Agilent, Brady Worldwide introduce automated TIA-606-A cable identification solution
The two companies have seamlessly integrated the Agilent WireScope 350 hand-held category 6 cable analyzer with Brady's TLS2200 hand-held printer, allowing installers to print face-plate labels, desi-strip inserts, patch panel labels and voice and data cable labels right at the installation site as the certification testing is being performed. Network installers and maintenance technicians responsible for moves, adds and changes in an IT environment will find that this product combination simplifies and automates the process of cable plant design and labeling.
The ability of the WireScope 350 to automatically generate standards-based cable identifiers at the time of cable certification not only saves installers time, but also provides guidance on the labeling methodology now being defined by TIA in the emerging TIA-606-A specification.
The standards-based hierarchical structure of cable identifiers can be defined with the help of software "wizards" either on a PC using the Agilent ScopeData Pro Windows utility or on the WireScope 350 hand-held tester. Cable IDs can also be imported into the WireScope 350 from other cable plant design applications, such as AutoCAD. The imported or generated list of identifiers is stored in the hand-held tester, allowing the user to select cable IDs from the list instead of entering them by hand after every test, thereby saving time and eliminating human error.
"Labeling the cabling and administering the cable certification is a big part of an installation job and there are several points in this process when costly mistakes can be made. Our solution automates the process of cable labeling while the certification testing is performed, ensuring that the certified cable runs are automatically identified using standards-based cable Ids," said Fanny Mlinarsky, General Manager of the Agilent WireScope Operation.
"Our solution is designed to save installers time and to minimize the possibility of costly mistakes. The built-in software wizards also provide guidance to the standards-based cable identifier structure", she added.
According to Brien Christopherson, DataComm Market Manager for Brady, when combined, the products offer a seamless integration of testing and labeling capabilities. The WireScope 350 integrates label design software proprietary to the TLS2200 printer and is the only cable tester able to print labels in the field.
"It really simplifies labeling. The WireScope 350 automatically senses the label size in the TLS2200, making it a snap to print labels. It eliminates re-keying numbers into a printer to make a label," said Christopherson.
The WireScope 350
The Agilent Technologies WireScope 350 is the industry first hand-held cable analyzer equipped with a color touch-screen display and CompactFlash storage. Cabling contractors and IS managers use the WireScope 350 to certify commercial cabling infrastructure to current and emerging Local Area Networking (LAN) performance standards. For more information on the Agilent WireScope 350 cable analyzer call 1-508-486-0400.
The TLS2200 Printer
Brady's TLS2200 hand-held printer was developed to help meet the challenges involved with wire and cable identification. It is designed to maintain the portability and ease of use offered by a hand-held printer, while providing advanced features such as high-resolution (203 dpi) thermal transfer printing, bar code capability and a wide variety of material configurations. For more information about Brady's TLS2200 thermal labeling system, please contact the Brady Customer Service at 1-800-537-8791.
Brady Corporation is an international manufacturer of identification, safety, graphics and coated material products for telecommunication, electrical, electronic, manufacturing and other markets. It markets more than 30,000 products including high-performance labels, software, printing systems, label-application and data-collection systems, signs and specialty tapes. Founded in 1914, Brady employs about 2,800 people and has operations in the United States, Europe, Asia/Pacific, Latin America and Canada. It had sales of $471 million in fiscal 1999.