No more speed trap for direct copper WAN access

For the first time, companies will be able to get vast capacity using their existing copper networks, leading to considerable savings and with the potential for symmetrical, uncontended operating speeds up to 24Mbps. Easynet’s achievement is being hailed as a groundbreaking solution to the problem of high bandwidth, high quality ‘last mile’ access for business data networks, which usually have to be provided by expensive fibre installations. It also has the potential to help drive convergence with innovative, cost-effective managed network solutions across copper. Launched in the Netherlands last year – and with users now including Hitachi and LG – the service is now available in the UK, and should make a significant difference particularly to manufacturing SMEs struggling with the cost of achieving world-class, resilient WAN infrastructure and Internet access services. Manufacturers with multiple sites can use EtherStream to create an MPLS (multi protocol label switching) VPN(virtual private network) across Europe. Any growth in bandwidth demands can also be met without costly upgrades or complicated migration processes. EtherStream is now available to around 60% of UK businesses – and Easynet says that will expand rapidly as it moves to provide UK-wide coverage. Says European product manager Gemma Tindale: “We’ve unbundled the local loop with equipment in at 232 exchanges, and by the end of the year that will be 750. This enables us to offer full managed services up to and including the local loop.”