3M Telecommunications

Solutions for Networks

3MIntelligentVolition
™ ™
Management System
2 3M Intelligent Management System

3M Volition TM TM

Intelligent Management System

There is now increasing interest in real-time monitoring A proven track record you can trust
of connectivity in data centres and premises networks to 3M has a track record that is hard to rival, spanning over
ensure accuracy of documentation, to minimise planning, 40 years of network design and product innovation. 3M has
installation and maintenance time and to ensure maximum installed high-calibre cabling solutions across the world,
availability of the network. for many of the biggest global organisations and in some of
So it is no surprise that many organisations are looking at the most demanding situations imaginable. Employing some
taking their existing local area network cabling systems of the best experts in the industry, 3M has for many years
to a new level that will last for years to come. worked closely with the industry associations tasked with
creating international cabling standards.
This is why it is vital to make the right choice of product
and to work with a partner that has the experience and
Global knowledge, local expertise
expertise to support you every step of the way. Whether
a system owner, an installer, consultant or systems The company is renowned for its commitment to research
integrator, 3M is your ideal solutions provider for intelligent and development, so customers and partners can always be
management systems, with a system that will perform in sure that 3M is at the leading edge of innovation, as well as
even the most demanding of ‘mission-critical’ situations. the assurance that 3M has a strong focus on environmental
Marketed under the Volition brand name, all 3M cabling issues and adhering to relevant legislation. Established
solutions are backed by a flexible range of consultancy as one of Europe’s leading providers of cabling systems,
and project support services. 3M also understands market needs on a local level, with
offices in over 80 countries worldwide.

Service & support

Excellent technology is critical, but customer and channel
partner service is equally important, from pre-installation
onwards. That’s why 3M provides a broad range of support
options for every stage of a system’s life, including network
design and project support, on-site assistance, certified
installer training and advice on systems upgrades. A 25‑
year warranty* is offered for the passive cabling system
and 3M has built a robust supply chain, trusted distributors
and customer service teams.

*terms and conditions apply

 3M Intelligent Management System 3

Why Intelligent Management Systems?

As businesses become increasingly reliant on their IT Range overview
systems and 100% network availability is demanded
it is critical that records of the network configuration 3M provides a single point of call for intelligent cabling
are also completely reliable and up to date. This allows system with a comprehensive range of passive
the fastest possible reaction to day-to-day changes cabling components including copper jacks, fibre
and unexpected incidents. connectors and copper and fibre cables that integrate
with the range of managed products such as panels,
3M Volition Intelligent Management System ( VIMS ) works
management hardware and software.
by providing a non-intrusive overlay system on the main
patching frame that can be continuously monitored to give
real-time visibility and control of the connections, and that
can be managed from any location with internet access.
These monitored locations and data from assets in both
the active and static parts of the network are combined
into a trusted, accurate configuration database that forms
the basis of the control that an intelligent management
system can bring.
Using the database and the intelligent management system
can simplify infrastructure administration, optimise the
service support, enable automated planning, deployment
and provisioning, maximise asset utilisation and minimise
downtime. Because information is readily available reporting
is made easier, and because of the real-time monitoring
and the network mapping security can be improved.

Volition Intelligent Management System is an infrastructure

management solution delivering quality, reliability and ease
of installation and use no matter how large or complex
the project is.
4 3M Intelligent Management System

Data Centres Features of the Volition Intelligent Management

Data centre management in today’s dynamic environment System include:
is complex and requires an integrated answer to numerous
Real-time monitoring and recording of connectivity
challenges. The top priority of data centre staff is to provide
continuous, high-quality performance, and to assure the Accurate documentation of the physical network is a
security of data and equipment. At the same time, they must for those who wish to have complete control.
must also minimise expenditure and optimise the use VIMS continuous automatic monitoring ensures that the
of limited and costly resources including space, power, cabling documentation is up to date. Beyond the cabling,
cooling and connectivity. the system documents infrastructure elements such as
racks, cabinets, power and environmental monitoring
systems, etc., to deliver an accurate, comprehensive
Commercial Buildings
picture of the complete network. This aids compliance
Different workspace environments share similar needs: with challenging legislation, standards and directives by
uninterrupted service, quick and flexible provisioning, automatically documenting all network connectivity changes.
efficient asset management, effective fault management
and robust performance. VIMS offers a solution for automating most steps of
the database-building process, and for automatically
Designed with these challenges in mind, VIMS is a
maintaining the integrity of database documentation –
comprehensive infrastructure management solution
all the way from the jack/connector level through
serving the organisation at every stage of the operation –
vertical and horizontal cables, switch ports, trunking
from planning through installation and implementation
and cabling pathways.
and on to network maintenance and monitoring.
 3M Intelligent Management System 5

Real-time automated IT asset management Security

VIMS Discovery Module automates the task of discovering VIMS provides a comprehensive set of security tools
IT equipment (such as PCs, IP phones, switches and servers) designed to help the organisation succeed in its ongoing
and their geographical placement, eliminating the human fight against suspect activity. VIMS’s security tools
error associated with this time-consuming process. Then, include real-time identification of illegal or unscheduled
to keep the IT equipment information up to date, the system connects/disconnects, identification of unauthorised
carries out periodic network scans and ongoing monitoring devices, and more.
of switch traps, and uses the information collected to update
its records. VIMS’s intelligent management capabilities make Real-time power management and capacity
it easy for users to keep track of the physical location and monitoring for data centres
movements of high-value assets throughout the enterprise
VIMS offers a powerful, real-time management tool, which
and organises detailed information regarding each device in
continuously monitors power consumption, identifies and
the network, including types and quantities of equipment,
helps flatten power peaks, identifies power-hogging devices,
asset status, inter-connectivity and interaction and the
provides policy-based power planning across cabinets,
relationships and dependencies between the devices.
and assists in determining future power consumption.
By keeping track of all equipment and services, VIMS makes
Fault management
it easy to trace ‘stranded capacities’ such as power, space,
VIMS continuously monitors connectivity at the patching
cooling, switch ports, etc., avoid excessive capital and
level and provides an immediate alert when it senses any
operational spending, and make more effective procurement
faults or disconnects, eliminating frustrating searches by
decisions. VIMS can monitor the capacity and utilisation
giving the exact location of the fault in real time.
of every IT infrastructure asset, from power components
through use of space, to quantities and locations of servers
Moves, Adds and Changes (MACs) and network equipment.
MAC execution requires accurate information from many
fronts: service availability; infrastructure readiness;
VLANs; resiliency patterns; and more. VIMS’s Automated
Provisioning Tool uses sophisticated algorithms to make
sense of all these elements, resulting in a streamlined and
automated MAC planning and implementation process.
6 3M Intelligent Management System

Cabling Components Fibre Cabling

Copper Cabling LC Fibre Patch Panels
19" LC connector patch panels which, when used
RJ45 Copper Patch Panels
in conjunction with Volition Intelligent Management
Modular 19" keystone patch panels which, when used in System, can scan the wiring configuration and report the
conjunction with Volition Intelligent Management System, connectivity status. Patching information is displayed on the
can scan the wiring configuration and report the connectivity management station for cabling management and control.
status. Patching information is displayed on the management LED indicators on the panels can identify any two ports
station for cabling management and control. LED indicators patched together. The high-density panels support 24 duplex
on the panels can identify any two ports patched together. LC adapters (48 fibres) in one height unit of rack space
The panels have a modular design which can accommodate and have multimode or singlemode adapters already fitted.
up to 24 unshielded or shielded keystone-type 3M jacks Panels with MPO cable entry have wiring looms already
in one height unit. The panels offer simple assembly and fitted. For standard panels a sliding drawer enables ease of
installation as jacks are terminated separately and then access to the stored fibre and gives a large work area for
mounted onto the panel. The STP option includes a proper comfortable installation. A wide range of fibre optic cabling
grounding facility. management accessories, including fibre management clips,
splice cassettes, cable grounding kits and cable entry glands
Copper Patch Cords are available. Configurable rack mounting brackets allow for
VIMS copper patchcords are used in cross-connect Volition recessed panel mounting, enhancing cable protection.
Intelligent Management System applications. They comprise
a length of nine-wire flexible jumper cable, terminated with LC Fibre Patch Cords
RJ45 plugs at each end, with external ninth wire contacts VIMS LC patch cords are designed for Volition Intelligent
to facilitate the intelligent patching. The plugs have flexible Management System applications. They comprise two tight
boots for enhanced life and reliability and an anti-snag latch buffer fibres and an additional 28 AWG copper wire housed
design. They are 100% tested at the factory. within a minizip triamese construction cable. VIMS patch
cords are available with three fibre types – multimode
50/125 OM3, multimode 62.5/125 OM1 and single mode
9/125. Multimode cables are coloured ivory with aqua-
toned connectors for the OM3 cable and single mode
cables are coloured blue. Each end is terminated with a
high‑performance duplex LC connector and a spring-loaded
electrical contact housed within a common plastic shell.
RJ45 Copper Patch Panels

Volition
Scanner
Attachment
Cord

LC Fibre Patch Panels Volition Master

 3M Intelligent Management System 7

Hardware Components The Expander allows all devices connected to its Down Link
ports to communicate with all devices on its Up Link port.
Volition Master The Expanders are the link between the Volition Scanners
The Volition Master is the apex of the hierarchy and has the and the Master, thereby allowing the Master to communicate
ability to view the entire system. The Master controls all with all the Scanners in the system.
underlying Scanners that manage the scanning algorithm.
The Volition Master includes an SNMP agent that allows Volition Master Expander
the management software to receive all relevant data. The VIMS Master Expander is a combination of a VIMS
It collects, saves, and transmits connectivity data from the Master and a VIMS Expander. It is used for single sites and
Volition Scanners via the Volition Expanders and updates replaces the Master for that site. The VIMS Master Expander
the management station. The Master can monitor up to may be connected through the Down Link ports to both
four communication rooms in its own right through four VIMS Scanners and VIMS Expanders, depending on the
Down Link ports, each of which represents a site. site configuration.

Volition Expander
The Volition Expander is used to expand the capabilities of
the Volition Master. This is achieved by cascading Expanders
from the Down Link ports of the Master. Each Down Link
port of a Master is connected to a Level 1 Expander at a site.
Many levels of Expanders can be cascaded from the Down
Link ports of upper level Expanders. Each Level 1 Expander
can be located in a separate site.

Diagram 1: System diagram

TCP/IP Network

Master
Switch

Expander

Scanner

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Intelligent panel
(24 connectors)
Intelligent Patch Cords
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Intelligent panel
(24 connectors)
8 3M Intelligent Management System

Volition Scanner and Mini Scanner

The Volition Scanners are connected to the Volition Management Software
Intelligent Patch Panels with Scanner Attachment
Cords. A Scanner monitors the ports on 24 panels and VIMS is a client/server application
which employs a SQL database.
a Mini Scanner monitors 12 panels. In addition to the core Using SNMP with the network of
VIMS hardware and active patching
scanning functionality, the Scanner acts as the mediator components, VIMS controls, maps
between the Volition Control Pad, used to control system and monitors the physical layer and
active LAN equipment.
processes, and the Master. Scanners are mounted in the
communications centre racks at various sites, such as Once the database is established
different floors of a building or in other nearby buildings. it is then simple to make the daily
management of the installed network
through a series of screen. Racks and
individual components can be viewed
Volition Scanner Attachment Cords and connectivity checked in real time.

A Scanner Attachment Cord connects a Scanner to two

panels. They come in a range of lengths to facilitate easy It is easy to create work orders to make
moves, adds and changes. These are
positioning of the Scanners in a rack. sent to the correct Scanner where the
technician can ‘follow the lights’. Once
the changes are made the system
Volition Control Pad checks they are accurate and the
database is instantly updated.
A Control Pad may be connected to any Scanner, both
The CAD system includes a facility
controlling the specific Scanner locally, and sending/ to map the network on drawings of
receiving instructions to/from the Master via the Expander. the building layout allowing an ‘at a
glance’ view down to outlet level.
Using the Control Pad the technician is guided through
the process of connecting and disconnecting the cords to
complete the links defined in the system. By activating one
of the three functions of the Control Pad, the technician
is guided through different processes by the LEDs on the
ports of the panels. The LED will either stay lit or blink Using this 100% accurate data, it builds and maintains a
depending on the activity being performed or required. database, a trusted source of information on all network
components and their connectivity to other network
Volition Intelligent Management Software components.
Volition Intelligent Management Software manages Volition It immediately identifies disconnected devices and users,
hardware, monitors the health of all the cabling components enabling proactive network troubleshooting and reducing
and also collects network data using its own discovery mean-time-to-repair (MTTR).
mechanism as well as data from external applications.
Building on this accurate data, Volition IMS automates
Volition Intelligent Management Software can be deployed and accelerates a broad variety of previously manual tasks,
in centralised or distributed configurations and can manage including automated provisioning, work order planning
sites locally and remotely. and execution, reporting capabilities, production and
management, guided moves, adds and changes (MAC) and
maintenance forensics, web-based configuration, connection
troubleshooting, security monitoring, utilisation optimisation
and others.
 3M Intelligent Management System 9

The VIMS software comes in four different packages: Volition Dashboard

It continuously monitors the management system and all
VIMS Core
active network devices, including patch panels, switches,
Mainly used for cabling documentation. Contains VIMS servers, PCs, phones and printers.
Software plus Report Centre for one user.
Volition Report Centre
VIMS Standard
It provides a broad range of out-of-the-box reports, as well as
The core package plus the ability to detect and monitor a powerful reporting engine for creating customised reports.
network equipment. Contains VIMS Software plus All reports can be exported to a multitude of formats and/or
Discovery and Report Centre for one user. scheduled for automatic distribution.

VIMS Advanced Volition Site Builder

Leverages the system’s capability in provisioning and It is an effective tool for mass import of asset and connectivity
utilises the system’s potential to the fullest extent, not only data from existing Microsoft Excel tables. It enables the user
at the maintenance stage of the network, but also during to create work orders while harnessing the input speed of
planning and implementation. Microsoft Excel.
Contains VIMS Software plus Discovery, Report Centre
for one user, Provisioning Module, Site Pro for one user Volition Site Pro
and CAD module. It is an advanced handheld application. It extends powerful
management capabilities onto the network floor, whether
VIMS Plus in the data centre, communication room, workspace or at
Gives the fullest range of capabilities. Particularly a remote location.
recommended for sites with multiple users and a broad
set of functionality requirements. Contains VIMS Software Volition SDK
plus Discovery, Report Centre for five users, Provisioning SDK (Software Development Kit) enables Volition Intelligent
Module, Site Pro for five users, CAD module, Site Builder Management Software capabilities to be used with any
and Dashboard for five users. external application or system in the organisation’s network.
As an open-platform system, Volition Intelligent Management
Software integrates seamlessly with the full range of help
desk, network management and asset management tools.
SDK uses common interface technologies, such as web
services and DLLs.
10 3M Intelligent Management System

Product list, part numbers

VIMS Hardware
3M Reference Description
VOL-IMS-101 VIMS Master
VOL-IMS-102 VIMS Master Expander
VOL-IMS-103 VIMS Expander
VOL-IMS-104 VIMS Scanner
VOL-IMS-105 VIMS Mini Scanner
VOL-IMS-106 VIMS Security Controller
VOL-IMS-107 VIMS Indicator Controller
VOL-IMS-108 VIMS Local Scanner
VOL-IMS-109 VIMS Rack Indicator
VOL-IMS-110 VIMS Control Pad

Scanner Attachment Cords

3M Reference Description
VOL-IMS-201 VIMS Scanner Attachment Cord, 1.5m
VOL-IMS-202 VIMS Scanner Attachment Cord, 2.5m
VOL-IMS-203 VIMS Scanner Attachment Cord, 4.0m
VOL-IMS-204 VIMS Scanner Attachment Cord, 6.0m
VOL-IMS-205 VIMS Scanner Attachment Cord, 12.0m

Copper Keystone Panels

3M Reference Description
VOL-IMS-301 VIMS Keystone Panel, UTP, 24 Ports
VOL-IMS-302 VIMS Keystone Panel, STP, 24 Ports

Category 6 Copper Patch Cords

3M Reference Description
VOL-IMS-310 VIMS Category 6 UTP Patchcord, LSOH, 1.0m
VOL-IMS-311 VIMS Category 6 UTP Patchcord, LSOH, 2.0m
VOL-IMS-312 VIMS Category 6 UTP Patchcord, LSOH, 3.0m
VOL-IMS-313 VIMS Category 6 UTP Patchcord, LSOH, 5.0m
VOL-IMS-314 VIMS Category 6 STP Patchcord, LSOH, 1.0m
VOL-IMS-315 VIMS Category 6 STP Patchcord, LSOH, 2.0m
VOL-IMS-316 VIMS Category 6 STP Patchcord, LSOH, 3.0m
VOL-IMS-317 VIMS Category 6 STP Patchcord, LSOH, 5.0m

Category 6A Copper Patch Cords

3M Reference Description
VOL-IMS-321 VIMS Category 6A STP Patchcord, LSOH, 2.0m
VOL-IMS-322 VIMS Category 6A STP Patchcord, LSOH, 3.0m
VOL-IMS-323 VIMS Category 6A STP Patchcord, LSOH, 5.0m

LC Fibre Panels
3M Reference Description
VOL-IMS-401 VIMS Fibre Optic Panel, 48, LC, MM,
VOL-IMS-402 VIMS Fibre Optic Panel, 48, LC, SM, PC,
VOL-IMS-403 VIMS LC MPO 48,MM,OM3
 3M Intelligent Management System 11

Fibre Accessories
3M Reference Description
VOL-IMS-501 Cable Routing Ring Kit (up to 48 fibres)
VOL-IMS-502 F/O Cable Ground Kit
VOL-IMS-503 Cable Entry Panel Kit
VOL-IMS-504 Cable Entry Gland
VOL-IMS-505 Fibre Management Clip

LC Fibre Patch Cords

3M Reference Description
VOL-IMS-410 VIMS Optical Fibre Patch Cord, LC, SM, PC, 1m
VOL-IMS-411 VIMS Optical Fibre Patch Cord, LC, SM, PC, 2m
VOL-IMS-412 VIMS Optical Fibre Patch Cord, LC, SM, PC, 3m
VOL-IMS-413 VIMS Optical Fibre Patch Cord, LC, SM, PC, 5m
VOL-IMS-414 VIMS Optical Fibre Patch Cord, LC, MM50, OM3, 1m
VOL-IMS-415 VIMS Optical Fibre Patch Cord, LC, MM50, OM3, 2m
VOL-IMS-416 VIMS Optical Fibre Patch Cord, LC, MM50, OM3, 3m
VOL-IMS-417 VIMS Optical Fibre Patch Cord, LC, MM50, OM3, 5m
VOL-IMS-418 VIMS Optical Fibre Patch Cord, LC, MM62.5, 1m
VOL-IMS-419 VIMS Optical Fibre Patch Cord, LC, MM62.5, 2m
VOL-IMS-420 VIMS Optical Fibre Patch Cord, LC, MM62.5, 3m
VOL-IMS-421 VIMS Optical Fibre Patch Cord, LC, MM62.5, 5m

VIMS Software
3M Reference Description
VOL-IMS-601 VIMS Software Core
VOL-IMS-602 VIMS Software Standard
VOL-IMS-603 VIMS Software Advanced
VOL-IMS-604 VIMS Software Plus
VOL-IMS-605 VIMS Software Discovery Module
VOL-IMS-606 VIMS Software Provisioning Module
VOL-IMS-607 VIMS Software PBX Module
VOL-IMS-608 VIMS Software Cable Test Results Module
VOL-IMS-609 VIMS Software SDK Runtime
VOL-IMS-610 VIMS Software Core Additional Online Ports
VOL-IMS-611 VIMS Software Standard Additional Online Ports
VOL-IMS-612 VIMS Software Advanced Additional Online Ports
VOL-IMS-613 VIMS Software Plus Additional Online Ports
VOL-IMS-614 VIMS Report Center – Additional User
VOL-IMS-615 VIMS SiteBuilder Inventory Editor Module
VOL-IMS-616 VIMS SiteBuilder Links & Work Order Editor Module
VOL-IMS-618 VIMS Dashboard 2.2 – User
VOL-IMS-619 VIMS SitePro 1.4 – User
VOL-IMS-620 VIMS CAD Module License
VOL-IMS-621 VIMS SDK Developer
 Important information
3M does not accept responsibility or liability, direct or consequential, arising from reliance
upon any information provided and the user should determine the suitability of the products
for their intended use.
Nothing in this statement will be deemed to exclude or restrict 3M’s liability for death or
personal injury arising from its negligence. All questions of liability relating to 3M products
are governed by the seller’s terms of sale subject where applicable to the prevailing law.
If any goods supplied or processed by or on behalf of 3M prove on inspection to be defective
in material or workmanship, 3M will (at its option) replace the same or refund to the Buyer the
price of the goods or services. Except as set out above, all warranties and conditions, whether
express or implied, statutory or otherwise are excluded to the fullest extent permissible at law.
3M and Volition are trademarks of 3M. 3M reserves the right to make technical changes.

3M Telecommunications Tel.: ++49(0)2131/14-5999

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Germany Edition 03-2011