Today, with the advanced technologies and internet connection it has become much easier to communicate with people miles away from us. But have you ever wondered what link or connection between your telephone network service provider and your internet connection? This point is known as the Demarcation point. To upgrade your current Business Communication strategy, you must understand basic terminologies.
Demarc helps customers to know where their Public Switched Network ends and their private phone network starts. This point can significantly impact how well your connection works and helps you find who is responsible for the problem.
Read on to learn about the demarcation point, what it is used for, and the different types of points to better understand your phone and internet services.
What Is Demarcation Point?
A point of demarcation refers to the physical point where a public switched telephone network ends and a private residential or organizational network begins. This point is also called a network boundary, dmarc, or demarcation point.
Basically, it is a point of entry where the wiring of a phone company meets the subscriber’s wiring and also acts as a physical representation of which part of your network is private and which part of it is public.
It is also known as a meeting point for phone equipment from an internet service provider and telephone customer premises equipment. Remember that all demarcation points have R-11 jacks connecting to the phone network. Demarc points also have smaller phone cord loops which connect to phone jacks through modular connectors.
History Of Demarcation Point
The demarcation point has a dramatic origin and is not as simple today. Its history started all the way back to 1886, when the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T) was founded. This company quickly became the dominant telephone service provider in the United States. As the company was growing at a fast pace, at one point, it was the owner of the local loop, including phone equipment.
In 1956, lawsuits began challenging AT&T’s claim to a natural monopoly over the local telephone network. This controversy simmered for years until the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed an antitrust lawsuit against the company in 1974. The case culminated in a landmark settlement in January 1982.
The agreement, known as the Modified Final Judgment (MFJ), required AT&T to make significant changes to its business. Starting January 1, 1984, the company was forced to divest its local exchange service operations. These services were split among seven newly created Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs), legally obligated to provide equal access to competitors. Americans could purchase phone service and equipment from providers other than AT&T for the first time, opening the market to competition.
Uses Of Demarcation Point
The primary purpose of the point of demarcation is to define the responsibilities between the customer and the service provider’s network. It determines whether the provider or customer will fix any issue.
If there is a wiring issue on the POTS network side, your telecom service provider has to fix the issue. If the wiring issue is past the point on the customer’s side, then it is the customer’s responsibility to repair it.
Some services, such as Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), contain both an NID and an NTU (network termination unit). In such a case, your business phone service provider is responsible for everything up to the point and the NTU.
A demarcation point also has surge suppressor devices, which protect equipment and wiring from damage caused by electrical surges. Such devices make it easier to troubleshoot network problems. Moreover, customers are now able to easily disconnect from the telephone company’s wiring whenever they need to.
The demarcation point allows customers to connect their third-party equipment and wiring to the public network. This setup gives customers greater flexibility and more options when choosing service providers.
Types Of Demarcation Point
There are three different types of demarcation points for business phones, which are as follows:
i. Network Interface Device (NID)
It is the most basic and common type of demarcation point. It is small, outdoor water-proof boxes with ratings regulated by the FCC. This type of demarcation point does not have any digital functionality. These boxes have sure protectors, test jacks, circuit protection, and wiring termination.
ii. Intelligent Network Interface Device (INID) or Smartjacks
This type of demarcation is typically used for more complicated services such as T1 lines and triple-play providers. Unlike the basic wiring of NIDs, INIDs use circuit boards, which help strengthen signals. Above all, by using this type of demarcation, customers do not need to run a DSL through their building. It also has an alarm system that lets customers and providers know if there is any issue.
iii. Optical Network Terminal (ONT)
It runs through fibre optics and provides stronger and faster signals. However, it is not able to provide its own power and needs power from an external source. The good thing is that most of it comes with backup batteries to use in case of a power outage. It is a valuable alternative to conventional copper wiring.
What Is Global Demarcation?
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires the point of demarcation to safely connect public switched telephone networks (PSTN) with on-premise equipment like VoIP devices, landlines, and internet access hardware.
However, the setup varies internationally.
In the United Kingdom, the demarcation point is typically located inside a phone jack, specifically the LJU master socket. This setup involves wiring shared between phone companies and private customers. Newer NTE5 jacks include removable panels for customer wiring, making it easier for private users to manage their connections. The customer owns any new wiring or modifications beyond this point.
In Canada, the demarcation point is often a junction block that links phone extensions to the network. These blocks are equipped with a lightning arrester and must be adequately grounded to ensure safety.
Final Words- Demarcation Point or Demarc
The demarcation point is a critical component of modern telecommunications infrastructure, clearly defining the boundary between public and private networks. Its development over time has empowered customers with greater flexibility, enabling them to choose service providers and integrate third-party equipment.
From basic NIDs to advanced ONTs, the different types of demarcation points cater to various needs, ensuring robust and efficient network connections. As global standards for demarcation points evolve, they remain a cornerstone of reliable and secure communication systems, facilitating seamless collaboration between service providers and customers worldwide.
FAQs: Demarcation Point or Demarc?
A demarcation point, or demarc, is the physical point where a telecommunications company's network ends and the customer's network begins. It establishes the boundary of responsibility for service and equipment maintenance.
It clearly defines who is responsible for network issues—whether it’s the service provider or the customer. This makes troubleshooting and maintenance more efficient.
In most buildings, the demarc is found where the telephone or internet service enters the premises—often in a network interface device (NID) mounted on an exterior wall or in a telecom room.
Any issues found before the demarcation point are the provider's responsibility; anything beyond that is usually the customer’s to fix. Understanding this helps streamline repairs.
In some cases, yes. Businesses often extend the demarc point into a server or telecom room for convenience. This is typically done by a technician with approval from the service provider.
