This short book is an entry-level introduction to Carrier Ethernet, intended for anyone new to Carrier Ethernet, including those with little or no background in computer networking and/or telecommunications. It was conceived to be a companion to Fujitsu's MEF-CECP 2.0 Exam Study Guide for Carrier Ethernet 2.0 Professionals, but can be used alone (as an introduction to Carrier Ethernet) or in combination with other Carrier Ethernet training materials. The book has two aims: to explain networking technology leading up to and motivating Carrier Ethernet, and to explain Carrier Ethernet conceptually within this framework.

Carrier Ethernet emerges in the overlap between two highly evolved realms of networking technology: enterprise computer networking, and telecommunications networking. At one time these realms were very distinct, but for some years now they have been evolving toward convergence. Many professionals interested in Carrier Ethernet lack fundamental knowledge in one or both realms, as well as a clear framework for understanding their convergence and Carrier Ethernet's place in the evolution. Training resources for Carrier Ethernet professional certification tend to assume significant background knowledge and focus on mastering the details needed to pass an exam over core fundamentals and motivations. This book is designed to complement such material, focusing instead on explaining the big picture, the core background technologies, the context, the motivations, and the concepts that underpin Carrier Ethernet.

The book begins by explaining Ethernet in local area networking, starting from first principles and simple contexts and gradually building up to include MAC bridging and VLAN bridging. It then describes traditional telecommunications technology and wide area networking solutions prior to Carrier Ethernet. The book concludes with a high-level overview of Carrier Ethernet.