Overview

The cornerstone of any business is an IT network that operates efficiently and reliably; and one that delivers powerful information enabling predictive information and on-demand decision making. With today’s streamlined operating budgets network managers and IT teams must work with fewer resources, while providing network bandwidth, flexibility and instant issue resolution.

By taking control of the most extensive IT asset - the physical layer infrastructure - IT Managers will know more about the status of their physical layer network and connected devices, and are able to resolve issues quicker while providing a more robust and secure network than ever before.

MIIM version 2.0 significantly and uniquely boosts channel monitoring and physical layer management while delivering an enhanced user experience, resulting in measurable value to enterprises worldwide. MIIM v2.0 provides complete monitoring and management of the full channel including network attached devices at switch and work area endpoints – whether powered on or off. MIIM capabilities reach across geographically distributed data networks allowing centralised monitoring and control. Automated Work Orders manage all connections including network attached endpoints - providing documented verification of connectivity across the entire channel.

MIIM detects and alerts in real-time all connections on the physical channel, pinpointing exact device locations on a building map. Immediate communication regarding device connection/disconnection, automated work flows, and clear and accurate documentation are a few of the benefits IT managers will experience across many significant business applications. 

MIIM APLM brings new and exciting capabilities to the world of intelligent physical layer management, including communication with other systems using SNMP for faster and more accurate updates on the status of Ethernet channels. MIIM can provide information to other higher level network tools, such as Network Management Systems (NMS), about work orders, channel changes, alarms, and log entries. Users can configure MIIM to send alarms to multiple systems while allowing each system to define the set of alarms it receives from MIIM. Communication to NMS systems drives incremental value and flexibility for businesses.

MIIM v2.0 also introduces a Device Discovery Toolkit. The toolkit includes three types of discovery; Global, Directed and Event-Driven. All three discovery types populate the MAC and IP addresses along with machine names of discovered devices to the MIIM database, including WAP’s and VOIP phones. Plus, MIIM v2.0 makes possible the discovery of additional devices attached to the device at the end of the channel. Global Discovery of devices, using either scheduled or on-demand polling, enables the discovery of any device attached to any switch connected to MIIM. Directed Discovery allows the user to determine end-device information for specific switch addresses. Unique to MIIM is Event-Driven Discovery that immediately detects and communicates changes to a complete channel when devices are added or removed, ultimately mapping precise physical layer network information with logical network information.

Reporting of network status is made easier than ever with MIIM v2.0, offering a variety of report templates and definable reporting parameters. Reports can be viewed on the screen or exported in PDF, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel formats.

MIIM’s enhanced clientless user interface is compatible with leading browsers and is based on MS-SilverLight™ technology, which enables pan/zoom and drag-and-drop functionality across building maps and rack views to easily manage work orders and devices. MIIM v2.0 allows for tighter integration of the latest Microsoft operating systems in both 32bit and native 64bit support, improving operational security with the use of Windows authentication and optional integrated IIS encryption.

MIIM v2.0 offers improved graphics, multi-window views of the entire channel including attached devices, expanded search capabilities, and a powerful reporting system for alarms, logs, work orders and assets. These features allow the IT team to spend less time on network administration and more time creating value for the business.

MIIM is the most comprehensive Advanced Physical Layer Management Solution available. This unique solution provides total visibility, game-changing capabilities and unprecedented value to enterprises worldwide. 


Highlights of MIIM Advanced Physical Layer Management

Monitoring at the Network Infrastructure Layer

• MIIM APLM continuously monitors & maps the physical layer including the cable plant and attached switch and work area network devices.
• MIIM APLM verifies the continuity of the horizontal cable to the work area outlet, detects broken connections, and identifies faults due to patching in the transmission room, breaks in the horizontal cable, or patch disconnects between the work area outlet and the user’s PC.
• MIIM’s Event-Driven Discovery tracks network assets through targeted switch polls triggered by a connectivity event - MIIM always knows what’s connected and where.
• MIIM APLM continuously monitors devices connected to work area outlets, even if the device is powered off. Alerts can be configured to notify appropriate personnel in case of unauthorised disconnects or attempts to access the network.

Management of Network Infrastructure & Resource

• MIIM APLM compares the as-deployed elements of a network against the as-designed intent, and highlights variations.
• MIIM APLM provides simplified Work Order management for all connectivity elements, including scheduling and recording of moves, adds and changes (MACs), and verification that work orders are performed correctly.
• MIIM APLM provides patch guidance for technicians, with LEDs on the patch panels to indicate ports with pending work orders.
• MIIM APLM turns comprehensive physical layer data into valuable decision grade information.

The simplicity of MIIM
MIIM has been designed from the ground up with the goal of keeping it simple – simple to engineer, simple to install, and simple to operate.

With no need for special patch cords, cables, or display screens, plus easy interface to other network management tools, the decision to invest in MIIM is simple.

System Design

Cross-connect

 

 

Interconnect

FAQ's

What are the Key User Benefits of using MIIM?

Enhanced Network Management

Enables remote management of end-to-end connectivity and network attached devices
Improved asset utilisation - accurate & real-time visibility of the physical layer & associated devices
Smart polling - targeted discovery of network devices

Enhanced Network Security
• Intrusion detection (rogue devices)
• Detects unauthorised asset changes - even if the devices is powered off

Complete Physical Layer Management
• Continuous monitoring of the physical layer from the telecoms room to the work area

Improved Productivity
• More efficient MAC & work order management
• Less downtime - through faster troubleshooting
• Guided Patching- eliminates human error

Simple Implementation & Management

Does MIIM have any unique features?
The MIIM solution is able to monitor the integrity of the complete horizontal channel on a real-time basis. Many systems record "static" maps of the horizontal channel, but these cannot detect, for example,if the cable is cut or broken. MIIM provides a true reflection of the channel status.

What warranty does Molex provide for the MIIM solution?

The warranty Molex provides for the MIIM solution is as follows:-
• New passive connectivity & cable products - 25 years (other conditions apply. See warranty for details)
• MIIM Patch Panel Electronics - 1 Year
• Scanner - 1 Year
• Software - 1 Year

Is MIIM another IIM (Intelligent Infrastructure management) system?
MIIM is much more than just a "smart patching system," as it has can monitor the continuity of horizontal cables and work area outlets, and automatically senses the connection and disconnection of network attached devices. As such MIIM is a much more complete physical layer managemenet solution than are other IIM "smart patching" systems.

For full details - Click here to see our Warranty Statement