ADC KRONE has announced that it has overcome the main problem faced by network managers when considering physical layer management (PLM) or intelligent infrastructure management (IIM) for their new networks - that of the up-front capital cost.
Many network managers are convinced of the benefits of physical layer management, but often don't have the budget to utilize this more expensive option. Currently, it has been a "now-or-never decision because different (more expensive) patch panels are required in the PLM systems. These patch panels have the ability to detect end-to-end copper and fibre patch cord paths around the communications room or data centre.
Now, with ADC KRONE's new TrueNet® PLM patch panel range of products, the patch panels are field-upgradeable. Network managers can pay normal patch panel costs for their day-one network and only spend on the "intelligent element when and if they upgrade to a physical layer management system in years to come.
"This field upgradeable product is a truly elegant engineering solution, said Matthew Palmer, TrueNet PLM product manager at ADC KRONE. "To change the front of a patch panel takes only 20 seconds because the non-intelligent front panel just clips off and the new "intelligent one simply clips on in its place after guiding a scanner-connector through the pre-placed channel. It is so simple and cost-effective that no network manager should ever have to face the now-or-never' decision again because there is no up-front premium and the upgrade can be done with minimal network interruption at any time in the future.
Once the field upgradeable "intelligent TrueNet PLM patch panel fronts have been fitted, new "intelligent fibre or copper TrueNet PLM patch cords are simply plugged in maximizing network uptime. The PLM electronic scanner units can be installed at leisure because this activity does not interrupt active channel connections.
To see how efficient the process is, view the video at:
http://www-wsp.adckrone.com/en/webcontent/documentationlibrary/PDFs/collateral/PLM.