Black Box Explains...802.

3ah:

802.3ah, also called Ethernet in the First Mile (EFM), is a new Ethernet standard
designed to compete with standards such as DSL and cable modem in delivering
broadband access to homes.

The 802.3ah specification covers point-to-point copper, point-to-point fiber, and

point-to-multipoint fiber.

Ethernet in the First Mile over Copper (EFMC)

This point-to-point specification for copper wire takes advantage of DSL
technology to send Ethernet over one pair of copper wires at 10 Mbps for 750
meters or 2 Mbps for 2700 meters.

Ethernet in the First Mile over Fiber (EFMF)

This point-to-point specification for single-mode, single-strand or single-mode,
duplex fiber sends Ethernet at speeds of 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps up to 10 kilometers.
It includes an optional extended temperature range from -40 to 185° F (-40 to 85°
C) for outdoor use.

Ethernet in the First Mile over Passive Optical Networks (EPON)

This point-to-multipoint specification for fiber uses an optical splitter to
divide the Ethernet signal into separate strands that go to individual
subscribers. This enables an ISP to link many subscribers to a single uplink fiber
without using active components in the field.

802.3ah includes the OAM specification, which provides utilities for monitoring
and troubleshooting Ethernet links remotely, a capability vital for carrier-class
deployment. OAM protocols address discovery, link monitoring, remote fault
signaling, and remote loopback.

OAM is managed in-band but takes up very little bandwidth so network performance
is not noticeably affected. OAM itself is not affected by VLANs or port-access
restrictions.