Abstract: A telecommunications system includes a switching matrix having a plurality of conductive switching matrix input locations, a plurality of conductive switching matrix output locations, and a plurality of conductive paths and switches interposed between the switching matrix input and output locations so that any given switching matrix output location may be electrically coupled to any given switching matrix input location. The telecommunications apparatus also includes a cut-over matrix electrically coupled to a first subset of the switching matrix output locations. A cross-connect distribution unit (CDU) is electrically coupled to a second subset of the switching matrix output locations.

Abstract: A telecommunications apparatus includes a housing. A plurality of circuit boards are fastened in a vertical column within the housing. Each circuit board has a cross-connect distribution unit (CDU) disposed thereupon, and each CDU includes a plurality of user output locations, network input locations, service input locations, supplemental input locations, and supplemental output locations. The telecommunications apparatus also includes a back plane circuit board fastened within the housing. The backplane circuit board includes a connector corresponding to each of the plurality of circuit boards. Each of said circuit boards mates with a corresponding connector.