Network interface device
Overview
Telecommunication
Telecommunication is the transmission of information over significant distances to communicate. In earlier times, telecommunications involved the use of visual signals, such as beacons, smoke signals, semaphore telegraphs, signal flags, and optical heliographs, or audio messages via coded...
s, a Network Interface Device (NID) is a device that serves as the demarcation point
Demarcation point
In telephony, the demarcation point is the point at which the public switched telephone network ends and connects with the customer's on-premises wiring. It is the dividing line which determines who is responsible for installation and maintenance of wiring and equipment -- customer/subscriber, or...
between the carrier's local loop
Local loop
In telephony, the local loop is the physical link or circuit that connects from the demarcation point of the customer premises to the edge of the carrier or telecommunications service provider's network...
and the customer's premises wiring
On-premises wiring
In telecommunication, on-premises wiring is customer-owned communications transmission lines. It is also called customer premises wiring . The transmission lines can be metallic or optical fiber, and may be installed within or between buildings.Premises wiring may consist of horizontal wiring,...
.
Generically, an NID may also be called a Network Interface Unit (NIU), Telephone Network Interface (TNI), or telephone network box. A smartjack is a type of NID with capabilities beyond simple electrical connection, such as diagnostics.
