Abstract: Provisioning of dedicated service in a communications network is made more efficient by creating a service path, (200) that includes a permanent service communications link (230) between an automatically remotely provisionable cross-connect system (240) and a network gateway element (240), such as a cross-connect device or a telecommunications switch. The service communications link remains active to carry traffic notwithstanding whether the automatically remotely provisionable cross-connection system is provisioned to provide dedicated subscriber service, or to terminate such service. In this way, service may be re-provisioned by appropriately provisioning the cross-connect device without the need to dispatch a technician to re-establish a link between the cross-connect system and the network gateway device.

Abstract: The need for manual verification of service on a desired cross-connect in a cross-connect system prior to provisioning may be eliminated by modifying the logic of the cross-connect system to take account of an internal indication characteristic of whether service is present on the cross-connect. Upon receipt of a NORMAL command, the cross-connect system only executes the command to disconnect the cross-connect when no service is present. However, upon receipt of a FORCED command, the cross-connect system executes the command to disconnect the cross-connect irrespective of the existence of any service thereon. Moreover, in response to an indication of service and denial of the NORMAL command, a FORCE command may be issued instead to effect disconnection of the cross-connection with such disconnection is desired irrespective of the existence of service thereon.