KRONE - What is Patch by Exception

KRONE TECHNIQUES 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 Australia, the nations most advanced and progressive connectivity company 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 and 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. 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 5 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 5 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 organisations 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 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 patchcords to the client for reuse. THE KRONE HIGHBAND ADVANTAGES The HIGHBAND modules use KRONE's patented 3 point method of termination which outperforms the competition in ease of installation, quality, and durability of the connection • Insulation clamping ribs hold the wire firmly in position and isolate the contact area from vibration and other forms of mechanical stress. • Flexible silver-plated contact tags, arranged at 45 o angles across the axis of the wire, make a solid gas- tight connection. • Constant axial and torsional restoring forces, created by the unique contact and plastic housing, maintain a durable connection that allows up to 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 5 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. . the developing technologies of tomorrow. WHAT IS PATCH BY EXCEPTION? Patch by Exception is a product feature of KRONE& apos;s HIGHBAND 8 and 10 modules that. TO GET THE MOST OUT OF PATCH BY EXCEPTION Many organisations have successfully implemented the Patch by Exception solution by establishing a maintenance