802.3 Ethernet standards-development projects target PoE, NG-EPON

The IEEE has initiated three new standards-development projects, as well as an 'IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) Industry Connections' activity, all intended to expand the capabilities and relevance of the IEEE 802.3 Standard for Ethernet. According to IEEE, work is underway to amend the base standard in multiple ways so that it is more useful in emerging application areas, while the new Industry Connections activity aims to engage global industry in discussion of the next-generation Ethernet Passive Optical Network (NG-EPON).

The new standards-development projects include the following:

-- IEEE P802.3br “Draft Standard for Ethernet Amendment Specification and Management Parameters for Interspersing Express Traffic” is being developed to address the market need in emerging IEEE 802.3 Ethernet application areas such as audio/video, automotive, industrial automation and transportation (aircraft, railway and heavy trucking) to cost-effectively converge low-latency and best-effort traffic streams on the same physical connections. Currently, such functionality requires multiple networks with parallel links, but, when completed, IEEE P802.3br would amend the base standard to support interspersed express traffic. Learn more about the development of IEEE P802.3br.

-- IEEE P802.3bt “Draft Standard for Ethernet Amendment: Physical Layer and Management Parameters for DTE Power via MDI over 4-Pair” is being developed to address the market need for more robust and efficient Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. Applications such as pan/tilt/zoom security cameras, Internet Protocol (IP) videophones, kiosks, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, thin clients, multi-radio wireless nodes and access points, laptop computers, RFID readers and building management have demonstrated need for more power. When completed, the new IEEE 802.3 amendment would be intended to increase the power and efficiency of PoE. Learn more about the development of IEEE P802.3bt.

-- IEEE P802.3bu “Draft Standard for Ethernet Amendment: Physical Layer and Management Parameters for 1-Pair Power over Data Lines” is being developed to extend PoE to data terminal equipment (DTE) via a single twisted pair IEEE 802.3 Ethernet connection. The availability of power on the single-pair data interface would remove the need for separate power wiring for applications in emerging Ethernet markets such as automotive, transportation and industrial automation. Learn more about the development of IEEE P802.3bu.

Also, the IEEE 802.3 Industry Connections NG-EPON Ad Hoc has been launched to explore the market potential and technology options for an NG-EPON operating at data rates beyond 10 Gigabit per second (10Gbps). EPON is widely deployed for a number of applications, including residential and commercial subscriber access (for voice, video and data) and mobile backhaul. Equipment vendors and network operators, particularly in Asia and North and South America, are interested in exploring the technologies available for the next generation of EPON. Learn more about the IEEE 802.3 Industry Connections NG-EPON Ad Hoc activity.

Learn more about the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet Working Group.