cross-connect

A device that allows conductors or channels to be interconnected, either physically or electronically, on a semi-permanent basis. A cross-connect can be in the form of a main distribution frame (MDF), intermediate distribution frame (IDF), or terminal block where wire pairs from cables are mechanically terminated on a punch-down block, with short wire jumpers interconnecting the cable pairs on each side of the block. A digital cross-connect (DXC), also known as a digital access cross-connect system (DACS), is a device that allows digital circuits (e.g.,T1s or E-1s), or even individual channels, to be crossconnected via an electronic cross-connect matrix. An optical cross-connect (OXC) is used in fiber optical transmission systems (FOTS). A cross-connect is much like a static switch in that connections can be changed to alter physical paths, but not on a call-by-call basis. See also DACS, DXC, FOTS, IDF, MDF, OXC, and switch.