Ethernet in the First Mile - Frequently Asked Questions

This is the WML version of a website dedicated to frequently asked questions about Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM). The information contained in the answers published here is provided "as is" -- the author assumes no liability for damage resulting from any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions that may be present in the information. This website is not affiliated with Alcatel, IEEE, LMSC, or the EFM Alliance.

You can help improve this FAQ by sending questions or information about EFM to the webmaster.

1. What is "Ethernet in the First Mile"?

Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM) is the nickname of IEEE Std 802.3ah-2004, an amendment to the Ethernet standard, specifying "Media Access Control Parameters, Physical Layers, and Management Parameters for Subscriber Access Networks". The EFM standard was approved by the IEEE Standards Board in June 2004, and officially published on 7 September 2004.

2. What is the EFM standard about?

The EFM standard specifies the following new Ethernet transceivers (PHYs) that can be used for subscriber access networks. They can be used for high-speed Internet access in the same way ADSL and cable modems are being used today. Their low cost and high bandwidth make them extremely well suited for additional services such as voice-over-IP, TV-over-IP and video-on-demand.

2BASE-TL supports bitrates of up to 5.696 Mb/s over voice-grade copper (telephone wires) at distances in the order of 2.7 km (based on SHDSL)

10PASS-TS supports bitrates of up to 100 Mb/s over voice-grade copper (telephone wires) at distances in the order of 750 m (based on VDSL)

100BASE-LX10 offers 100 Mb/s over two strands of single-mode fiber at a distance of up to 10 km

100BASE-BX10 offers 100 Mb/s over one strand of single-mode fiber at a distance of up to 10 km

1000BASE-LX10 offers 1 Gb/s over two strands of single-mode fiber at a distance of up to 10 km

1000BASE-BX10 offers 1 Gb/s over one strand of single-mode fiber at a distance of up to 10 km

1000BASE-PX10 offers 1 Gb/s to be shared between up to 16 users of an Ethernet passive optical network (EPON) at a distance of up to 10 km

1000BASE-PX20 offers 1 Gb/s to be shared between up to 16 users of an Ethernet passive optical network (EPON) at a distance of up to 20 km

In addition, the EFM standard specifies an "Operations, Administration, and Maintenance" protocol for Ethernet, and management parameters for all the new PHYs and protocols.

3. What is the EFM Task Force?

The EFM Task Force is the group that developed the EFM standard. It was part of the IEEE 802.3 CSMA/CD Working Group, which operates under the IEEE 802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee (LMSC). Their website is at http://www.ieee802.org/3/efm.

4. What is the EFM Alliance?

The EFM Alliance is an industry consortium dedicated to promoting the EFM standard. They have published several white papers and tutorials on EFM-related topics. Their website is at http://www.efmalliance.org.

5. Where can I get a copy of the EFM standard?

IEEE 802 standards older than 6 months can be obtained free of charge through the Get IEEE 802 Program.

6. Where can I order an EFM service subscription?

You will have to check with your local Internet access provider. If you have one or more telephone lines coming into your building, you may be able to get a 2BASE-TL or 10PASS-TS service, depending on the distance to the nearest Central Office or cabinet. If you have optical fiber coming into your building, you may be able to get a 100BASE-X or 1000BASE-X subscription.

If you have an EFM service subscription or you know that you can get one in your area, feel free to let us know! As soon as I've gathered sufficient data on EFM availability, I'd like to put a list on this site.

7. Where can I get more information on EFM and related standards?

The book "Ethernet in the First Mile" by Michael Beck will be released by McGraw-Hill Professional in June 2005. You can pre-order it now at Amazon.com.

8. Where can I buy EFM equipment?

The author of this site regrets not being able to provide a complete list of EFM equipment vendors and resellers here. Individual EFM equipment vendors and resellers may contact us to place a sponsored link on the main page.

9. To whom can I turn if I still have questions about EFM or related standards?

An authorative answer to questions of interpretation can be obtained from the IEEE 802.3 CSMA/CD Working Group, parent of the EFM Task Force, through the interpretations process. This process should not be mistaken for a way to obtain free consultancy services.

For questions that go beyond mere interpretation, you should consult an expert. You may get an answer from the people in the Ethernet newsgroup, or from those who have forgotten to unsubscribe from the email reflector of the EFM Task Force (the EFM Task Force no longer exists, and I don't know how long their email reflector will remain active).

The author of this website is willing to investigate your question(s), subject to the following conditions: (a) if the question is relatively simple and of interest to the general public, the question will be answered free of charge in the FAQ; (b) if answering your question would require using specialized expertise or disclosing proprietary information, your request will be denied (I wouldn't want to hurt my employer's business, now would I?); (c) anything in between is negotiable.

10. Whom can I notify if I find an error in the EFM standard?

The IEEE 802.3 CSMA/CD Working Group, parent of the EFM Task Force, has a maintenance process for this purpose.