Patent ID: 8503668

Claim:
An apparatus for switching-in and switching-off telecommunications or data services in a telecommunications or data network to a plurality of subscribers, the apparatus comprising: a crossover matrix comprising crossover switching elements configured to switch connections within the crossover matrix, the crossover matrix connected to a main cable and a distribution cable; a first distribution matrix comprising distribution switching elements configured to switch connections within the first distribution matrix, the first distribution matrix connected to the crossover matrix and configured to be connected to a node that provides a plurality of telecommunications or data services; and a second distribution matrix comprising distribution switching elements configured to switch connections within the second distribution matrix, the second distribution matrix connected to the crossover matrix and configured to be connected to a node that provides a plurality of telecommunications or data services; and wherein the crossover switching elements and distribution switching elements are configured to be controlled from a remote location; the crossover matrix comprising a plurality of 2×2 crossover switching elements configured to switch connections within the crossover matrix to connect a subscriber line directly to at least one of the main cable and to one of the first and second distribution matrices.