Ethernet Access Direct 2.0 (EAD 2.0)

EAD2.0 is a new Ethernet access product that provides connectivity from Openreach Handover Point (OHP) Exchanges to end business/customers premises.

EAD2.0 uses carrier grade technology combined with Openreach’s dedicated optical fibre network to provide point to point uncontended Ethernet connectivity at bandwidths starting at 1Gb that can be remotely upgraded to 2Gb, 3Gb and 10Gb.

How it works

• Openreach provides EAD2.0 using Ethernet Headends in OHP Exchanges.

• At the OHP Exchange location multiple EAD2.0 services are handed over to CPs switching equipment using VLANs over Openreach’s new high capacity - Cablelink Service Connect (CSC).

• Passive demarcation at end business/customer premises allows CPs to connect their own Ethernet/IP Customer Premise Equipment (CPE).

• Cablelink handover of EAD 2.0 services to CPs’ Ethernet switches significantly reducing power and equipment accommodation costs – no requirement to accommodate Openreach’s Network Termination Equipment (NTEs) into racks in OHP Exchanges.

•  Remote upgrade of bandwidths from 1Gb, to 2Gb, to 3Gb and to 10Gb - without engineering visit.
•  Aggregated VLAN handover of services – significantly reducing the number of switch ports CPs need to use to serve their customers – further reducing CPs switching equipment costs.
• Passive handover/demarcation at business/customer premises – negating the need for multiple devices at CPs’ customers’ premises - CPs provide the device of their choice. (EFM OAM capable recommended)

Openreach intends to pilot EAD2.0 from September 2025 with full launch planned for March 2026.

On these portal pages Openreach will share key documentation that supports CPs with EAD2.0 adoption and will continue to add more key information as Pilot and Launch approach

Note:

EAD2.0 remains under development by Openreach. All information provided via this page does not constitute an offer capable of acceptance and may be subject to change and Openreach recommends that CPs check with Openreach for the latest available information. Any development or work carried out by the CPs based on the information on this portal is entirely at the CPs’ own risk.