Cable Management Software

Professional cable management gives organizations a complete overview of the entire cable infrastructure and the services running over it – both inside a building and across a campus or region. This ensures more efficient processes and enables easier network operation and maintenance.

Cable management is a complex task, not only because of the sheer volume, length and distribution of cables, but also the large variety of different cable types and their functions. FNT's professional software for cable management brings order to cable chaos by documenting, planning, and managing the entire network infrastructure. It helps organize the cabling and connectivity hardware so that it is easy to identify components, troubleshoot problems, and make future upgrades easier.  

Highlights of FNT’s Cable Management Software

FNT Cable Management software documents, plans and manages the entire passive inside and outside plant network infrastructure. It creates a detailed overview of the entire cable network and stores this information as a digital twin of the hybrid network. The digital twin helps ensure cabling is efficiently and effectively routed, organized, and supported – inside, outside, and between buildings. 

The FNT solution covers all types of fiber, copper and coax network topologies and all deployed technologies. Integrated georeferenced and schematic representations of the network infrastructure facilitate planning, impact analysis and fault localization in case of failures.  

FNT Cable Management provides complete transparency into the network infrastructures and the services running over them, making it easier to manage and operate even complex infrastructures efficiently. It’s used by: 

  • Data Centers Operators to oversee passive cabling equipment and infrastructure including trays, master patch management and network port capacities of the data center. It enables the optimization of lead times for changes to the physical network and the speeding up of support processes to keep network downtime to a minimum.

 

  •  IT organizations to document structured cabling within buildings, between buildings on a campus, and across the entire wide area network (WAN). This ensures all components of the infrastructure are managed and visualized together for maximum transparency into patching, configuration, and the locations of active endpoint devices in the network. 

 

  • Service Providers and Network Operators, in combination with FNT’s unified resource management solution, to manage the millions of physical assets, logical resources, and connections in the network. This complete view of the network infrastructure is needed to ensure fiber-optic networks in the transport and mobile fronthaul, midhaul and backhaul, FTTx infrastructure in access networks, and HFC networks can handle the massive amount of data being generated. 
Integrated, Central Data Model

All network resource data of the passive infrastructure is documented in a central data repository that covers physical end-to-end connections and assigns services to signal routes. It includes not just asset data, but also relationships and dependencies between them. Encompasses all technologies and layers, from the building level through physical, logical, and virtual, up to and including applications and services.

Unified Resource Repository

Infrastructure data crosses the data center, IT and telecommunications domains to provide a holistic and consistent view of the network and eliminate data silos within an organization.

Openness and Flexibility

Highly configurable and extendable data model enables the simple import of data from other systems as well as extensive integration with third-party systems for automated data exchange.

Cable and Patch Management

Encompasses all cabling, including back bone and patching inside the data center and between sites. Various display options show connections, including the graphical view inside cabinets. Signal tracing allows fast analysis of the entire signal chain from any selected port.

End-to-End Signal Tracing

Facilitates connection analysis by displaying the route of a signal path across the entire cable infrastructure. Used to support managing network services and their assignment to physical infrastructure by providing an overview of the infrastructure required to deliver a service, and which components can affect the service. Helps to minimize service disruption by facilitating re-routing of connections and services and speeding up impact analysis, fault localization and resolution when there’s an outage.

Auto-Routing Capabilities

The software’s planning functionality includes auto-routing of entire media-independent signal routes for optimal planning and routing of new connections, which helps operations teams fulfill redundancy requirements from service to cable layer. The signal path is completed automatically, and the patching is documented in the system.

Geo-Referenced Representation of Networks

FNT GeoMaps is an add-on that applies location-based analytics to cable management processes. Cable infrastructure data is displayed on maps in 2D/3D visualizations of the campus, inside- and outside plant infrastructures to improve efficiency and yield better results.

System-based Plausibility Checks

Ensures the validity of cable and connector type combinations and technology-dependent maximum cable lengths. The system won’t allow invalid inputs.

Component Library

Extensive library of over 75,000 configurable items from all manufacturers, including technical parameters, is available within the system.

Advantages of FNT's Cable Management Software

Accurate and thorough documentation

All network resource data of the passive infrastructure is recorded and maintained in a central data repository along with dependencies between them and services running over them. Correct data about the current state of the network is available to all processes that need it. Data stays synchronized with automatic updates to the documentation when planned changes are executed.

Efficient and cost-effective network planning and operation

With planned changes based on accurate as-is documentation, tasks are performed properly from the beginning and the need for costly and time-consuming rework and truck rolls is eliminated.

Fast fault resolution

Reliable and thorough documentation enables immediate identification of affected services and customers in case of an outage or other performance issue. Use this information to react in a targeted manner when faults occur and minimize business interruptions.

Checklist
Network Documentation and Cable Management Checklist

Cables are a critical component of almost all areas of IT and telecommunications. Failures or defects can have serious consequences. Therefore, the larger, more complex and system-relevant cable infrastructures are, the more important their professional management is. Read what makes a modern documentation and management solution stand out.

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FAQ: Cable Management

What is cable management software?

Cable management software is a tool that helps organizations efficiently plan, document, and manage their network infrastructure, including the organization and tracking of cables and associated equipment. Businesses with complex IT setups, data centers, or extensive network configurations are the primary users of this software. 

Cable management software keeps track of all assets in the cable network and makes it possible to know at any given time which resources are in use, which are planned, their status, and all relevant details. It maps cables that are present (physical mapping), where they run (geo-referenced mapping) and which dependencies exist with applications and processes in the network or infrastructure (logical linkage).  

Since the network is always evolving, keeping documentation up to date is critical. Integration capabilities and automated data exchange with other systems are therefore of paramount importance in a cable management solution.  

There is not one uniform name for cable management software, which can make researching and comparing options difficult. Fiber management software, fiber optic software, cable planning and patch management software are all classified as cable management software. 

Why is cable management important?

Cables are a critical component in almost all areas of IT and telecommunications. The larger and more complex a cable infrastructure is, the more important it be professionally managed. A properly managed cable infrastructure is easier to keep operational and expand to meet changing requirements. Properly managing the cable infrastructure gives users the centralized data and management capabilities they need to keep their offices, networks, supply chains, and production lines running smoothly.  

What are the most important features?

Documentation and Planning: Recording the assets in the cable network is the starting point for cable management. This is the basis for planning the physical layout of cables, connections, and network devices. It includes details such as cable types, lengths, and connections between different network components. It includes relationships and dependencies across all technologies and layers, from the building all the way up to applications and services. 

Asset Tracking: Features for tracking and managing network assets, such as servers, switches, routers, and other devices, throughout their lifecycle is an important capability. Systematically managing assets helps organizations not only keep an accurate inventory, but also maximize the value of every asset in use and facilitate troubleshooting and maintenance. 

Visualization: Visual representation of the network infrastructure allows users to view and understand the physical layout of cables and connections. This can help identify potential issues and optimize the network layout. Visualizations can be georeferenced, graphical, or schematic. All play a role in helping to efficiently execute activities and tasks.  

Automation: Advanced solutions offer automation features for certain tasks such as reporting, identifying unused equipment, and suggesting optimal cable routes. Automation streamlines processes and reduces the likelihood of errors. 

Integration with Other Systems: Integration with systems such as monitoring tools or configuration management databases (CMDBs) enable advanced functionality from a cable management solution. Interfaces to source systems together with an ETL staging area for data cleansing prior to import streamline integration scenarios. 

Reporting: Reports are essential for analyzing the health and performance of the cable network. Asset utilization, capacity and connectivity are examples of relevant metrics a cable management solution should be able to provide reporting on. 

Further Downloads

Would you like to know more about cable management? Then you might be interested in the following:

White Paper
Lighting the path: How to achieve an efficient fiber rollout
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In the rapidly evolving landscape of telecommunications, the demand for high-speed, reliable connectivity is escalating. Fiber optics are the backbone of modern communication infrastructure, offering unparalleled bandwidth and reliability. Their deployment is crucial for meeting the growing connectivity needs of communities and businesses.

White Paper
Future-proof Cable Management with FNT Solutions
White Paper - Kabelmanagement der Zukunft
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In this third paper, we show how FNT specifically supports management of your data center cabling through a state-of-the-art software solution and decades of experience. After all, cable management is part of our DNA. Almost half of all DAX40 companies and more than 500 other major organizations around the world rely on our solutions to record, document, plan, and operate their critical cable infrastructures. Read on to discover how to future-proof the foundations of your digital transformation.

White Paper
Structured cabling in Data Centers
White Paper - Kabelmanagement der Zukunft
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The nerve pathways of digital transformation

Few aspects of digital infrastructure are as undervalued as network cabling – yet few are as critical to the process. Cabling provides the essential foundation for all forms of connectivity, data communication, and digital value creation. At the same time, the cables themselves are largely invisible, with more and more IT services being consumed from the cloud via WLAN. The highly qualified teams that provide and operate the cabling also work behind the scenes. This is especially true of the cabling in data centers, which is often regarded as a black box.

White Paper
Cable Chaos in Data Centers
White Paper - FNT Command Platform und StableNet
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How a paradigm shift can fix cable chaos

In our white paper titled The Nerve Pathways of Digital Transformation, we highlighted the strategic importance and value of data center cabling. The focus was on the challenges around managing data center cabling, the consequences of inadequate cable management, and the warning signs that urgent action is needed. In this white paper, we examine how to turn data center cable management into a technical and economic success factor. We present the necessary changes to the fundamental approach and the positive effects that result from this paradigm shift. This is accompanied by a look at the increasing importance of professionalization, the use of professional software, and the tangible benefits it delivers for data center managers

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The Sustainable Infrastructure
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Actions data center and network operators can take today for a more environmental-friendly tomorrow

Businesses concerned about sustainability are taking stock of their current situation, identifying areas to target for improvement, and formulating plans for how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There are many strategies that can be used, and not all of them are obvious. This paper is an enlightening look at a number of different actions businesses can take to minimize the impact they are having on the environment.

White Paper
The Future of Cable Management
White Paper - The Future of Cable Management
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Advanced Methods for Success in the Digital Economy

The world is becoming more digital: network infrastructures are constantly growing and their complexity is increasing. The IoT and Industry 4.0 brings billions of new connected devices. At the same time, security and availability requirements are increasing. One thing is clear: managing network operation and expansion efficiently in the future will require an inside view of the infrastructure. Learn more in our white paper!

White Paper
FNT Command Platform and StableNet
White Paper - FNT Command Platform and StableNet
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The Holistic Network Management Solution

Companies are faced with increasing data volumes rapidly growing networking. As a result, the digital infrastructure is becoming increasingly complex. Not only is the complexity of the network infrastructure is growing, but so are the demands placed on it. Ensuring fault-free functioning is more important than ever. Failures of individual devices or services can quickly cause serious problems and high costs. For this reason, keeping track of the complex IT, network and device infrastructure is key. In this white paper, you will learn from two real-life examples how companies can achieve holistic network management through the combined use of the FNT Command Platform and Stable-Net.

Success Story
Fraport
Success Story - Fraport AG, operator of Frankfurt/Main airport, relies on FNT Cable Management Software.
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On course with your network together with FNT

A major international airport places particularly high demands on network infrastructure and solutions for its management. Not only are IT operations safety critical, but pressure of time and pressure to succeed are enormous. Therefore, Fraport AG, operator of Frankfurt/Main airport, relies on FNT Command for the management of cables, cable trays and similar. “FNT Command is the central memory of our communications infrastructure”, says Klaus Schultz-Fademrecht, Senior Manager Networks at Fraport AG.

Success Story
SBB
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Telecommunications Network and Cable Infrastructure in a Single System

Swiss rail company Schweizerische Bundesbahnen AG (SBB) is proof that tradition and state-of-the-art technology can go hand in hand, as evidenced by their cutting-edge railway infrastructure that includes a telecommunications network. When their existing cable management system reached its end of life, SBB searched for a new solution. An important requirement was that this solution could be integrated into the existing OSS environment and linked to surrounding systems via interfaces. FNT delivered on all these requirements, and then some.

White Paper

How Airports Can Better Manage Their Cable Infrastructure
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Case studies from airports worldwide

In this white paper, we present the FNT solutions used by five airports around the world. The software meets the differing needs of each operator – although airports globally all face the same challenges when it comes to digital transformation and passenger safety.


FNT Software Americas
Contact: Justin Menoche

FNT Software APAC
Contact: Prislyn Peck

FNT Software Europe
Contact: Claudio David