Multi-service access node

A Multiservice Access Node (MSAN) is a device typically installed in a telephone exchange (although sometimes in a roadside cabinet) which connects customers telephone lines to the core network and is able to provide telephony, ISDN, and broadband such as DSL all from a single platform.

Prior to the deployment of MSANs, telecom providers typically had a multitude of separate equipment to provide the various types of services to customers. Integrating everything on a single node, which typically backhauls everything over IP or Asynchronous Transfer Mode is much more cost effective and enables customers to have new service enabled far more quickly.