Details
Ethernet over Copper (EoC) is a newer high-speed broadband option that is quickly growing in popularity as one of the more flexible and affordable business solutions. If EoC is enabled in your area, you are in luck.
EoC uses the same physical connection (local loop) as a T1 line but utilizes different technology to transport your data. EoC service provides you with a dedicated, symmetrical (meaning the up and down speeds are the same) circuit with SLAs that mirror other high quality circuits (99.99% up-time which translates into about 52 minutes of downtime per year on average).
How fast is an EoC circuit?
Ethernet over Copper speeds range from 3 Mbps up to 20 Mbps over bonded copper lines. Another flavor of EoC is Ethernet Over DS1 or DS3 lines (with speeds that range from 3 Mbps to 88 Mbps).
Distance from the nearest central office (CO) enabled with EoC is a key factor in determining both availability and speeds for EoC.
EoC Speeds
- 3 Mbps (within 11,000 feet of the CO)
- 5 Mbps (within 9,000 feet of the CO)
- 10 Mbps (within 8,000 feet of the CO)
- 15 Mbps (within 8,000 feet of the CO)
- 20 Mbps (within 7,000 feet of the CO)
Ethernet over DS1 or DS3
Ethernet over DS1 and DS3 are also services which bring high-speed Internet to a customer via an ethernet hand-off (meaning, you don't need a T1 or DS3 router) and they are not dependent on your distance from the CO. EoDS1 and EoDS3 speeds:
- 3 Mbps
- 4.5 Mbps
- 6 Mbps
- 10 Mbps
- 44 Mbps
- 88 Mbps
How much does an EoC circuit cost?
Ethernet pricing is less variable within a city than T1 pricing. If EoC is available the price is dependent on the amount of bandwidth (or port size) ordered. Prices range from $200 to over $1000 depending on the speed of the circuit.
Talk to a Broadband expert if you have additional questions regarding EoC pricing and to explore innovative ways to advance your network.
What can you use an EoC circuit for?
Plugging into a large internet pipe such as an EoC circuit gives you many options. You can run your office on SaaS or cloud-based services, implement VoIP or Video conferencing, or download files really fast, for instance. Other options:
- Email
- Software-as-a-Service applications
- General Internet browsing
- Business-class VoIP
- Web conferencing
- Connecting offices
How do I get EoC?
First, the Broadband map tool can give you an indication of whether EoC is available in your market. It's a good idea to double check with a Broadband data expert as well via a quick phone call or an online chat session.
If service is available the Broadband sales representative will discuss your network use and will help determine how much capacity is required (as a general rule - more is better). Once you have ordered EoC, Broadband assigns an Implementation Manager to the case to follow through on the installation. The Implementation Manager coordinates the installation of the EoC circuit working with your team and the local loop provider.
Broadband's Activation team works with your team to activate the circuit and bring up your network connections.
How do I activate the EoC service?
One advantage of EoC is that no customer premise equipment (CPE) is required. The customer is passed an Ethernet connection and can plug directly into a router or LAN switch.
Broadband's Activation team will work with your team to activate the circuit and to bring up your network connections.
How reliable is EoC service?
Once the circuit is up, EoC is very stable because the underlying local loop technology (copper T1 lines) is a hardened and stable technology. Additionally, EoC uses bonded copper loops which has inherent built-in redundancy. If any of the loops are lost, the circuit speed is reduced but the circuit remains active.
If trouble does arise, Broadband will alert you and your team and work with the local loop provider to resolve the issue.
