Tài liệu KRONE - White paper - Patch By Exception doc

Patch By Exception

White Paper on Patch By Exception Page 1 Rev.4 Jan.2003

PATCH BY EXCEPTION

In the world of Network Management systems, the solutions of yesterday are not
always the solutions for today. That is why KRONE is introducing "Patch by
Exception", the next generation in cable management systems.

Patch by Exception guarantees network managers a system that is not only flexible,
space saving and easy to manage, but that will accommodate the developing
technologies of tomorrow.

WHAT IS PATCH BY EXCEPTION?

Patch by Exception is a product feature of KRONE's HIGHBAND 8, ULTIM 8, and
HIGHBAND 10 modules that allows the normal cross connect configuration to be
wired using category 5 jumper cable. Then when a change in configuration is
required the new connection can be simply made by plugging a HIGHBAND patch
cord into the module to instantly set up the new configuration by overriding the
jumpered connection. Patching therefore becomes the exception, and not the rule.

WHY CHANGE TO PATCH BY EXCEPTION?

Historically the RJ45 system provided the IT manager with a no fuss, easy solution to
their changing network needs. Today however, with the number of computers and
telephones per office increasing rapidly, many patch panels have deteriorated into an
unmanageable maze of tangled patch cords.

Patching that once took only a matter of seconds to perform, has developed into an
increasingly time consuming and frustrating task; a task that today's busy IT Manager
simply does not have the time for. A once welcome solution has in many situations
become an unmanageable hindrance to efficient cable management.

The RJ45 solution has been built on the philosophy of providing data and telephone
services to the user, rather than by supplying a permanent service to a workstation.
Traditionally the resulting benefit of this approach has been that the end user can do
all their own moves and changes without the need for assistance from an installer.

To date this has been achieved by assigning a hub port and an extension port to
each individual within an organisation. If an individual moves location within the
office, the Hub port and the extension port are also transferred to the new location by
simply moving the relevant patch cords within the patch panel.
Recently however it has become apparent that it is more sensible to provide a
permanent service to a workstation rather than to an individual. As technology has
progressed and the cost of Hub ports and computers have dropped in price, the
provision for computer outlets to workstations is very common. Therefore if a person
moves from one room to another, it is highly likely that data services already exist
within that room, and gaining access to the network simply requires the person to
plug their computer into the port provided.

Another development that will contribute to the patch by exception solution is the
impending release of a virtual network hub. This will mean that a network manager
can control each individual PC on the network and make any moves or changes via
the software, and all this without the need to leave his desk. In the same manner
voice services are almost always provided at every workstation and in every room.
White Paper on Patch By Exception Page 2 Rev.4 Jan.2003

When a person moves offices, their extension number can be easily reallocated
using the software on the PABX.

The significance of these facts is that office buildings can be cabled using jumper
wire in the cross connects rather than patch cords. Initially situations will arise of
course where services are not provided to every office or every workstation position.

This is the time when the HIGHBAND patch-cord can be used. Patching therefore
becomes the exception, and not the rule.

WHAT ARE THE FEATURES AND BENEFITS?

Patch by Exception offers Network managers a range of attractive benefits.
The patch frame remains neat and tidy allowing for more effective cable
management, brought about by the fact that less cable is required to make the
jumpered cross connects. The now uncluttered distribution frame allows for any
temporary patches which have been set up to be easily seen by the network
administrator giving better control and record accuracy. The normal connection
configuration can be restored quickly and with ease by simply removing the patch
cord.

Costs can be reduced significantly due to the economy of using jumper cable instead
of patch cords. The cost of Category 5E jumper cable is approximately one tenth of
the cost of an equivalent patch cord. For further cost reductions common mounting
can be achieved using existing LSA-PLUS mounting, and does not require expensive
"19 inch" accommodation such as racks and cabinets.

When patching is required, it can be carried out reliably using latched patch plugs,
and can be achieved without any interruption to live circuits by virtue of the "make
before break" feature of HIGHBAND.

The use of jumper wire Category 5E cable without the sheath), significantly reduces
the amount of cable bulk, which is important in large installations.

(DATA SIDE) CONCEPT

Another possible implementation of a HIGHBAND solution involves wiring the port

appearances of your data services to a dedicated appearance on your cross connect
frame. The advantage of using the data side frame is that it does not have to be co-
located with the active equipment, but instead can be installed in a nearby riser
closet, therefore saving on the amount of floor space used. Meanwhile the routers,
switches and hubs, can be located in a 19 inch rack in the air conditioned computer
room, which is the ideal environment for the active equipment. The looming of the
patch cords from the hub to the data side frame contributes to the tidiness of the
overall solution, making manageability even easier.

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF PATCH BY EXCEPTION

Many organizations have successfully implemented the Patch by Exception solution
by establishing a maintenance contract with an installer who has progressively
removed temporary patch cords on what are now permanent circuits and replaced
them with jumper wire.

Although a maintenance contract is not essential, it can provide the Network
manager with numerous benefits. Most often IT Managers are extremely busy people
White Paper on Patch By Exception Page 3 Rev.4 Jan.2003

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who have excellent software skills, but a relatively lesser knowledge of cable
management. Generally the person who needs their services moved gives very little
notice, and requires the services changed urgently. The patching is done at the patch
frame with little regard to cable management or the documentation. After a few of
these changes are made, the frame begins to look untidy and large frames become
completely unmanageable.

With all of their pressing concerns and responsibilities, the IT Manager is simply not
capable of finding the time to tidy the frames and update the documentation. As the

state of the patch frame deteriorates, significant time is lost restoring services and
fault finding. For a small monthly fee the IT manager has an effective and efficient
cable management system, and peace of mind. Any changes required in between
monthly calls can be easily administered by the IT Manager in a matter of seconds by
using the patching facility. If these changes are to become permanent the installer
can hardwire them at the next monthly visit and return the removed patch cords to
the client for reuse.

THE KRONE HIGHBAND ADVANTAGES

The HIGHBAND modules use KRONE's patented 3 point method of termination
which out-performs the competition in ease of installation, quality, and durability of
the connection.

1. Insulation clamping ribs hold the wire firmly in position and isolate the contact
area from vibration and other forms of mechanical stress.
2. Flexible silver-plated contact tags, arranged at 45
o
angles across the axis of the
wire, make a solid gas-tight connection.
3. Constant axial and torsional restoring forces, created by the unique contact and
plastic housing, maintain a durable connection that allows up to more than 200
re-terminations.


The HIGHBAND module also far exceeds the performance and bandwidth of any
competitor module by providing the maximum available headroom above Category
5E minimum standards. This means that data integrity is preserved to the highest
possible level.
Immunity to noise is also of the highest standard resulting in the ultimate

performance levels available in the world today (53db jumpered, and 63db patched,
NEXT @ 100 MHz).

CONCLUSION

The best structured cabling solution can be quickly undermined if not managed
correctly. The use of the KRONE HIGHBAND module solution significantly reduces
the amount of patching required as most of the moves and changes are handled at
the software level. In the instances when patching is required, changes can be
administered simply and easily, without delay or hassle to the network manager.

This lateral thinking by the KRONE designers, ensures Network managers of a
system that is flexible, space saving, cost effective, easy to manage, and that allows
for the emerging technologies of tomorrow. It is no wonder that Patch-by-Exception is
now seen as the "Next Generation" in effective Network Management Systems.