Ethernet vs. Wave – Decision tree

Ethernet is ideal for flexible site connectivity with medium bandwidth requirements. It is delivered as a packet-switched network via the carrier and is typically the more cost-effective choice compared to Wave solutions. Ethernet fits well when cost and flexibility matter more than a dedicated, guaranteed bandwidth.

Standard Ethernet runs as a logically separated service over a shared physical access, known as a multi-service network. Private Ethernet instead uses dedicated connections and therefore offers maximum security, but is usually more expensive and only available from higher bandwidths upward. The choice depends on the security and bandwidth needs at the location.

Wave is suited for large data volumes and low latency at high bandwidths. Using a wavelength in the optical backbone, it provides a dedicated, end-to-end connection, often with significantly higher bandwidths than classic Ethernet. Wave is the right choice when performance and guaranteed capacity are the priority.

Private Wave is a tailor-made solution for demanding enterprise networks with a genuine, closed, optical port-to-port mapping. This gives it the highest level of control and isolation within Wave technology, suited to companies with especially critical applications and high security requirements.

The availability of both technologies depends on the respective carrier infrastructure and the regional connection at the location. Not all products are available everywhere in the world to the same extent, so an availability check at the respective locations is unavoidable before making a decision.

SAVECALL supports you in selecting, testing and implementing the optimum network technology for your company. Based on a list of locations with the required bandwidth information, SAVECALL checks vendor-neutrally which Ethernet or Wave solution is available at the respective locations and fits your requirements.