Method and system for remotely automating cross-connects in telecom networks

A method of automating cross-connects using a scalable automated cross-connect system in a telecommunication network central office comprising a network of communication lines for connecting subscriber locations to the central office exchange, said communication lines extend to the subscriber locations from a main distribution frame (MDF) that comprises a plurality of connector blocks housed therein for terminating the communication lines from to the subscriber locations and the lines from the exchange, such that the automated cross-connect system being capable of selectively establishing cross-connects between the subscriber communication lines and the exchange, the method is comprising the steps of:

• entering into a remote terminal information related to making a desired connection for establishing or removing a subscriber communication line;
• determining the appropriate MDF in the telecommunication network central office;
• checking the current allocated resources relating to the MDF from a database;
• selecting an available communication line for connection to the exchange;
• transmitting commands to the selected MDF comprising a plurality of modular cross-connect boards coupled to the connector blocks in a scalable manner, wherein each including a switch matrix comprising a plurality of cross-connects;
• identifying and selecting the appropriate modular cross-connect board and cross-connect to activate;
• and
• remotely controlling the connection state of the selected cross-connect on the selected modular cross-connect board via the central office,
• wherein a specific cross-connect board and cross-connect thereon is identified and selected to automatically activate, remove, or modify the subscriber line,
• by moving slidably engagable contact sledges comprised in a switch matrix of said cross-connect board into position by an electric motor whereby, by moving the sledges along different paths and transport planes, any input line is connectable to any output line;
• making contact between two pairs of contact point by contact springs comprised in the contact sledges;
• and
• detecting the position of the contact sledges on the matrix by means of another contact means comprised in the contact sledges;
• wherein the system is scalable to a growth in subscriber lines within the MDF by coupling further modular cross-connection boards to available connector blocks.