Digital cross-connect systems: network-based vehicles for private T1 resource management

Operating companies are gradually considering network-based equipment as bases for T1 resource management. This emerging role for digital cross-connect systems (DCSs), wherein the operating company uses that equipment as vehicles for the operation, administration, and maintenance (OA&M) of private T1 networks, is described. It is noted that DCSs have only recently found acceptance as LEC (local exchange carrier) vehicles for intraLATA T1 resource management of private networks. These cross-connects are today deployed as small, dedicated units serving a single network, as partitioned fabrics providing a virtual service to several private networks, or as functional units within T1 multiplexers situated in central offices. The latter application can ultimately bring end users high functionality at reduced cost, while also providing direct gateways into public network services. This multiplexer approach points the way for an evolving seamless premises-to-network service, one in which a single protocol would interface a network management platform that directs OA&M functions to element managers that then interoperate with disparate communication equipment