System and method for electronically identifying connections of a cross-connect system
US6421322B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q11/04
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for electronically identifying connections established through a cross-connect system provides for the identification of all hard-wired and temporary patch connections, and any modifications made to existing cross-connect circuit connections. Connection identification and status information is acquired in near real-time and stored in a database which is accessible by a user through a graphical user interface (GUI). The TRACE or lamp wires which connect respective pairs of cross-connect circuits are utilized in an unconventional manner so as to form a scanning bus. The information signal paths established through the cross-connect circuits remain undisturbed. A scanning signal is communicated between each pair of cross-connected circuits over the TRACE conductor. In the event a patch cord is used to temporarily redirect a signal connection, the scanning signal is transmitted over the shield or sleeve conductor of the patch cord. The scanning signal provides identification and other information concerning the transmitting circuit. A circuit receiving the scanning signal communicates its identification information and that of the transmitting circuit derived from t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.