What is a central office in telecommunications?

A central office in telecommunications refers to a local switching system that connects subscriber lines and trunks to other switches. This facility plays a crucial role in the telephone network by enabling communication between individual telephone lines (subscribers) and facilitating calls between different areas through trunk lines that connect to additional switches.

The operation of a central office is fundamental in managing the local calls and ensuring that they can be routed correctly, allowing for efficient voice communication. It serves as an essential component of the telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring that each subscriber can connect to the larger network seamlessly.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of a central office. Administrative services are typically not the primary role of a central office. While it may deal with some administrative tasks, its core purpose is much more technical. A major international communication hub does not fit the description of a central office, as that term pertains to facilities that handle global telecommunications rather than local connections. Lastly, while the central office does house telecommunications equipment, it is not merely a storage facility; it actively processes and manages calls and digital traffic. Thus, the correct understanding of a central office is accurately represented by its role in connecting subscriber lines and managing communications through local switching systems.