Also called
point of demarcation, demarc extension, or
demarc,
it is the physical point at which the public network of a
telecommunications
company (i.e., a phone or cable company) ends and the private network of a
customer begins — this
is usually where the cable physically enters a building.
For example, if your
business subscribes to receive Internet through a local phone or cable company,
the provider installs a demarcation point at your business. The demarc is
usually a grey box mounted on the outside of the building. On the outside of the
building the provider's wires run in to the demarc (overhead or underground).
The wires are switched at the Demarc and are then run into the physical
building. For residential services, the demarc is often installed inside the
residence in the homeowner's cellar or basement.
