Partner content: A large ISP’s field engineers needed to quickly and reliably identify fibre cables from clear source and destination information – this is Brady’s solution
The challenge: efficient network field updates and troubleshooting
A large internet service provider (ISP) was charged with the roll-out and maintenance of a fibre-to-the-home network that maximises internet data volume and speed for businesses and households. Previously the company had used handwritten tags fixed to cables with cable ties to provide engineers with insight into the network for updates and maintenance, but the tags had to be replaced regularly as handwriting quickly became illegible through exposure to water.
This made field interventions far less efficient than calculated and the field engineers frequently cut themselves on the cable ties, costing more time.
Solution: fast reliable, compliant label printing in the field
Brady proposed a fast, easy-to-use identification solution to clearly label any fibre cable in complete compliance with OpenReach PIA specifications. The solution supports centralised label templates, smartphone label apps, compact label printers and uses a label material that meets all expectations from BT operators, expressed in OpenReach PIA specifications.
- OpenReach PIA-compliant labels
To enable the internet provider to fully comply with telecom operator expectations in the UK, Brady proposed a label material already certified for the OpenReach PIA standard. The 19 mm B-595 label stays attached to fibre optic cables, and remains legible for years, even when regularly exposed to water. It can be applied quickly like a cable flag, and does not require any cable ties
- An easy app for label design
To increase reliability and operational speed during network interventions, Brady proposed to cancel all handwriting on labels with the practical Express Labels app.
With the app installed on their smartphones, field engineers can easily access centrally approved label templates. In the app, field engineers complete only the variable data fields from our customer’s label template. All fixed data fields are automatically added to save additional time.
- Compact, smartphone driven printers
To easily print compliant label designs in the field, Brady also delivered the compact and reliable M211 Mobile Label Printer.
The M211 is specifically designed for smartphone operation and connects seamlessly to a wide range of mobile devices. The M211 can quickly print on OpenReach PIA-certified B-595 label material offered in convenient printer consumable cartridges.
Results: Compliant, clear and long-lasting identification on every cable
With the solution in place, field engineers can create a fixed network cable label in less than 1 minute. When performing a network update or maintenance intervention, the long-lasting labels with clear and legible prints enable fast cable identification to check for issues. Cable source and destination data are included, as well as the original installer, installation date and owner of the cable.
Labels are printed on reliable, OpenReach PIA-compliant label materials that keep fibre optic cables identified for years, even when regularly exposed to water. They will optimally support field engineers’ interventions by cancelling manual cable tracing and replacement label writing.
Learn more about cable and wire identification solutions from Brady
