FEATURE IIM
The Value of IIM within the Modern Network Infrastructure Street Smarts By Martyn Davies, Technical Consultant, Brand-Rex
Intelligent infrastructure management (IIM) systems first became available over 10 years ago, and, since then, as networks have become more complex, they have become popular as a way to monitor a network infrastructure and provide information about the devices which are connected to the physical layer. Let’s examine the value of IIM within the modern network infrastructure.
IIM uses a combination of web- based software and intelligent hardware to maintain an accurate, real-time connectivity database of active equipment and physical layer components. These systems are designed to bring a traditionally inert network infrastructure under control and align it to the various management and diagnostic processes within the IT function. Doing this gives the end user an unprecedented level of visibility of an organisation’s network assets, how they are connected together and where they are physically located. Although an enterprise or data
centre may be good at managing and monitoring active equipment, the physical layer is often neglected. By using an IIM system, items such as patch panels, outlets and patch cords can be factored into an overall database that updates itself automatically with every change in physical connectivity. This effectively extends the capabilities of traditional ‘logical’ network toolsets down to the physical layer.
Needs must
Before the advent of IIM systems, network managers had to rely on traditional methods of maintaining network documentation, such as handwritten records or Excel spreadsheets. Apart from the sheer amount of time it takes to perform such actions, this process is not real-time, and is prone to human error. One inaccurate or omitted record
and a whole system can soon find itself in a state of chaos. For large companies, or those with multiple network sites, this can prove to be a major administrative challenge. Indeed, research has found that 80 per cent of organisations admit that their records are inaccurate. This can result in a number of issues, such as extended periods of unplanned network downtime, high levels of asset wastage, reduced productivity and less value from an already constrained IT budget. An IIM system will streamline documentation processes and substantially reduce the operational costs of network ownership – bringing a much needed focus to quality service provision.
20 NETCOMMS europe Volume I, Issue 6 2011 Cost effective?
In the early days of IIM, vendors would make elaborate but compelling return on investment (ROI) arguments for the adoption of this technology. Unfortunately, when closely examined, these ROI figures would often indicate that a network needed to be above a certain size to achieve the greatest benefit and prove cost effective. Some of the adoption issues in the
past have been down to determining where IIM fits into the overall infrastructure. In most cases it has been the cabling installation company that has had to promote the IIM concept to the end user and when the subject of money comes up, it has often been rejected due to the additional cost of implementation. IIM should be addressed as a separate
network issue and purchased and deployed with a clear strategic objective. Assuming the customer is the right ‘fit’ for the technology, the premium paid for IIM on day one is easily offset by the savings achieved through process improvements and greater operational efficiency. ROI really depends on the degree to which the system is deployed and how it is aligned to and utilised by related processes and applications. Deployed and used correctly, it is quite feasible for the initial outlay to be recouped after 12-24 months. It is, however, vitally important to
be able to demonstrate the ways in which savings will be made in addition to having a comprehensive logistical
argument. Using IIM for proactive rather than reactive infrastructure management can actually extend the life of an organisation’s investment in its network.
Smart attack
IIM typically operates on a cross- connect topology and can be installed in Category 6 and 6A cabling systems, in either unshielded or shielded variants. Fibre options include all current standard fibre types with SC, LC and MPO connectivity. Most IIM systems use an intelligent
patch cord with a 9th wire between the panels in the wiring racks to manage and monitor connectivity. Patch panels must also be connected to a scanner system that sends and receives real-time connectivity information to and from the SP4E management station. In some situations, it is also possible to
retrofit certain IIM systems into a legacy non-intelligent network. The software used on Brand-Rex’s
SmartPatch is based on a client/ server application on top of an SQL relational database. It works via standard SNMP with a network topology of intelligent hardware in order to control, map and monitor both the physical layer and active LAN equipment. A feature called Proactive LAN Equipment Topology (P-LET) tracks end-to-end network connectivity from PCs, telephones, IP phones, printers etc. through the connecting hardware to the network equipment.
The Brand-Rex SmartPatch IIMS Patch Panel.
www.netcommseurope.com
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