ELCON Systemtechnik, a supplier of optimized network access equipment for cable and telecommunication network operators, has joined the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) as a member.

With its Business Access Gateway products for highly available symmetrical bandwidth, ELCON offers network devices that are fully compliant with the MEF (News - Alert)-specifications. Industry experts said that MEF membership underlines ELCON´s technology know-how in the field of carrier and metro Ethernet.

The MEF, as the defining body for carrier Ethernet, is a global industry alliance consisting of more than 150 organizations including telecommunications service providers, cable MSOs, network equipment/software manufacturers, semiconductors vendors and testing organizations.

The MEF’s mission is to accelerate the worldwide adoption of carrier-class Ethernet networks and services. The MEF develops carrier Ethernet technical specifications and implementation agreements to promote interoperability and deployment of carrier Ethernet worldwide.

“Our membership in the MEF will be an important gain for ELCON in the carrier Ethernet market“, said Marco Dietrich, vice president engineering at ELCON.

“It enables us to effectively collaborate on the MEF standards, to utilize the acquired know-how in intelligent technology solutions. This makes ELCON a very competent technology partner in the eyes of its customers who have already started with the rollout of MEF-compliant services,” said Dietrich.

“In addition, it gives us the possibility to ensure interoperability of our products with those made by other manufacturers. Finally, our customers profit when upgrading their networks,” he said.

Back in February, ELCON announced a new market initiative to accelerate FTTH (Fiber to the Home) roll-out in Europe.

Under the new and unique market program, ELCON plans to partner with leading FTTH network providers in Europe to test customer acceptance under new, changed and significantly improved business case conditions.As part of the partnership, ELCON will supply the required optical Home Gateways based on its Blue Wing FOS 100/200 series free of charge for one month. The preferred customer base to be addressed is seen in network providers who are capable to connect more than 1,000 customers within one month.