National Ethernet is a wide-area networking service that can be provided in a point-to-point or hub-and-spoke configuration. The service is based on Ethernet protocol, the protocol on which the majority of business local area networks (LANs) operate. National Ethernet offers a lower price per Mbps than traditional leased lines, Frame and ATM services and the service interfaces straight into existing LAN switches or router equipment, unlike traditional data services, thereby reducing total cost of ownership. Furthermore, National Ethernet enjoys the same kind of stringent time-to-fix, availability and network service levels that are normally associated with these traditional services. 

THUS' network coverage for Ethernet spans the majority of towns and cities across the UK. The service offers dedicated bandwidth ranging from 512Kbps to 1Gbps which is scalable and can be increased in small increments up to 1Gbps, or similarly reduced when it's not needed. This offers the flexibility to re-grade bandwidth on a permanent basis without the quantum leaps in financial commitment associated with traditional WANs, or on a temporary basis, to meet seasonal demand. 

The service carries voice, video and data applications as standard and includes stringent network Quality of Service (QoS) metrics required to support delay-sensitive traffic. Being a layer-2 networking service, National Ethernet is suitable for carrying all IP-based applications, as well as applications that are based on layer 2 Ethernet protocol. From a security perspective, some customers may prefer not to share their IP-routing information with their provider. If this is the case then National Ethernet, being a layer-2 service, is ideal as the customer's IP routing will be transparent to THUS.

Once connected to National Ethernet, customers also have optional access to THUS' Internet and IP Exchange Line (IPXL) services at attractive prices. Dedicated and un-metered Internet access can be ordered at bandwidths starting as low as 1Mbps and pricing is generally competitive relative to SDSL and Internet Leased Lines. The Internet service comes with online bandwidth utilisation reporting, optional router &/or firewall equipment as well as an optional 'Mail Defender' feature providing managed anti-spam and two-way anti-virus protection for e-mail users. The IP Exchange Line service allows customers with IPPBX or IP-enabled PBXs to breakout to the PSTN over their National Ethernet network and is effectively an evolution from ISDN services offering the possibility of reducing ISDN line rentals and avoiding the need for customers to install and manage IP/PSTN gateways. IP Exchange Lines come with a number of features such as call divert, call barring, hunt groups and number portability.

Online Extranet reporting is provided as standard for all National Ethernet services provided over THUS MPLS network, giving instant access to dedicated network performance reports, enabling bandwidth usage for data and Internet services, network performance and site and service availability to be monitored and charted over time.

	To provide remote site connectivity to centralised servers/storage.
	To connect servers or data bases between sites.
	To provide wide area connectivity required for business ERP, CRM, SCM applications.
	To provide connectivity for an offsite data backup application.
	To connect IP PBXs between sites.
	To provide UK backhaul or third party customer connectivity.
	To connect data centres or allow network extension.

Our National Ethernet service would be suitable for your business if you:

	are looking for a cost-effective and innovative alternative to traditional leased lines, frame relay or ATM services.
	need 2Mbps to 1Gbps connectivity between a minimum of two sites that are greater than 25km apart
	need to connect more than two spokes sites to a central hub sites over distances of less than 25km within a metro area or over National distances across the UK.
	need to connect more than two spokes sites to a central hub site over metropolitan (<25km), regional or national distances across the UK.
	require a simple LAN extension service.
	wish to undertake your own IP routing between sites.
	want to consolidate voice, video, data and internet applications on to the same network.

Site Access

	This component connects the customer site to the THUS network.
	The Site Access is subject to a fixed installation and annual rental charge which is dependant on both the proximity of customer site to the THUS network and bandwidth.

Data Access

	Data circuits are used to connect pairs of National Ethernet sites together, over the THUS network.
	Data circuits attract a one-off, per port, installation charge and a fixed annual rental charge which is dependant on bandwidth and distance.

Internet Access

	Internet circuits are used to provide dedicated internet access into a site over the Site Access component.
	Internet circuits attract a one off installation charge and fixed annual rental charge dependant on Internet bandwidth.

IP Exchange Lines

	The IP Exchange Line service allows customers with IPPBX or IP-enabled PBXs to breakout to the PSTN over their National Ethernet network.
	IP Exchange Lines are subject to an annual line rental and call charges.

Discount

Discounts are available with individual term contracts of 2, 3 or 5 years.