Networking / Beginners

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Step 5: Looping the CFA point

The CFA point is the physical point where your long-distance carrier connects into the local carrier's network. At this point in troubleshooting, you can't easily segment the circuit, so you need to determine whether the issue is with your carrier or with your local loop provider.

If your carrier can loop its CFA point

If your carrier can loop the CFA point and run a clean test to it, but the carrier notes errors when running to the NIU, the problem is with the local carrier section of the circuit. If your long-distance carrier ordered the local loop, then one of its representatives has to open a trouble ticket with the local loop provider. (If you ordered the local loop, you have to open the trouble ticket on your own). This process can take four or more hours before the local loop provider responds to the problem and dispatches a technician. If the trouble ticket is opened late in the day, a technician might not be available until the following business day.

If you can't loop the CFA

If your carrier can't loop the CFA point, the issue lies within the carrier's section of the circuit. Because the problem is contained within one carrier, you could see a much faster resolution. Simply call the technician every hour or so to follow up until the situation is resolved.