Jeffrey, We have deployed metro Ethernet in our network... some things to consider: 1) Is metro Ethernet available end to end, if not will you utilize MPLS? 2) We've deployed Juniper EX3200s, Cisco has great solutions as well... for example 2800 series router. We use Cisco as well. 3) Metro Ethernet is available in increments up to 1G, aka 1000Mbs, so I would explore cost solutions for scalability and future proofing. 4) Benchmark tests revealed near wire speed... however, this is contingent upon region, carrier, provider, locale, etc. 5) It's quick. We use it and it works! Hope this sheds some light. ~Jay Murphy IP Network Specialist NM State Government IT Services Division PSB – IP Network Management Center Santa Fé, New México 87505 "We move the information that moves your world." “Good engineering demands that we understand what we’re doing and why, keep an open mind, and learn from experience.” “Engineering is about finding the sweet spot between what's solvable and what isn't." Radia Perlman Please consider the environment before printing e-mail -----Original Message----- From: Jeffrey Negro [mailto:jnegro@billtrust.com] Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 11:29 AM To: nanog@nanog.org Subject: Router for Metro Ethernet Before I get taken for a ride by salespeople, I figured it would be best to ask the experts of Nanog.... My company is currently in talks to bring an ethernet circuit into our headquarters, initially committing around 40Mbps. The ISP will be providing ethernet handoff, but I do not want their managed router offering (Adtran 4430) since it is pricey, non-redundant and I'd rather manage it myself. My question is about hardware. Can I assume that I can use something like a Cisco 2000 series router with two built in fast/gig ethernet ports, without a WIC? and since both sides are ethernet would the routing throughput be near fast ethernet speed? This is my first dealing with metro ethernet offerings, and I don't want to assume that the Cisco throughput rates listed for T1/ADSL etc. are the same for a metro ethernet as the WAN. Any and all suggestions on the hardware would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance! Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail, including all attachments is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited unless specifically provided under the New Mexico Inspection of Public Records Act. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of this message. -- This email has been scanned by the Sybari - Antigen Email System.