An access node in telecommunications is a network device that serves as a connection point between a user's equipment and a larger network, such as the Internet. It is typically located at the edge of a network and provides access to a range of services and resources, such as data, voice, and video. Access nodes can be physical devices, such as routers or switches, or virtual devices that are hosted in the cloud. They play a critical role in providing reliable and efficient connectivity to end-users.