RapidID is a software-based cable documentation system designed to simplify, automate and digitise the process. It uses a barcoding system to apply unique RapidID labels to copper and fibre patch cords.
The evolution of IT technologies and services, such as cloud computing, IP convergence, the IoT, the use of big data and artificial intelligence, is placing new demands on passive network equipment. Data centre owners are being forced to rapidly adapt their network capabilities, while at the same time ensuring adequate resilience to disruptions and potential cyber attacks. The latter is ultimately dictated by legislation such as NIS2 in Europe and standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO 22301.
Passive network equipment, such as network cabling, is by far one of the most neglected and vulnerable building blocks of data centres. In fact, up to 50% of network problems and related outages are caused by problems in the physical infrastructure.
Improvements in the management of passive network equipment are increasing the demand for automation and digitisation of cable infrastructure mapping. By documenting the network faster and more transparently, data centre owners and operators can accelerate the deployment of new facilities and services, and increase responsiveness to failures, including cyberattacks. The latter is becoming increasingly important as the operation of passive network equipment has a direct impact on an organisation’s critical capabilities. In response, Panduit has developed RapidID, a hardware and software solution that can reduce the time and cost of cable documentation by up to 50 percent.
A COMPLETE NETWORK CABLE MANAGEMENT SOLUTION
RapidID is an advanced cable documentation system based on software and factory generated identifiers. The system is designed to simplify, automate and digitise the process. It is based on the use of unique RapidID labels that apply standard barcodes to copper and fibre network cables.
These are three key building blocks of Panduit’s network cable management system.
- Identifiers that comply with industry standards for cable infrastructure labelling, such as ANSI/TIA-606-D and ISO/IEC TR 14763-2-1.
- Pre-generated identifiers that are easy to read and have a lifetime equal to or greater than the lifetime of the tagged component.
- A centralised inventory of cables and connectors that includes dedicated cable mapping software in addition to the cable database.
RapidID is a dedicated software-based cable documentation system designed to simplify, automate and digitise the process. It uses a barcoding system to apply RapidID labels to copper and fibre optic cables. These labels are machine-generated at the factory, meaning that the customer receives pre-labelled cables that are simply read by technicians using a dedicated reader to identify the connection points
HOW RAPIDID WORKS
Once the technician has scanned the connection cable, RapidID records and matches the physical location of the cable, creating a new connection or matching the cable to an existing installation. It checks the existing cabling against previously stored results and automatically identifies changes based on the latest cabling configurations. The latter allows the operator to simply confirm the updates without having to manually correct the connection data again.
RapidID simplifies connection discovery. It allows technicians to find the end points of cables without disturbing the connections. This eliminates the need to manually pull cables and the risk of disconnections and consequent network downtime.
The software eliminates manual data entry into other communications network management systems by exporting cable and connection information to Excel, from where network or data centre managers can easily and accurately import the data into a network management system (NMS) or DCIM system.
CABLE MANAGEMENT MADE EASY
The RapidID system has been developed in conjunction with Panduit’s range of pre-labelled connecting cables. Users can order pre-labelled cables to fill their cabinets without having to apply labels during installation. This approach saves considerable time by eliminating the labelling process when installing the cables. The installer simply reads the RapidID identifiers with Panduit’s wireless handheld scanner, which is connected to the RapidID application via Bluetooth.
The application provides easy documentation of all locations of the connection cable in the installation field. At the same time, it checks the previously stored locations of the patch cable and finally aligns both ends of the patch cable. This provides automatic mapping of the patch cable for ease of use, efficient monitoring of connections, simplified reporting and rapid response in the event of a service interruption or cyber incident.
The RapidID software part of the system works on Windows computers as well as iOS and Android mobile devices.
Newsroom
If you want to be in touch with us, please contact our news.
