Talk:MPF

Definition under work:MPF

Background:

In the telecoms industry and from Openreach's "A guide to Local Loop Unbundling" the following (technical) definition is in common use:

Full Unbundling – Metallic Path Facility (MPF)

Under full MPF, the whole line is transferred from Openreach to communications providers so they can provide their broadband and/or voice services direct to end users.

The communications provider’s network is connected to the Main Distribution Frame (MDF) in a BT exchange via a tie cable. The LLU communications providers then take responsibility for running their customers’ services over the local loop.

- Physical co-location: where communications providers choose to install their network equipment in a BT exchange

- Distant location: where communications providers decide to locate off-site, but close to a BT exchange

Under full unbundling, communications providers have total responsibility for the relationship with their customer, while Openreach provides maintenance for the local loop and responds to fault reports.

Shared Line – Shared Metallic Path Facility (SMPF)

Under SMPF, communications providers share a line between the local telephone exchange and their end user’s premises in order to supply broadband. Telephony services, supplied by a wholesale line rental communications provider (WLR CP) use the same line.

SMPF is made possible by installing ‘splitters’ in the end user’s home/office and the communications provider’s network equipment. Under line sharing, the end user has contracts with both the narrowband provider (WLR CP) and the LLU communications provider.

--Ashleyvh 10:05, 24 October 2006 (UTC)