Host/remote concentrator meaning

In telecoms legal practice, host/remote concentrator refers to network equipment that aggregates multiple customer lines and hands them over to a digital local exchange (DLE). A host concentrator is co‑located within the DLE, while a remote concentrator is installed away from the exchange (for example, in a cabinet or other remote site) and connected back to the host DLE via feeder links. The term is not generally defined in legislation or case law; it is an engineering expression used in regulatory materials, technical schedules and network access or interconnection agreements. Its legal significance lies in siting and demarcation: a remote installation typically requires land rights and consents (for example, Electronic Communications Code rights, wayleaves/easements in England & Wales and Northern Ireland, and servitudes/wayleaves in Scotland), as well as planning and street works permissions. The host/remote split can affect service levels, maintenance and fault responsibilities, cost allocation, resilience obligations and access to the electronic communications network. Usage and meaning are broadly consistent across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland, and are commonly encountered in matters involving the PSTN/local loop, fibre migration, wholesale access, and regulatory compliance with Ofcom (UK) and ComReg (Ireland).