Network interface device

Claim 1

A network interface device for terminating network telephone wiring at a subscriber's premises and for connecting the subscriber's wiring to the network, which device comprises: a base having a first surface, means for mounting said base to a fixed surface, said base carrying on said first surface a telephone jack having a plurality of spring contacts therein and a like plurality of first terminals for connecting to said network telephone wiring, said spring contacts being electrically connected to like ones of said first terminals, a lightning arrester recess, and a removable insert; a cover having a first surface, an opposed second surface, and means for mounting said cover to said base so that said second surface of said cover faces said first surface of said base, said cover having a plurality of apertures therethrough between said first and second surface thereof which provide access to said first terminals and said jack, said cover defining a cavity over said lightning arrester recess; and a plug member having a first surface, an opposed second surface, and means for mounting said plug member to said cover so that said second surface of said plug member faces said first surface of said cover, said plug member carrying on said second surface a plurality of second terminals for connecting to said subscriber's wiring and arranged for mating to said first terminals through said apertures when said cover is mounted to said base and said plug member is mounted to said cover, said recess being profiled to receive a first large lightning arrester when said insert is removed, and said recess being profiled to receive said insert, said insert being profiled to receive a second smaller lightning arrester.