PDF of this tutorialIDF (Intermediate Distribution Frame)
Device used to distribute access to the copper infrastructure to locations not reached by a MDF.
MDF (Main Distribution Frame)
Primary termination device for all permanent outside plant wiring. Through cross-connects made within the MDF, subscriber loops can be connected to specific pieces of access equipment, such as voice switches, or routed to distributed locations served by IDFs.
MTTR (Mean Time to Repair)
Average time it takes a service provider to isolate and correct a fault.
NEBS (Network Equipment Building Standard)
Well established set of specifications for the deployment of network equipment within telco environments. NEBSs are used to help assure that equipment is easy to install, operates reliably, and efficiently utilizes available space.
NOC (Network Operations Center)
A centralized location whereby service-provider personnel can remotely manage all services and equipment deployed throughout a network.
OSS (Operations Support System)
Back-office software components that are used to manage service negotiation, service delivery, and service assurance. OSS components can address inventory, provisioning, fault management, billing, workflow, and a variety of other facets.
SLA (Service-Level Agreement)
An agreement between a service provider and an end user by which a specific level of service is guaranteed. Penalties are assessed to the provider if service performance falls beyond the agreed upon parameters specified in the SLA.
