This read-only enumerated value indicates whether this modem unit is local(1) — plugged directly into the managed rack — or remote(2), its counterpart at the far end of the fiber link. Admins use it to distinguish between the two ends of a point-to-point fiber modem link when reading paired status entries. For example, a row with position remote(2) reports on the modem at the far end of the fiber, reachable only through the local unit's management channel.