Carrier Connex Inc.. works closely with local backbone providers. We have the ability to cross-connect with multiple bandwidth providers at multiple points-of-presence along our fiber loop. Additionally, we can provide secure cross-connects to other companies or networks connecting to any of our peering points. These types of services are referred to as Metro Ethernet services and can provide LAN speed connectivity to networks in multiple distant locations.

These devices are used in a variety of applications. A cross-connect is used primarily as an intelligent patch panel. Whereas with a typical patch panel, wires must be physically disconnected, moved, and reconnected to change the network configuration, with a cross-connect, the network administrator can make any desired configuration changes without touching the physical wires. This is accomplished by providing a fully programmable path between all the ports on the cross-connect.

Cross-connects can be used for many different purposes including joining networks at fiber exchange points, physical layer multicasting and replacement of wire or optical patch panels in wiring closet applications.

Modern digital access and cross-connect systems are not limited to the T-carrier system, and may accommodate high data rates such as those of SONET or more recently, Ethernet.