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COSMOS (Telecommunications)

This is an article about the COmputer System for Main frame OperationS, a record keeping system for Main Distribution Frames (MDFs) in the Bell System. For other uses, please see COSMOS.

COSMOS was introduced in the 1970s after MDFs were found to be congested in large urban telephone exchanges. It assigns terminals so jumpers need not be so long, thus leaving more space on the shelves. COSMOS also converts customer service orders into printed work orders for staff who connect the jumpers. COSMOS orders are usually coordinated with RCMAC to ensure that translations match wiring. With good computer records, jumpers are often left in place for reuse when one customer replaces another, resulting in a great reduction in labor. See also Operations Support Systems