Daniel, Ordinarily, I might suggest a straightforward software-based cable management system. However, since your list of concerns also includes active elements and their wavelength and probably sub- lambda derivatives, you'll probably want something that's rule-based with a bit more smarts. Give a look at the "One Plan" system from VPIsystems Inc (Holmdel, NJ). It was written up recently in Lightwave Magazine: http://tinyurl.com/25q88n One Plan has a photonic-layer inventory and configuration module that will very likely satisfy your needs at the cable, strand and multimplexed levels, and then some. Whether or not it is available as a standalone module, however, I can't rightly say. Good Luck. Frank A. Coluccio DTI Consulting Inc. New York City 347-526-6788 fcoluccio@dticonsulting.com ------- On Thu Feb 15 18:52 , Daniel J McDonald sent:

What do people use to keep track of fiber-optic assets? We own fiber on electric transmission lines - a hundred spans or so, mostly 24-48 count, about 800-900 total route-miles. But we lack a tool to keep track of what is in use, which customers would be affected when we perform maintenance, and the like.

Any suggestions for good tools to manage this would be most appreciated. Our spreadsheets, CAD drawings, and directories full of OTDR shots are just not cutting it.

-- Daniel J McDonald, CCIE # 2495, CISSP # 78281, CNX Austin Energy http://www.austinenergy.com