DIY Ethernet 'not happening'

UK companies opt to buy from carriers and service providers

Almost half of all US firms that have deployed a Metro Ethernet infrastructure have built it themselves, compared with 21 per cent of firms that get a carrier to supply it, according to a survey by US research firm Yankee Group.

However, the UK market is developing in a different direction, according to lan Taylor, European technology director at Juniper Networks.

"In the UK, this would depend on the extent of dark fibre deregulation. It's possible to buy dark fibre in London. That said, it's a case of looking at the sort of value that a carrier can offer," he said.

Yankee Group found that concerns over security and reliability, compounded by fears of increased cost, are deterring firms from implementing carrier-supplied Metro networks. Instead, 43 per cent of respondents said they had opted for a DIY approach.

"Users are demanding secure, reliable networks, showing their continued desire for private resources," said Bryan Van Dussen, director of telecoms strategies at Yankee Group.

"Network managers are comfortable with the maturity and stability of Ethernet, but 80 per cent say security and reliability remain top issues. Metro Ethernet services must address these concerns to compete effectively."

Metro Ethernet is becoming more popular in the UK, but in contrast companies are opting to buy from carriers and service providers rather than take on the cost themselves.

"Do I see enterprise customers doing [DIY Metro] in the UK? Absolutely not. Anyone buying fibre from a company in Chapter 11 would have to beware of a slew of legal issues," said Neil Smith, head of engineering at 51 Degrees, a start-up owned by the London Electricity Group, which provided most of the ducting and fibre for 51 Degrees at its inception.

"Do-it-yourself Metro Ethernet will not happen in the UK quickly. BT can't sell dark fibre. Buying the fibre is fraught with difficulties."