Point of appearance

Point of appearance is a generic term for any point in a telephone/data circuit from which a technician can test or pull stats. Some appearances are virtual, such as a Digital cross connect system computer terminal. Others are physical, like a punch down COSMIC frame where a technician can place a test set, or a heat coil socket. In the outside plant there is an appearance at the cross box, pedestal, and network interface. The ultimate appearance is the telephone or other customer premises equipment (CPE).