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–An aggregation point at the CO that is a high-density cross-connection point where subscribers’ loops are connected into a feed cable (hundreds of pairs in a single cable)
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Main Distribution Frame (MDF)
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–Distribution frames with smart switching or encoding equipment
- –Often used to facilitate DSL
- –Aggregates large bunches of customer copper loops into optical links to connect to the CO (for an organization, for example)
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Building Distribution Frame (BDF)
Distribution frame where building cabling converges
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Inside wiring
- Privately owned cabling and wiring on the customer side of the demarc
- –Also called cable plant
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Customer Premise (CP) Distribution Frames
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–Customer premise distribution frames
- –Aggregated and centralized cross-connect blocks, terminals or patch-panels.
- –Called CP distribution frames by the phone number, called the MDF by the organization’s technicians
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Customer Premise Equipment (CPE)
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•Any equipment installed by the phone company at the customer’s site for use in terminating voice calls
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FXS (foreign exchange station) Interface
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–Signaling used to serve analog phones
- –An FXS interface is on a switch, and has a phone connected to it
- –Uses FXO signaling
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•FXO (foreign exchange office) Interface
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–Signaling used by phones or PBXs that are connected to the CO switch
–Uses FXS signaling
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•The rules governing call-routing behavior of the PBX
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Plain Old Telephone Service
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•This service provides a dial tone to rotary and touch-tone telephones, as well as access to national and international carriers.
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Custom Calling Features
. Signaling System 7 ( SS7) messaging and service enablers are not required to operate these features
- –Call forwarding — Enables calls to follow as the subscriber moves from one location to another
- –Call waiting — Indicates an incoming call when the subscriber is already involved in a call
- –Three-way calling — Enables subscribers to conference a third party in on a conversation
- –Speed dialing — Provides a convenient way for subscribers to store frequently used numbers (this is often provided via the memory of the end-user phone)
- –Added number — Enables subscribers to add a second line that they can identify by a distinctive ring and call-waiting tones
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CLASS Features
•CLASS is a popular suite of features available to subscribers.
•SS7 messages and functions are then invoked and sent within the network to perform the requested operations.
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•PSTN-based voice mail enables SPs to offer an alternative to answering machines. Subscribers do not need to purchase or operate any additional equipment
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•Business services are important to SPs because they represent a large portion of SP's revenue base.
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Virtual Private Voice Networks
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•Virtual Private Voice Networks cost-effectively interconnect corporate voice traffic between multiple locations over the PSTN.
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•Centrex enables SPs to offer smaller businesses voice and data services similar to those found in larger and more costly private solutions.
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–Call handling — Includes call waiting, call forwarding, call park, hunt grouping, and voice mail
- –Convenience features — Include automatic dial, speed dialing, ring again, and calling line identification (caller-ID)
- –Custom dialing plans — Provide customized plans for each customer group and enable abbreviated dialing for internally placed calls
- –Management — Can track and control various aspects of a business' service
- –Security — Includes line restrictions, employee authorization codes, virtual access to private networks, and detailed call records to track unusual activity
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Call Center Services
–Automatic call distribution (ACD)— Efficiently routes incoming calls to multiple answering stations.
–Switch-Computer Applications Interface (SCAI)—Enables SP switches to communicate to the call center computer for appropriate call routing and handling.
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Service Provider Services
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•Service provider (SP) services are internal functions provided in the background to support PSTN users. They include number translation, routing, calling services, and special assistance.
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•Databases enable SPs to maintain, access, and translate information used to support special service and access numbers.
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Operator Services
- Toll and assistance
- Directory assistance
- Billing services
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