Cross-connects are physical
layer switches that create connections from any port
to any other port on the device.
These devices are used in a
variety of applications. A cross-connect is used primarily
as an intelligent patch panel.
Whereas with a typical patch
panel, wires must be physically disconnected, moved,
and reconnected to change the network configuration,
with a cross-connect, the network administrator can
make any desired configuration changes without touching
the physical wires.
This is accomplished by providing
a fully programmable path between all the ports on
the cross-connect. Detailed
information