Definitions for "Access Tandem"
Switching system that concentrates and distributes traffic originating from or terminating at end offices in the access/ local service area. See tandem switch.
Switch in which all inter and outer area code traffic is handled - located in a telephone company central office or note; the main local exchange carrier in an area code where long-distance service handoff occurs.
An Access Tandem switch interconnects with CO switches and other access tandem switches to form the PSTN network. It is often called a “class 4” switch, a reference to the original AT&T hierarchal network structure.