Data Access Arrangement (DAA)

Definition - What does Data Access Arrangement (DAA) mean?

Data access arrangement (DAA) is a computer modem with a built-in electronic system that interfaces with public switched telephone networks (PSTN). DAA is required for PSTN devices, including set-top boxes, fax machines, private branch exchanges (PBX) and alarm systems.

DAA devices are isolated from high voltage phone lines, but system authorities require device registration. Preregistered DAA is built into most modems and devices.

DAA is also known as a telephone line interface circuit.

Techopedia explains Data Access Arrangement (DAA)

There are three international DAA standards:

North America: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Part 68, which parallels many Canadian and Mexican regulations
Europe: European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) Common Technical Regulation (CTR) 21
Japan: Japan Approvals Institute for Telecommunications Equipment (JATE)

A key DAA design factor is layout, which defines the area between line and modem components. Examples include:

Optocoupler: Computer and phone line are connected without surge risk or damage
Clare Based: Uses two high-voltage isolation capacitors to implement caller ID and ring detection with separate PSTN/pathways
Capacitive-Coupled: Uses integral modem system components to directly interface with the digital signal processor (DSP)
Simple: Includes incoming ring detector and hook switch relays and provides other application-specific functions