4.5.7.1. Benefits of the Integration Service

 

The Integration Service ensures a streamlined workflow by automating the exchange of information and instructions between the IRM and CommScope ImVision systems. This reduces the need for manual data entry and therefore also reduces the chances of errors or discrepancies that may arise from manual processes.
 

 

The Integration Service enables real-time updates between the IRM and AIM systems. As changes are made on the CommScope hardware (either individual cable connections or work order processing) the Integration Service promptly updates the corresponding information in the IRM system. This real-time Synchronisation ensures accurate and up-to-date tracking of infrastructure changes and work order statuses.

 

Note: Please note that work orders are handled by the CommScope side, while tickets are managed by IRM through the built-in Ticket Manager or by integration with other ticketing systems such as ServiceNow or BMC Helix.
 

 

By integrating the IRM system with CommScope ImVision products through the Integration Service, organizations can efficiently manage their infrastructure resources. Through the seamless flow of information and automated work order creation and tracking, organisations can respond more quickly and accurately to needed or actual infrastructure changes, and more effectively utilize their available resources.

 

Before exploring the IRM/CommScope integration features in more detail, it is essential to note that IRM's primary focus is on the CommScope’s ImVision line of intelligent patch panels. Additionally, it is important to introduce a CommScope component called a controller (specifically the ImVision Controller X), which serves the purpose of monitoring the intelligent patch panels that are connected to it and providing the status of the panels over a REST API.

 

In the integration between IRM and CommScope, IRM Proxies are used to communicate directly with the CommScope ImVision controllers.

In ImVision, a single controller has the capability to multiple racks.  The controller consolidates the data from all the patch panels in each rack and facilitates its access for IRM.

 

CommScope supports the notion of a Zone, in which one controller, called the Network Manager, is configured to provide information (through its REST API) from one or more other controllers.  This makes integrations involving large numbers of controllers easier to manage, as most of the controllers don’t need to be dealt with directly – the Network Manager controller can “front end” several other controllers.

 

When operating in the zone mode, there is a direct interconnection between all the controllers in the zone. Consequently, by communicating with a single controller, you can effectively share information with all interconnected panels. This approach streamlines the management of multiple controllers, eliminating the need for individualized attention to each one.

 

Below picture shows a small-scale example of a CommScope controller screen and some patch panels.