The IEEE Standards Association recently approved a standard for backplane Ethernet, to be called 802.3ap.

The standard specifies how network equipment makers can transmit Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet up to 1 meter over backplanes of modular, chassis-based platforms used in enterprise networks and data centers.

Having a standard means that network managers could potentially mix and match server or router blade modules from different vendors in the same chassis, as explained in a Network World Tech Update published last year. As with any standardization, you hope that the arrival of a standard results in lower prices and better products for users. With the communication between the modules governed by a standard, you're not locked in to a single vendor for all the pieces. Naturally, the Ethernet MAC and the minimum and maximum frame sizes already specified by the IEEE will be adhered to.

The standard also provides for auto-negotiation between the modules, so that devices can automatically configure themselves to the highest link speed possible.

The IEEE started its work on 802.3ap in late 2003. An Ethernet Alliance press release announcing the standard's completion says that 802.3ap may be used by the PCI Industrial Computers Manufacturing Group, or PICMG, which previously leveraged 802.3z and 802.3ae.

Also in that press release, the Ethernet Alliance announced that Nortel, Corning, JDSU, Nortel, the Association for Communications Technology Professionals in Higher Education and the Open Fabrics Alliance would all be joining the group to help ensure the continuing success of Ethernet and to collaborate with other vendors on Ethernet-related projects.

Jeff Caruso is site editor at Network World.