A main distribution frame (MDF) is the primary hub or demarcation point that interconnects private or public IT and telecommunication lines coming into a building to an internal network via any number of intermediate distribution frames (IDFs) which cross connect from the MDF to remote workstation devices.
Cables that enter a central office or customer facility must first connect to a centralized MDF closet, then to each individual IDF closet, and finally onto to workstations. An example would be a business located across multiple floors of a building may have an MDF on the first floor that connects to public lines from outside the building. That MDF then connects those lines to the internal network via an IDF placed on each individual floor.
MDF/IDF Management with DCIM Software
Managing many remote MDF/IDF closets can be a challenge without the right tool. Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software is used by IT closet managers to:
- Remotely visualize all closets, assets, and power/network connections in 3D.
- Provide work orders to remote hands to complete changes accurately and quickly.
- Monitor power and environmental conditions in real-time to get alerted to potential issues like hot spot formation, power capacity limitations, and loss of redundancy.
- Know the capacity of all key resources including power, space, cooling, and power/network ports
Want to see how Sunbird’s world-leading DCIM software makes it easy for you to manage all your MDF and IDF closets? Get your free test drive now!