INTELLIGENT CABLING
without anybody noticing? This is why
ideally the passive infrastructure, cabling,
should have a digital image and be
monitored by smart solutions.
R&MinteliPhy is such a system. It is
made up of:
• Connectivity monitoring in real time
• Data acquisition at connectors
using sensors
• Data transmission to a server and a
digital image
Algorithms and semantic technologies
enable meaningful, specific analyses
of the digital images. What used to be
decided as a ‘gut reaction’ is now given
a quantifiable basis. This alleviates,
optimises and accelerates business
processes, administration and controlling
tasks. Smart networks and digital images
enable new business models. This includes,
for example, remote monitoring.
Turbine manufacturer Rolls Royce is
leading the way in an exemplary manner.
It is installing sensors in airplane turbines
that constantly send digital information
on use and status. Rolls Royce sells
operational hours as opposed to naked
engines. The digital image is the basis for
tailor-made services and consulting. Value
added for airlines: aeroplanes are used to
capacity, fuel consumption is optimised
and costs are reduced.
Experts are expecting major benefits
from Building Information Modelling
(BIM). In the future, a digital image will
be made of every type of building from the
very first architectural sketch to operational
expenses. The software enables virtual
tours and precise detailed planning. And
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this means not a metre of cable is wasted.
With the help of mature Data Centre
Infrastructure Management (DCIM)
systems, datacentres create a digital image
of their operation.
For this purpose, they also need smart
networks, which integrate and monitor
the power supply, ventilators, temperature
sensors, access control, cameras, IT
hardware and lots more. This makes it
possible to optimise energy consumption
and profitability, increase operational
reliability and automate documentation
and inventory management.
Monitoring cabling too
Complete and powerful networking is
a decisive criterion for the successful
application of the Internet of Things and
the efficient use of digital images. If there
is not sufficient cabling in the background,
antennas, sensors, controls and servers
simply cannot communicate. This means
that comprehensive real-time information
has to be collected about the infrastructure
too. What use is top-layer monitoring of
the network if a network connector has
been pulled out or plugged in incorrectly
In turn, the image is the basis for
monitoring, planning and controlling,
independent of both time and place. In a
way, R&MinteliPhy gives the ports and
cables a seventh sense. As important as the
monitoring of the cabling infrastructure is,
it is in fact just a first step.
R&M is convinced that a complete
image offers comprehensive value add,
extending beyond individual advantages.
The complete image would not just show
the cabling but also what is connected and
the environment that has an influence on
it. This is why the R&M ‘Smart Networks’
innovation group at the head office in
Wetzikon is developing further advanced
solutions for the monitoring and digital
representation of network infrastructures.
This will provide opportunities for new
business models, which users can deploy to
increase the profitability of infrastructures.
Planning in a differentiated manner
Experiments by R&M have shown
that interfaces have to be planned in
a differentiated manner between the
physical and digital world to be able to
establish a complete and functioning
digital image. From one project to the
next, there are different requirements
and solutions for the sensor networks
and connection techniques. Media
discontinuities should be avoided. The
digital chain and the interoperability
have to be designed continuously. New
developments or product adaptations
may be necessary. And of course, detailed
consultation and evaluation should take
place before planning starts.
Issue 06
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS