Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for patch panel patch cord documentation and revision

US7297018B2 · kind B2 · utility

189Cited by
67References
23Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 2, 2005
Grant dateNov 20, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 2, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04Q1/136
  • WIPO fieldDigital communication
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring and reporting cable connectivity such as patch panel port-level connectivity on a real-time basis. For patch panel systems, the approach is based upon a distributed architecture that may be modularly scalable and may reduce, if not eliminate, the need for a centralized signal processor and complex cabling between patch panels and the centralized signal processor. Each patch panel may determine port level connectivity independently. Polling delays and polling-related overhead processing may be reduced or eliminated by supporting real-time monitoring of port connectivity at the port level. The approach provides improved real-time reporting of patch panel connectivity with reduced cabling complexity, increased reliability, and decreased maintenance costs. In addition, the approach is compatible with (i.e., may communicate with and be controlled by) a multipurpose network management system (NMS). In addition, a compatible revision system is provided.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.