EPL vs EVPL - All you need to know - Neos Networks
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EPL vs EVPL networks

EPL and EVPL both provide a secure, high capacity Ethernet connection between your sites. Which is right for your business?

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Ethernet cable used in EPL and EVPL networks

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What is Ethernet Private Line (EPL)?

Ethernet Private Line (EPL) provides point-to-point (P2P) connectivity between two locations. Traditionally, two network devices were connected by copper Ethernet cables over short distances. Today, fibre optic cables are typically used to provide higher capacities over longer distances.

For example, Neos Networks EPL connects a pair of dedicated User Network Interfaces (UNIs) via our high capacity fibre network.

Neos Networks EPL: point-to-point Ethernet

 

Example of an Ethernet Private Line service, Neos Networks EPL, showing a point-to-point Ethernet link between two customer premises via the Neos Networks cloud and third-party access networks.

 

What are the benefits of EPL?

EPL is a high-speed link offering:

  • A dedicated connection: private P2P connectivity between two locations
  • Scalability: high capacity scalable from 10Mbps to 10Gbps
  • Security: the connection doesn’t cross the internet, so it’s inherently secure
  • Reliability: no traffic congestion from other users ensures reliability
  • Low latency: no other users contend for bandwidth, so latency remains stable

In short, EPL is a high capacity P2P connection that’s ideal for mission-critical links between two sites.

What is Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL)?

Like EPL, Ethernet Virtual Private Line (EVPL) offers a dedicated connection that doesn’t cross the internet. However, EVPL can enable multiple Ethernet Virtual Connections (EVCs) per UNI to support point-to-multipoint (P2MP) connectivity.

For example, Neos Networks EVPL allows you to securely connect a central hub to several other premises via our high capacity network.

Neos Networks EVPL: point-to-multipoint Ethernet

Example of an Ethernet Virtual Private Line service, Neos Networks EVPL, showing a dedicated Ethernet link between one customer hub and multiple customer premises via the Neos Networks cloud and third-party access networks.

 

What are the benefits of EVPL?

EVPL offers similar benefits to EPL: a secure, high capacity, dedicated connection. In addition, P2MP functionality allows you to add sites to your network as your business grows. It’s a cost-effective way to connect several sites to a central office.

EPL vs EVPL networks

To sum up, both EPL and EVPL provide secure, high capacity connectivity you can scale up to 10Gbps. They combine the simplicity of private connections with the flexibility and scalability of MPLS technology.

The key difference between the two is:

  • EPL is point-to-point (P2P), connecting two sites.
  • EVPL is point-to-multipoint (P2MP), connecting one site to several others.

EPL and EVPL are both E-Line Ethernet services, as defined by the Metro Ethernet Forum. There are various other Business Ethernet options, such as VPLS (E-LAN) for any-to-any connections or NNI (E-Access), a high capacity connection to external networks.

If you’d like to discuss which is best for you, get in touch. We’ll be happy to make Ethernet work for your business.

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Ethernet FAQs

  • What is Ethernet connectivity?

    Ethernet is a networking technology that connects devices by cable to local area networks (LANs) for high-bandwidth data transmission. For example, if you plug your desktop computer or laptop into a router at home or work, you use Ethernet to connect to the network. Ethernet is used in a wide range of applications, from small home LANs to large enterprise wide area networks (WANs) and metropolitan area networks (MANs).

  • What is Ethernet over FTTx?

    Ethernet over FTTx is a hybrid Ethernet connectivity solution. It enables businesses not yet ready to make the leap to full fibre Ethernet to take advantage of its benefits but at more manageable capacities. Learn more about our Ethernet over FTTx service.

  • What is Ethernet First Mile?

    Ethernet First Mile (EFM) is a popular and affordable way for businesses to get easy, dedicated connectivity that delivers fibre-like connectivity using copper cables already in place and can enable speeds up to 30Mbps – dependent on the length of copper cable needed and how many pairs are used. We provide a breakdown on what Ethernet First Mile is and highlight its top three advantages.

  • MPLS vs SD-WAN

    Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) has been popular for several years now and is very good at providing robust and reliable connectivity as well as ensuring critical business information continues to flow, but it’s flexibility has also become a limiting factor. Learn more about the difference between MPLS and SD-WAN.

  • MPLS vs Dark Fibre

    MPLS can offer robust and reliable connectivity, yet Dark Fibre offers a level of network future-proofing that other means of connectivity can’t. Learn more about MPLS vs Dark Fibre.

     

  • Ethernet vs Dark Fibre

    Ethernet for business is where the bandwidth required is leased from a connectivity provider who manages the network. In contrast, Dark Fibre refers to fibre that is unlit and unmanaged but owned or leased wholly by the business purchasing it. Learn more about Ethernet vs Dark Fibre.

  • What’s the importance of a point-to-point network?

    A point-to-point network gives organisations secure and private connections, for transmitting internal or sensitive data. They are particularly useful for businesses operating over multiple sites, who have to integrate networks and communications, including such bandwidth-hungry activities as video conferencing. While some organisations can achieve this integration via the public internet, larger companies may face issues with security, privacy and bandwidth, as well as the network's reliability. 

    A leased line can provide a solution to these issues, but you may find a point-to-point network is more suitable and, possibly, more economical.

    If your company needs a high capacity, private network to do business, the importance of a point-to-point network cannot be overestimated. Choose the right provider and you’ll get a reliable, high-speed connection perfectly suited to your organisation, at speeds from 10Mbps to 10Gbps.

  • What is the benefit of a point-to-point leased line?

    As well as providing a reliable, private connection, a point-to-point network will give your business a whole host of benefits. One of the most important is speed, with point-to-point networks taking your data along the most direct route possible. Allied to this, upload and download speeds are guaranteed and you won't have any concerns about bandwidth because the connection is private and dedicated.

    Common applications for point-to-point networks include file sharing, data backup, point-to-point VOIP and video-conferencing, all of which take advantage of the direct, high capacity nature of these networks. These networks are ideal for a range of everyday business needs, helping your organisation work more efficiently.

  • What is a point-to-point circuit?

    This type of private data connection links multiple locations. As a closed network data transport service, it doesn’t use the public internet, making it secure enough to not require any data encryption. 

    Another advantage of this type of connection is the high quality of service: private lines always follow the same direct pathway and don’t have any competing connections on the same line. This means they’re completely reliable as well as secure, making them attractive for companies conducting credit card transactions and similarly sensitive operations. They’re also desirable for organisations transmitting large amounts of data, with many providers offering unlimited data usage.

    Point-to-point circuits are available at different speeds and bandwidths. As a result, they’re as flexible as they are reliable. Learn more about point-to-point Ethernet.