As the number of Ethernet service instances grows, Service Providers will require a robust set of management tools to maintain Ethernet service networks. The positive news is that IEEE 802.1, ITU SG 13, and the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) have been working in close cooperation to develop complimentary standards for multi-domain Ethernet Service OAM, which address Fault Management and Performance Management. This paper provides an overview of relevant standards, summarizes the multi-domain model and key capabilities of Ethernet Service OAM, defines the major protocol aspects, and provides some examples of how Service Providers may use this toolkit of OAM functionality. The paper also addresses how the requisite technology can be integrated into network elements, and summarizes relevant operational issues and open standards issues.

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