What Does Main Distribution Frame (MDF) Mean?
A Main Distribution Frame (MDF) is a signal distribution frame or cable rack used in telephony to interconnect and manage telecommunication wiring between itself and any number of intermediate distribution frames and cabling from the telephony network it supports.
The MDF connects equipment inside a telecommunications facility to cables and subscriber carrier equipment. Every cable that supplies services to user telephones lines ends up at an MDF and is distributed through MDF to equipment within local exchanges.
Historically this would be the same as the telephone switchboards of yesteryear where telephone operators inserted connecting wires into a matrix of sockets on a patch panel to connect calls. Todays jumpers are more permanent, assigning a line to each individual subscriber account and only need to be changed as people change their numbers, to reroute networks, dedicated lines or for maintenance purposes.
The MDF connects equipment inside a telecommunications facility to cables and subscriber carrier equipment. Every cable that supplies services to user telephones lines ends up at an MDF and is distributed through MDF to equipment within local exchanges.
