Powered patch panel
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A communications patch panel for connection between endpoint devices and upstream network devices in a network, said communications patch panel comprising:
- a plurality of front-side communications connectors provided in a front panel of said communications patch panel;
a plurality of back-side communications connectors provided in a rear panel of said communications patch panel, each of said back-side communication connectors being electrically connected to a corresponding one of said plurality of front-side communications connectors;
power source control circuitry connected intermediate each of the plurality of front-side communications connectors and the plurality of back-side communications connectors, said power source control circuitry being operative to supply power from a power supply to endpoint devices along communications cables; and
a first management port providing connectivity between the communications patch panel and a network management system of said network.
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Abstract
A powered communications patch panel is adapted to power network devices connected to the communications patch panel. Power is supplied to the network devices by the powered communications patch panel over the communication cabling. The powered communications patch panel may be provided with a management port to allow remote management of the patch panel via a network connection. Multiple management ports may be provided, allowing patch panels to be connected to one another in a daisy-chain configuration.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A communications patch panel for connection between endpoint devices and upstream network devices in a network, said communications patch panel comprising:
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a plurality of front-side communications connectors provided in a front panel of said communications patch panel; a plurality of back-side communications connectors provided in a rear panel of said communications patch panel, each of said back-side communication connectors being electrically connected to a corresponding one of said plurality of front-side communications connectors; power source control circuitry connected intermediate each of the plurality of front-side communications connectors and the plurality of back-side communications connectors, said power source control circuitry being operative to supply power from a power supply to endpoint devices along communications cables; and a first management port providing connectivity between the communications patch panel and a network management system of said network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A communications patch panel for connection between endpoint devices and upstream network devices in a network, said communications patch panel comprising:
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a plurality of front-side RJ-45 communications connectors provided in a front panel of said communications patch panel; a plurality of back-side punch-down communications connectors provided in a rear panel of said communications patch panel, each of said back-side communication connectors being electrically connected to a corresponding one of said plurality of front-side communications connectors; and power source control circuitry connected intermediate each of the plurality of front-side communications connectors and the plurality of back-side communications connectors, said power source control circuitry being operative to supply power from a power supply to endpoint devices along communications cables. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A communications patch panel for connection between endpoint devices and upstream network devices in a network, said communications patch panel comprising:
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a plurality of front-side RJ-45 communications connectors provided in a front panel of said communications patch panel for connection to an upstream network device in said network; a plurality of back-side punch-down communications connectors provided in a rear panel of said communications patch panel for connection to endpoint devices in said network, each of said back-side punch-down communications connectors being electrically connected to a corresponding one of said plurality of front-side RJ-45 communications connectors; power source control circuitry connected intermediate each of the plurality of front-side RJ-45 communications connectors and the plurality of back-side punch-down communications connectors, said power source control circuitry being operative to supply power from a power supply to endpoint devices along communications cables; a first management port providing connectivity between the communications patch panel and a network management system of said network; and a second management port whereby multiple communications patch panels may be connected to a single Ethernet switch port for management, using a daisy-chain connection; wherein said power source control circuitry is operative to execute management commands, said management commands including at least one command selected from the group consisting of;
allowing a network administrator to discover all compatible powered patch panels, conveying information about the physical location of the communications patch panel, selectively powering communications connectors, and providing real-time information on panel power status and fault conditions. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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Specification