Packet Switch is a router designed to read the destination address in an incoming cell or packet, consult a routing table and route the packet toward its destination. Packetizing is done in originating CPE and reassembly is done in terminating CPE. Multiple packet formats or protocols exist (e.g., x.25, x.75, frame relay, ATM, and IP).
Switch means a switching device employed by a Carrier within the Public Switched Network. Switch includes but is not limited to End Office Switches, Tandem Switches, Access Tandem Switches, Remote Switching Modules, and Packet Switches. Switches may be employed as a combination of End Office/Tandem Switches. "Switched Access Service" means the offering of transmission and switching services to Interexchange Carriers for the purpose of the origination or termination of telephone toll service. Switched Access Services include: Feature Group A, Feature Group B, Feature Group D, 8XX access, and 900 access and their successors or similar Switched Access Services. "Switched Access Traffic" is traffic that originates at one of the Party's End User Customers and terminates at an IXC Point of Presence, or originates at an IXC Point of Presence and terminates at one of the Party's End User Customers, whether or not the traffic transits the other Party's network.
Access Tandem Switch is a Switch used to connect End Office Switches to interexchange Carrier Switches. Qwest's Access Tandem Switches are also used to connect and switch traffic between and among Central Office Switches within the same LATA and may be used for the exchange of local traffic.
Tandem Switch or “Tandem Office” or “Tandem” is a switching entity that has billing and recording capabilities and is used to connect and switch trunk circuits between and among End Office Switches and between and among End Office Switches and carriers’ aggregation points, points of termination, or points of presence, and to provide Switched Exchange Access Services.
End Office Switch or “End Office” means the switching machine that directly terminates traffic to and receives traffic from purchasers of local Exchange Services. An End Office Switch does not include a PBX.