability.
Moreover, MEF provides a certification program called MEF Certification to validate that Ethernet services provided by different operators comply with the MEF Specifications. This helps ensure that end customers receive consistent and interoperable Carrier Ethernet services across multiple service provider networks.
Overall, MEF plays a crucial role in driving the adoption of Carrier Ethernet globally by providing the necessary standards, best practices, and certification to create a thriving ecosystem of interconnected service providers offering high-quality Ethernet services.
