Next generation protection system over Ethernet

In recent years, progress in the development of communication network technology has been very rapid and Ethernet can now be applied to provide the backbone for wide area communication networks. Within this framework a Next Generation Network (NGN) that fuses mobile and fixed communication service interfaces is considered for the integration of a variety of data traffic types. This type of technology is commonly called "Carrier-class Ethernet", and seems likely to become dominant in NGN networks. In addition, Carrier-class Ethernet enables us to consider the application of Ethernet technology to current differential protection. This paper describes the global shift to NGN and the trend towards the application of Ethernet technology to protection and control. (5 pages)