# Access303 and Exchange303 GR303 support

GR303 defines a generic set of requirements for integrated access systems. These requirements specify an open interface that provides mix and match flexibility between the local digital switches (LDSs) and the remote digital terminals (RDTs), and between RDTs and element management systems.

GR303 requirements were defined by Telcordia to eliminate the proprietary interfaces that were common among access systems. GR303 promotes increased network architecture flexibility by providing a consistent approach to deploying access technologies in the network. GR303 interfaces reduce the cost of deployment by supporting a flexible service concentration.

In the GR303 scheme, DS1 facilities connecting to the digital switch are assigned and managed through a timeslot management channel (TMC), while remote operations functions are supported over an embedded operations channel (EOC). A data link processor (DLP) common control module terminates the GR303 EOC and TMC interfaces from the switch.

Aztek's GR303 protocol stack (Access303 and Exchange303) software enables gateways and remote digital terminals in North America to interact with the central office. Access303 and Exchange303 provide a complete TMC and EOC (timeslot management channels and embedded operations channels) implementation of the GR303 specification for both the IDT and RDT side of the interface.