Physical Layer Management Using RFID Modules and Common Mode Signaling

• US 20120068830A1
• Filed: 03/25/2010
• Published: 03/22/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/25/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Panduit Corporation
• Original Assignee: Panduit Corporation
• Inventors: Caveney, Jack E., Nordin, Ronald A., Bolouri-Saransar, Masud
• Granted Patent: US 9,113,236 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/10.2
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6683 with built-in sensor
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 1/138 using RFID

Abstract

An intelligent network patch field management system is provided that includes active electronic hardware, firmware, mechanical assemblies, cables, and software that guide, monitor, and report on the process of connecting and disconnecting patch cords plugs in an interconnect or cross-connect patching environment. RFID tag integrated chips are used in some embodiments of the system to allow for detection of patch cord insertion and removal at switch ports. RFID tags may also be used to detect users and control access to the network based on the users'"'"' levels of authorization. Network access can also be controlled at the outlet jack level. The system is capable of monitoring patch cord connections to detect insertions or removals of patch cords or plugs. In addition, the system can map entire networks.

Claims

1. A physical layer management system for an Ethernet system utilizing patch cords with four pairs of conductors comprising:

a first Ethernet outlet, the first Ethernet outlet comprising an radio frequency identification (RFID) transceiver configured to receive and transmit signals over at least one super-pair of conductors of the patch-cord; and

a second Ethernet outlet, the second Ethernet outlet comprising an RFID tag integrated circuit (IC) configured to send and receive signals over at least one super-pair of conductors of the patch-cord.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the first Ethernet outlet further comprises an RFID tag IC and the second Ethernet outlet further comprises an RFID transceiver.

3. The system of claim 2 further comprising circuitry configured to implement a collision avoidance mechanism.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the collision avoidance mechanism comprises separating transmitted signals from received signals via hybrid circuitry.

5. The system of claim 3 wherein the collision avoidance mechanism comprises cycling each Ethernet outlet between transmit and receive states in a duty cycle.

6. The system of claim 3 wherein the collision avoidance mechanism comprises the use of a request-to-transmit signal.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the first Ethernet outlet and the second Ethernet outlet are contained within one or more patch panels.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the first Ethernet outlet is contained within a patch panel and the second Ethernet outlet is an outlet jack.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the first Ethernet outlet is contained within a patch panel and the second Ethernet outlet is contained within a network switch.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the RFID tag IC is contained within a mounting bar mounted on the network switch.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the patch cord further comprises a plug with an RFID antenna configured to allow the RFID tag IC to send and receive signals over the at least one super-pair of the patch cord.

12. The system of claim 8 wherein the outlet jack further comprises an RFID antenna and the RFID tag IC is mounted on the outlet jack proximate to the antenna.

13. The system of claim 8 wherein the RFID tag IC is contained within a faceplate mounted to a wall of the outlet jack.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein the RFID transceiver is contained within circuitry located within a jack associated with the first Ethernet outlet.

15. The system of claim 2 wherein the RFID transceiver is contained within electronics located inside the patch panel associated with the First Ethernet outlet.

16. The system of claim 1 further comprising common mode coupling circuitry located within jacks associated with at least one of the first Ethernet outlet and the second Ethernet outlet, the common mode coupling circuitry configured to have a minimum impedance at a communication frequency to be used by the RFID transceiver and the RFID tag IC, at least one of the RFID tag IC and RFID transceiver being electrically connected to the at least one super-pair of the patch cord via the common mode coupling circuitry.