More knowledge and ability thanks to digital tools

It sounds like a dream – you can analyze network infrastructures or entire data centers from the inside and outside, without being on site. You can perform complex assembly without reading the manual. In the future, Augmented Reality technology will make this possible.

Augmented Reality encompasses new technologies that allow users to have an expanded three-dimensional perception with digital aids. Digital and real perception become confused. Additional information can be added to the user's own sensor perception.

Here's a concrete example: On a construction site, an installer touches an object, say an R&M patch panel. At the same time, the connection instructions appear on his tablet or laptop, including a three-dimensional CAD drawing that can be viewed from all sides.

An instructor or network administrator at a remote location observes the scene via an on-screen camera. Via a radio link it sends advice and commands to the installer to connect the cables. Once the connection is complete, the remote result is checked. In addition, another patch panel can be included in the automated infrastructure management system with just a few clicks, as all location information and links are available digitally.

All this sounds like science fiction, but R&M can see all the possibilities of Augmented Reality in the segment of data centers, LAN cabling, as well as in public network infrastructures. As soon as the benefits and added value become visible for the installation technology, R&M plans to provide appropriate solutions.

An example of a possible application of Augmented Reality is during installation. Through a smartphone, the situation of the construction site or object is recorded, the relevant information is displayed, such as, for example, the assembly instructions. At the same time, the installation can be monitored remotely.