Ethernet is gaining traction as the preferred high speed access method to IP/VPNs

When it comes to accessing dedicated IP/MPLS, Ethernet access (E-Access) is gaining ground on traditional legacy circuit technology.

According to new research conducted by Vertical Systems Group, E-Access services now connect 36 percent of the dedicated IP/MPLS business VPN sites in the U.S.

The demand for access connectivity at speeds that begin at 2 Mbps and above will drive Dedicated IP/MPLS VPN growth through 2015.

VSG ethernet IP VPN connectivity

"E-Access to IP/MPLS VPN services are gaining momentum as business customers migrate to higher bandwidth connectivity solutions," said Erin Dunne, director of research services at Vertical Systems Group.

Although Ethernet access is gaining ground as the higher speed technology to access VPNs as seen by tw telecom's (Nasdaq: TWTC) Q3 earnings announcement, for example, traditional TDM (T3/fractional T3), T1 and DSL still command the majority of site connections.

Having Ethernet access to VPNs along with availability continues to be a differentiating factor amongst service providers that serve either national domestic or international multisite business customers.

One segment that has yet to make a big play on providing Ethernet access to VPNs are the cable operators despite aggressive moves by the likes of large MSOs like Charter (Nasdaq: CHTR), Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA), Cox and Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC) to offer metro Ethernet services.

Each of the service providers that have gained a position on Vertical's Mid-2011 Global Provider Ethernet Leaderboard, and six of the nine providers on the Mid-2011 U.S. Ethernet Leaderboard all have Ethernet access as part of their Ethernet service portfolio.

For more:
- see the release

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