EFM – Ethernet First Mile

What is EFM?

Ethernet First Mile uses existing copper pairs which are bonded at the exchange and at your premises using terminating equipment to present a single Ethernet connection. This provides a fast (up to 35Mbps) and reliable service which is more cost effective than traditional leased lines and smaller fibre circuits.

Because it uses existing copper infrastructure, in most cases there is considerably less chance of an Ethernet First Mile service requiring civil engineering works and associated costs to install it.

As well as a Service Level Agreement, EFM connections come with a fixed IP address along with a managed router and choice of backup options. Ethernet First Mile can be used as a standalone internet connection or as part of an MPLS or VPLS Wide Area Network (WAN). With incredible costs, uncontended bandwidth and symmetrical speeds, this is the best product on the market if a leased line is out of your reach!

EFM stands for Ethernet in the First Mile.  The First mile of the circuit is the link between the end user and the public network. It’s in this segment that most bottlenecks occur. The main objective is to improve the effectiveness of this portion of the circuit for enhanced connectivity and resilience. This technology can be used on fibre circuits, but more commonly utilises existing copper circuits. ‘EFM over copper’ works by sending electrical signals over copper wires to deliver speeds of up to 35 Mbps.

Network operators will provide at least 2 and up to as many as 8 copper pairs.  Bandwidth requirements and the distance between premises and the main exchange determine the number of copper pairs to be used.  This is why the costs vary so much geographically, and why it’s not available in some areas.

The use of multiple lines is one of the main selling points of EFM. If one individual line fails, connection will still be maintained albeit at a lower throughput.  Therefore you business will never be without a reliable stable connection.

EFM circuits are backed by a 99.9 % SLA (Service Level Agreement) The need for fast reliable network services is growing all the time, together with the need for lower pricing. EFM takes business broadband to the next level as it enables the support of IP VPNs and VoIP as well as hosted cloud services, yet remains a cost effective alternative to a leased line together with the added benefit of shorter installation times.  This is down to the utilisation of existing copper wires.

Prices can sometimes be up to 50% cheaper than a leased line and services can usually be up and operational anywhere between 20 and 65 working days.

For businesses who want a high speed network connection at a very reasonable price without compromising the quality of the service and connection, then EFM is the best option as it provides reliable connectivity making this connection appropriate for small and large business and also individual use.