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iTRACS Enabled Hardware

Although using iTRACS-Enabled hardware is optional, iTRACS software has been specifically designed to work with iTRACS-Enabled hardware from a consortium of leading OEM manufacturers. Together they create an automated, accurate, real-time physical layer management system. This combined system proactively responds to changes in connectivity and intelligently records the cabling system and its devices with accurate documentation. It reduces costs by eliminating time-consuming manual work order processes. It also maximizes existing network investment by identifying under-utilized assets.

Comprised of analyzers, patch panels and patch cords, iTRACS-Enabled hardware incorporates an external, out-of-channel technology that we created to handle our software applications. This hardware reports the physical layer connections in wiring centers, which is vital in the network infrastructure management from end-to-end.

Upon detection of connectivity changes, a hardware Analyzer feeds real-time information to the iTRACS network management software over a TCP/IP network. iTRACS-Enabled hardware has unique retrofitting capabilities, so you can adapt it to any vendor's equipment (i.e., patch panels and switches) at any stage of your network's life. This hardware and software solution is ideal for both new projects and existing networks.

And, through our OEM partnerships, iTRACS can work with any hardware cabling platform. Further, iTRACS software enhancement modules allow you to customize what and how you view your network infrastructure such as records and procedures. In fact, iTRACS Corporation is the only infrastructure management software company that offers these customizable software modules for complete, managed connectivity of the network's physical layer.

When iTRACS software is combined with iTRACS Enabled or iTRACS Compatible hardware, it can turn your network system and the connected devices into an intelligent infrastructure management solution. When managing the network's physical layer with iTRACS software utilizing iTRACS compatible hardware, there are various components of an iTRACS install to consider.

Vendor Alliances
Our strategic alliances with several leading structured cabling manufacturers enable them to build iTRACS-Compatible equipment. They also distribute iTRACS-Compatible Analyzers and can retrofit port sensors to enable their own patch panels and other equipment. Sensors can be retrofitted or built into any standard network equipment and structured cabling components, including patch panels, routers, switches or hubs.

Network Monitoring
iTRACS Compatible Hardware Analyzers monitor the ports on any vendors' network equipment or any network patch panel. So no matter what equipment you already have, the patch cord will work with any network patch panel. iTRACS' OEM partner patch cords have an unobtrusive, external probe built into the boots of the cord that touches a sensor on the outside of the port.

By inserting the other end of the patch cord into another port, the two sensors connecting together produce a "short." The analyzer detects this "event" and communicates the port's identification to the iTRACS software over a TCP/IP network. The software instantly detects when an "event" is broken, and provides up-to-date information on the network.

The sensors and patch cords create an external sensory circuit, which isolates iTRACS from your network and guarantees that iTRACS will not impact your data flow, system integrity or network performance. The installation is non-intrusive, so your network equipment and system performance warranties are not violated.

Instantaneous and automated updates to the database are greatly enhanced by the installation of intelligent hardware.