General conclusion

Pseudowire enables the implementation of a bidirectional point-to-point service (VPWS), providing operators with a means of aggregating non-IP traffic (TDM, Ethernet, ATM, FR, etc.) over a packet network such as IP/MPLS. This technology is a fundamental building block for multiservice convergence on the same network infrastructure. So, while delivering IP services, an IP/MPLS network can maintain "traditional" services in parallel, thanks to the functions specific to an L2VPN service. Today, in the context of mobile collection, the trend is to migrate PDH/SDH links to PW solutions in order to benefit from the IP/MPLS network backbone.

The PWE3 IETF working group has defined the transport and emulation of non-IP services over a packet network. Emulation involves adaptation functions at the PE equipment level at the edge of the IP/MPLS network. The PW must rely on...