Both Ethernet private line (EPL) and Ethernet virtual private line (EVPL) are E-line services. E-line services are Ethernet point-to-point Ethernet virtual connection (EVC) services that can be used to connect two User Network Interfaces (UNIs). A UNI is the physical demarcation between a service provider and a subscriber.

The difference between an EPL and an EVPL is that an EVPL is capable of service multiplexing. In addition, an EPL requires full service frame transparency. An EVPL does not.

An ELAN service is a multipoint-to-multipoint EVC. Therefore, an ELAN service is not an E-line service. ELAN services fully mesh two or more UNIs and follow a specific set of rules for delivering service frames to a UNI. Each UNI in an ELAN can communicate with any other UNI in the ELAN. ELANs typically have a distance limitation of 50 miles (80 kilometers). Layer 2 Virtual Private Networks (L2VPNs) and multipoint L2VPNs are examples of ELANs.

A Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) enables multipoint ELAN services on a Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network. In a VPLS configuration, MPLS pseudowires are used to link virtual switch instances (VSIs), which emulates an Ethernet switch. A VPLS can then be used to provide EVC services and Transparent LAN Service (TLS).

An E-Tree is a point-to-multipoint EVC that resembles a hubandspoke configuration. Therefore, an E-Tree is not an E-line service. An E-Tree service connects more than one UNI to a single root UNI or leaf UNI. Root UNIs can send data to any leaf UNI. However, a leaf UNI can send traffic only to a root UNI. E-Trees are typically used to provide Internet access to multiple sites.