1G, 10G and Higher-Rate Ethernet Services

Introduction

The current Ethernet market for 1G, 10G, and 100G services is rapidly evolving, driven by the growing bandwidth needs of telco business customers and the explosive rise in mobile backhaul traffic. This change is especially evident as operators upgrade access and core networks to keep pace with digital transformation initiatives in sectors like managed telecom services, enterprise connectivity, and wholesale transport.

Core vs. Access Networks: Roles and Distinctions

In telco architecture, core networks act as high-capacity backbones, connecting data centers and aggregation sites, and often running 100G Ethernet or higher to ensure seamless data flows across regions. By contrast, the access network links business premises, cell towers, and smaller aggregation points to these core backbones. Here, service providers have traditionally offered 1GbE as the default, but that’s quickly changing as demand escalates.

• Core Network: High throughput (100G+) is standard for inter-city, inter-regional, or cloud interconnects, supporting latency-sensitive applications and enormous user bases.
• Access Network: Historically dominated by 1GbE, but transitioning to 10GbE, especially for multi-tenant units (MTUs), campus environments, and mobile backhaul to support new generation radios (5G NR).

Technology Options for the Access Network

Ethernet reigns supreme in the access layer thanks to its cost-effectiveness, scalability, and ease of standardization. Access technologies include:

• Copper (RJ-45): Still relevant for short runs, but losing ground to fiber.
• Fiber (SFP/SFP+, QSFP): Preferred for longer distances, higher speeds, and flexible upgradability.
• Passive Optical Networks (PONs): Useful in FTTH/B scenarios, not typical for large enterprise or mobile backhaul but emerging for next-gen business services.
• Ethernet over DWDM: Used for aggregation where fiber density or reach is necessary.

New access devices now ship with multi-speed ports (1/2.5/5/10G) allowing operators to remotely boost customers’ bandwidth as needed, avoiding disruptive truck rolls. This is essential for MTUs and mobile backhaul, where circuit upgrades must be rapid and seamless.

Demand and Use Cases

Demand for Ethernet services is surging as businesses migrate to cloud and unify communications. MTUs, that is office or residential blocks with multiple tenants, need scalable bandwidth to support hundreds of users, edge computing, and IoT. Mobile operators, meanwhile, require robust Ethernet backhaul for cell sites, especially as 5G deployments demand at least 10GbE “out of the box” to guarantee user connectivity and low latency.

• MTUs: Need bandwidth flexibility, supporting remote upgrades from 1GbE to 10GbE as tenants scale or add more services.
• Mobile Backhaul: Cell towers are upgraded from 1GbE to 10GbE, then 25G/100G as massive MIMO and IoT traffic explode.

Transitioning from 1GbE to 10GbE

Transitioning Ethernet access from 1GbE to 10GbE is now an essential default for telcos. In the past, 1GbE was sufficient for both business customers and cell sites, but today, telcos are deploying new ONUs (Optical Network Units) and NIDs (Network Interface Devices) that support dynamic bandwidth scaling. These platforms can start at 1G and be “soft-switched” to 10G or higher via remote management, eliminating the need for service interruptions, hardware swaps, or costly technician visits. Another alternative to replacing the installed base when upgrades are due, is to use Smart SFPs that also introduce cost savings on space and energy consumption.

For operators, this means:

• Reduced operational costs and improved service agility.
• Better customer experience through fast, remote upgrades.
• True “pay as you grow” bandwidth models, vital for emerging use cases.

Conclusion

In summary, the Ethernet market—driven by business services and mobile backhaul—is witnessing a decisive shift from 1GbE to 10GbE and beyond, with multi-rate, remotely upgradeable access platforms becoming the norm. This creates new opportunities for telcos to capture bandwidth demand and deliver superior service flexibility, positioning Ethernet at the heart of next-generation connectivity.