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The Network Boundary / Network Boundary Point
The Network Boundary point is where the legal responsibility of the Telcos' finish. From this point into the premises, the lines are privately owned and therefore all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner.
Although the owner is not responsible for maintenance up to this point, they are obligated to look after the telephone cabling. Failure to do so will result in costly repairs by the big telcos.
- Residential houses
- Residential Units
- Flats & low rise apartments
- High rise apartment buildings
- Network Termination Device
Residential houses
For houses, the network boundary is the first telephone point/socket wired inside the premises.
Residential units
The boundary point can either be at the first phone point OR the MDF, depending on when the building were completed. Units have tended not to have MDFs for quite some time.
Most residential units are now built without an MDF, so the network boundary point is the first telephone socket/point wired inside the premises.
Flats & low rise apartments
Older type low rise apartments or flats usually locate the MDF on an external front or side wall on the ground floor.
High rise apartments
The network boundary point for high rise apartments is the telecommunications "Main Distribution Frame", commonly referred to as the MDF.
Modern apartment blocks commonly locate the Main Distribution Frame in a telecommunications cupboard located on the ground floor, or in the underground car park/basement of the building.
Network Termination Device
A "Network Termination Device" (NTD) is also a Network Boundary Point. It is a basic cable connection device that will support a limited of cables to telecommunication outlets.
Future NTDs may differ from this photo, however it is a stand alone unit consisting of a plastic, weather resistant hinged lid box containing cable connection facilities and space for things such as surge suppressors.
It is distinguishable by the embossed wording on the front cover which reads NETWORK TERMINATION DEVICE.
New single dwellings or individual units will not normally use these Network Termination Devices.
Appearance of the Network Termination Device is similar in appearance to the Telstra hinged lid wall box that is used for connecting phone cables as part of the normal lead-in cabling.
The Telstra hinged lid wall box should not be confused with a Network Termination Device as it is not a network boundary point.
