Optical network architecture choice for Ethernet services - a CLEC's view

Success and positive cash flow are based on the following items for Ethernet services: 1) low start up costs for service deployment to maximize the number of building installations for a fixed amount of capital, 2) selling services to customers using the most cost effective, service specific, platform justified for the service mix at each on-net building, 3) a high concentration of those services in that building to leverage the installed equipment cost, 4) ensure efficient OSS integration of the platform up front and minimal engineering expenses to deploy and manage the equipment and services, 5) OPEX savings are a myth in resource efficient operations. 6) managing back office costs for the delivery and billing of services. Multi-service platforms offer the ability to simplify the network management, deployment and provisioning rules by having a single network element. This advantage has to be weighed against the obvious shortcoming on capital costs. OPEX savings are limited in resource efficient operations. The service provider needs to assure that any vendor equipment platform is easily and cheaply integrated into the current OSS. Profitability is defined by short payback periods for deployments of services in specific buildings. However, employing the right equipment for a majority of services offered within a building influences the lowest cost for a given service and impacts profitability. If a building has a wide variety of service types, this may mean deploying multiple platforms at that building location. All told, there is no single item that defines success and profits as a service provider. Experienced teams avoid pitfalls that can put a service provider over the edge and expose them to failure.