XO Communications (News - Alert), a provider of business Ethernet services, has been ranked among the top tier Ethernet service providers in the U.S. by leading market research firm Vertical Systems Group.

The company achieved the fifth rank in enterprise installation of Ethernet services in the 2011 U.S. Business Ethernet Services Leaderboard by Vertical Systems group.

This is the third straight year XO Communications has been ranked by Vertical Systems Group on its U.S. Business Ethernet Services Leaderboard. The company was ranked eighth on the mid-year 2009 U.S. Business Ethernet Services Leaderboard, when it first achieved a U.S. Leaderboard position.

"We have been able to increase our rank by focusing on service innovation, being easy to do business with, and continually expanding the reach of our nationwide Ethernet network to serve millions of businesses,” said Don MacNeilchief marketing officer at XO Communications, in a statement. “XO Communications will continue its Ethernet services leadership by delivering the most robust Ethernet network and services platform in the industry."

XO Communications’ Ethernet services helps businesses connect and deliver information across Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN). The company offers a wide range of Ethernet services portfolio that spans Ethernet VPLS, Ethernet Private Line, Ethernet Hub, and Ethernet Access.

 "XO Communications first achieved a U.S. Leaderboard position in mid-2009 and remains a strong player in this growing market," said Erin Dunne, director of research services, Vertical Systems Group, in a statement.

Dunne further said XO has been a leader in expanding the nationwide availability of Ethernet through a variety of access technologies, like Ethernet over copper. “This has opened the benefits of Ethernet to more businesses, which has helped XO see the growth that it has each year," Dunne added.

Vertical Systems Group also recognized tw telecom (News - Alert) as the third largest provider of business Ethernet ports in the U.S. and has placed the managed services provider on its year-end 2011 U.S. Business Ethernet Services Leaderboard.

Responsible for more than 15,000 commercial building connections, tw telecom’s fiber network and infrastructure provides a secure, predictable and scalable networking experience for more enterprises worldwide than any other rival provider.