AM connectivity cable management system from TE connectivity

As everyone already knows, the development of technology does not stand still. This, in turn, sets the direction for the development of intelligent systems for controlling and monitoring at the physical level structured cable systems (SCS). They are often called interactive control systems or cable infrastructure management systems. Speaking about today, we are paying attention to such systems with an increasing number of customers, who, in turn, want to see a more manageable and practical SCS. In more detail, the customers who choose such systems are financial institutions, data centers, government agencies, factories and enterprises with a high degree of automation. As for large data centers, in such projects, customers as "by itself" imply the use of "smart" systems.

What implements this system, and indeed, what is the purpose? More details under the cut.
According to Symantec, more than a quarter of data center outages are associated with changes in cable connections (human factor). Almost 70% of network outages are attributed to cable infrastructure. Based on these factors and given the high cost of downtime of the data center, there is a need for automation and accuracy in the processes. In addition to all this is operating expenses (documentation of changes in infrastructure). Here, just not a complete and short range of issues that the implemented intelligent monitoring system helps to solve.
For years, there have been products on the market such as PatchView by RiT Technologies, iPatch by Commscope, MIIM by Molex Premise Networks, PanView iQ by Panduit and, of course, iTRACS by iTracs (its technologies are used in systems, MapIT by Siemon, LANsense by Nexans). Until recently, TE connectivity AMPTRAC was offered exclusively with IM software (Infrastructure Manager from iTracs). Since 2011, AMPTRAC has been offered with the new Infrastructure Configuration Manager (ICM) software, developed directly by TE Connectivity. IM support ceased in 2012.

Today we will consider the intelligent AMPTRAC system from SKS TE connectivity. This system allows you to create SCS with automated control at the physical level. The entire system consists of two subsystems - AMP NETCONNECT in the field of passive equipment (represented by components of AMPTRAC, as well as Quareo) and Infrastructure Configuration Manager (ICM) in the field of software. As for the components of Quareo, we will consider them in the next review.

The general architecture of the AMPTRAC intelligent system is depicted in (


Fig. 1) . 1 AMPTRAC architecture

And so, let us see how this assembly system will work (already mounted Fig. 1).
This fully automated system for optimizing maintenance, inventory, and accurate documentation helps prevent costly problems. AMPTRAC is an easily configurable hardware complex that is connected to ICM software and can be integrated into both new and existing LANs. ICM allows you to optimize monitoring and network security, providing the ability to actively respond to any changes in switching due to unauthorized actions. AMPTRAC hardware, combined with ICM software, fills the gap between LAN management and physical management.

Port monitoring by the AMPTRAC system is based on the closure of the additional electrical circuit when the ports are connected by a patch core (with a special 9th ​​pin, shown earlier in (Fig. 6). Each port of the patch panel or active equipment is equipped with a contact pad that is connected to the analyzer. In the protective caps of both standard plugs of the patch cord (both copper and fiber optic), one electrical contact-sensor is integrated, which are connected by a special electrical conductor m. When the ports are connected with a patch cord, the cord’s contact sensors abut against the panel pads and close the electrical circuit between them.
I want to note that the AMPTRAC hardware is completely isolated from the SCS and does not affect the transmission of data through its channels.
Compatibility of AMPTRAC with SMNP-tools provides monitoring of both physical and logical (between IP addresses) connections in the network.
Physically, the AMPTRAC system can be delivered as a complete turnkey (integrated) solution for new installations, or as a kit for installation on top of an existing cable infrastructure (Retrofit-Solution).


Fig. 2

Now we will consider what components the system consists of.

1) AMPTRAC - analyzer (shown in Fig. 3). The task of this analyzer is to monitor and control the connections between contact sensors, as well as add updated information to the software database (ICM). The analyzer can be programmed by both Master and Slave. It should be noted that communication with the database server occurs directly or through the Master analyzer. On the front side is a 4-line graphic LCD display for interactive access to the database. Next to the display were placed 2 10 / 100BaseTx ports for connecting to a LAN and connecting analyzers to each other in a chain.
With a case depth of only 165 mm and a height of 1U, the analyzer allows you to control up to 1152 ports. Up to 195 individual analyzers can be connected together thus providing more than 65520 monitored ports in one zone. As can be seen from Fig. 1 (the back of the analyzer), 48 RJ-45 connectors are located, they serve to connect the scanning modules.
* Supplied with Infrastructure Configuration Manager (ICM)


software Fig. 3 AMPTRAC analyzer

Let us consider in more detail the front panel of the AMPTRAC analyzer (Fig. 1a).


Fig. 3a analyzer front panel

Speaker acts as a buzzer to properly configure the analyzer. A four-line display with 40 characters displays information from the server about configuration, malfunctions, changes. The buttons located on the left side are used to navigate the menu system and activate or deactivate settings. The buttons on the right side are used to enter information (port name, IP address). Three Ethernet ports are also installed, two are installed on the rear panel of the device and 1 on the front panel. These ports can be used to connect to other analyzers. These LAN ports act as a 3-port switch and can support auto negotiation, Auto MDI / MDI-X.
The analyzer has 4 indication LEDs on the front panel:
- LAN 2 - indicates the status of the LAN 2 port located on the rear side of the device;
- LAN 3 - indicates the status of the LAN 3 port located on the back of the device;
- LED “Status” - indicates that the Master analyzer is connected to the server or the slave analyzer is connected to the Master analyzer;
- the power indicator indicates the level of alternating current entering the unit.
A standard USB port is provided for connecting the analyzer to a supported device.
2) AMPTRAC - input-output cables. They are used to collect information about switching, each port of the switching panel and switch is equipped with a contact pad (sensor). I / O cables are intended for connecting sensors of patch panels, switches, and other network devices to AMPTRAC analyzers (Fig. 4).


Fig. 4 I / O cable


Fig. 4a

On the one hand, the cable has a connector for connecting to the terminals of the patch panel strip, and on the other hand, an RJ-45 connector for connecting with a standard patch cord Cat. 5E or 6 to the analyzer (Fig. 4a).
3) AMPTRAC - patch panels. The panels are available in two versions: - ready-made (already with the appropriate contacts (Fig. 5a), including the last generation Quick-Fit panels (Fig. 5b), and panels that can later be “pumped” under the full-featured AMPTRAC (


Fig. 5c). Fig. 5a AMPTRAC patch panels (ready-made solutions)


Fig. 5b Quick-Fit patch panels (19 "/ 1U panel patch panel with 4 slots for modules and Quick-Fit cassettes)


Fig. 5c AMPTRAC patch panels (typesetting panel)


Fig. 5d Patch panel connected by input-output cables

I want to pay more attention to Quick-Fit panels. We can say that this is a more practical solution, since it becomes possible to mount each individual cartridge (for 6 modules each and 4 cartridge in the patch panel). 19 "/ 1U dial-up patch panel with 4 seats for modules and Quick-Fit cassettes. Available in both straight and angled designs with rear cable support for fixing various types of cables.
4) AMPTRAC - patch cords. We can say that they do not differ from standard patch cords, with the exception of the presence of an additional “9th” conductor, which is needed to close the circuit between the sensors (we will examine in more detail in Fig


. 6 ); Fig. 6 Patch cords

5) AMPTRAC - touch pads. They are self-adhesive strips with contact sensors (Fig. 7);


Fig. 7 Touch pads

With pads, everything is very simple - stick on the front panel of the switch. Such stickers are commercially available for most switch models (CISCO 4000 and 6000; CISCO 3500 and 4548; CISCO 2950; CISCO 3500 Fiber Uplink Ports; CISCO GBIC; CISCO 2950; EXTREME Summit 48i; NORTEL BAYSTACK 450-24T; CISCO MT-RJ 6000; NORTEL BAYSTACK 470-48T; Generic Fiber Uplink Ports; EXTREME Summit 1i & 5i and Alpine 3808; ALCATEL 6648 Fiber Uplink ports Procurve J8702A & 3500yl). According to the manufacturer, it is also possible to manufacture touch pads on order.

6) Infrastructure Configuration Manager (ICM) - a software tool that receives information from analyzers and maintains the relevance of the network infrastructure database (Fig. 8). As you know, any equipment, no matter how cool it was, will not have advantages if it is not supported by no less cool software.


Fig. 8 Window of the software environment


Fig. 8a Architectural plans

Based on the Infrastructure Configuration Manager (ICM) software, a slender, tree-like, intuitive cable system structure is formed. So, on the loaded architectural plans of the object, the placement of SCS elements (workplaces, etc.) is displayed (Fig. 8a). Cabinets / racks and patch panels located in them are presented in the software window in the photographic image. Each analyzed channel is drawn in detail with maximum visualization. You can easily and quickly find the required subscriber, the port of the panel, sockets, etc., and immediately see the visualized information about all the details of the cable channel in which the desired item is located.
The generated database describing the SCS is automatically supported by the system, all changes on the patch panels and all connections to outlets are tracked. At any time, the operator sees the real state of the switching and connected equipment. In the event log, all changes are recorded on the patch panels connected to outlets at workplaces.
I also want to note that it is possible to set up an alert about unauthorized changes, which the software will inform about by e-mail or sms. When forming orders for the fulfillment of the tasks of re-switching, the program forms the exact sequence of operations and monitors their implementation. An important feature of AMPTRAC software is virtualization support (working with the database from any access point, web interface). In addition to all of the above, there is the possibility of generating a variety of reports: on the status of switching, on events ... In the event of a power outage, it is unlikely, but still ..., automatic resynchronization will start.
I also note that ICM software is maximally adapted and open for integration into a centralized object management system based on such software as HP OpenView, IBM-Tivoli NetView, etc.

7) AMPTRAC server. That is, the computer on which the ICM software is installed. For normal software operation, the server must meet the following characteristics:
- processor: Dual Core 2 GHz or higher (x64);
- RAM, at least 8 GB;
- free disk space: 20 GB;
- network connection - 1 GB network card;
- Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 (64-bit), or Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.4 and higher (64-bit);

Summarizing all of the above, we summarize.
Due to the automation of monitoring the status of SCS ports, expensive and time-consuming operations for manual administration of the cable system are eliminated. This, in turn, reduces operating costs, speeds up user service when moving and adding jobs, reduces network downtime during repair work and ensures its greater safety.

With the incorporation of ADC-KRONE into TE Connectivity, the Quareo family of products has been added to the Enterprise Network product range. Quareo technology opens up new possibilities for controlling and managing connections in SCS.
This is a new solution, officially introduced to the international community in May 2011. We’ll take a closer look at the features of the Quareo product family in the next review.

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