Unbundling device and method for connecting a competing local exchange carrier (CLEC) to the subscriber loop of a local exchange carrier (LEC)

摘要

An unbundling demarcation device (UDD) is disclosed for disconnecting the equipment of a local exchange carrier (LEC) from a subscriber in order to permit a competing local exchange carrier (CLEC) to provide local service to the subscriber. The unbundling demarcation device (UDD) and related CLEC equipment may be positioned at any point in the subscriber loop, between the LEC switch and the subscriber equipment. The unbundling demarcation device (UDD) is an electro-mechanical or electro-optical coupling device, such as a sensitive relay, a latching relay, a switching mechanism or a solid state device that simulates a relay. The unbundling demarcation device (UDD) connects the LEC equipment to the CLEC equipment when a voltage or other trigger signal is applied to the subscriber loop by the LEC. When the voltage is removed from the subscriber loop, or when a deactivating signal is sent, the unbundling demarcation device (UDD) will open circuit or decouple, preventing the LEC from accessing the subscriber equipment and allowing the CLEC to access the subscriber. The unbundling demarcation device (UDD) can be utilized to determine whether there is a fault in the subscriber loop up to and beyond the unbundling demarcation device (UDD). With no voltage applied, the unbundling demarcation device (UDD) disconnects the CLEC equipment, and the LEC can evaluate the subscriber loop all the way to the unbundling demarcation device (UDD). With the voltage applied, the LEC can evaluate the CLEC loop and customer equipment for faults as well. Unlike electronic MTUs, the unbundling demarcation device (UDD) does not present a lossy device when deactivated.