4.5.7.2. CommScope Integration Features

Ports Connectivity

This feature focuses on understanding the current configuration of the patch panel, specifically the connectivity of ports. It allows users to view the state of the patch panel, including information on which cables are connected to which ports, which ports have cables connected and which ports are empty. This information is accessible through the IRM Web Client, in the Elevation dialogs, the properties dialogs for Equipment and Cables, and other places that show cable connectivity. By utilising these features provides users with real-time information regarding the ImVision Patch panel connectivity from within the IRM.

Alerts & Events

The second CommScope integration feature enables the generation of Alerts within IRM. When an Alert is raised by the CommScope Controller, it sends the alert/event to IRM Alert in Management system where the Alert can be acknowledged, assigned and actioned. This feature simplifies Alert management and ensures prompt attention to critical network events.

An Alert is raised in IRM (Alerting System) any time a cable connection is made or broken outside of the execution of a CommScope Work Order. Such connectivity changes are considered to be “unplanned” from the IRM viewpoint, and may be considered “unexpected” if cable connectivity is managed through IRM, as recommended by Planet Associates. In such cases, these Alerts can be considered as issues that need to be corrected. The user can either choose to accept the event which will automatically update the IRM Connectivity model with the new connection data or can send a work order to the controller to have the original connection re-instated.

IRM Alerts can also be raised for other ImVision Controller events, such as the addition or removal of ImVision patch panels.

Controlling Changes

With this feature, IRM serves as a control mechanism for managing connectivity changes in the CommScope patch panels. Users can plan connectivity changes in IRM using its Move, Add, or Change (MAC) object. The MAC object captures the necessary cable disconnect and cable connect details which are then sent as work orders to the corresponding CommScope ImVision Controller. This mechanism provides a structured approach to change management and facilitates accurate documentation of changes.

For each patch panel or equipment involved, there is a designated flag indicating the responsible entity for controlling changes to the IRM object:

IRM (internal control) - IRM is the manager of changes to the cable plant using its MAC system
CommScope (external control) - CommScope is the manager of changes

The user has the ability to set this control designation on a per panel basis allowing IRM to be used as desired by the customer. IRM can simply monitor the panel (flag is set for external control), or IRM can expect to control the panel (flag is set for internal control).

It is important to note that if someone starts connecting cables while IRM expects to be in control, this can be considered a significant issue and the Alerts that CSIS raises should be handled accordingly. If IRM is designated as the controlling entity, we do not anticipate anyone else initiating cable connections without first making the changes in IRM. This will raise an Alert in RM and allows the user to accept or deny the change.

However, if the flag is set to indicate external control, and someone proceeds to plug or unplug cables, CSIS simply updates IRM’s object model to reflect the changes made and no other action is necessarily required.

CommScope offers a work order system that makes it easier for technicians to implement the hardware changes specified in IRM. The IRM MAC object supports CommScope work orders as follows:

In the MAC editor, there is a button called "Create AIM Work Orders." This button is activated when the MAC includes at least one AIM-enabled Equipment object and the MAC is in the Locked state.

When you press the "Create AIM Work Orders" button, the IRM Web Client creates a Task Request to represent the action that needs to be taken. The Task Request will also be used to track the work on the IRM side. If needed, the user can also create a Ticket in the Web Client to correspond with the Task Request. This allows for more detailed administration on the IRM side.

The CSIS examines new Task Requests and creates one or more corresponding Work Order Tasks in the appropriate CommScope controller. These Work Order Tasks can be seen on the front panel screen of the controller.

Technicians can become aware of new Work Orders in one of several ways:

By having Task Requests assigned to them – this would be done by the IRM user who created the Task Request via "Create AIM Work Orders"
By having IRM Tickets assigned to them – again by the IRM user who created the Task Request
By having tickets assigned to them in supported third-party ticketing systems (ServiceNow or BMC Helix)
By scanning the list of unassigned Task Requests in IRM and self-assigning Task Requests
By scanning CommScope controller front panel displays for new Work Order Tasks
Planet Associates recommends one of the first three methods, as they are more likely to lead to a smooth and efficient process.