Local loops

In the telecommunications industry, the local loop is the physical link (or circuit) that connects from the customer premises to the edge of the telecommunications service provider’s network. Traditionally the local loop was an electrical circuit, but today it may include may include a digital loop carrier system segment or fibre optic transmission system. Local loop has also grown to encompass any local connection to the customer, for example, electric power lines, cables used with TVs, internet or phone, wireless signals, satellite connections, and optical and fibre optic services. Every single industry with a telecommunications infrastructure depends on local loop, be in commerce, medical, military, automotive or even home or leisure. In each case, each industry uses a local loop as the physical link from customer to service provider’s network.