Access network is the portion of a public switched network (PSTN) that connects access nodes to individual subscribers, which is predominantly passive twisted-pair copper wiring. Access network also refers to the data network that connects individual users with the edge network of the Service Provide. Twisted-pair copper, optical fiber and wireless technologies are all used for this purpose.

An access device is used in the access network to gain access to network resources from a remote location, and vice versa. Common access devices are routers and modem pools. IAD is also used as an access device that can simultaneously deliver traditional PSTN voice services, packet voice services, and data services (via LAN ports) over a single WAN link. It aggregates multiple channels of information including voice and data across a single shared access link to a carrier or service provider PoP (Point of Presence). The access link may be a T1 line, a DSL connection, a cable (CATV) network, a broadband wireless link, or a metro-Ethernet connection.