Method and apparatus for documenting network paths
First Claim
1. A connector comprising:
- an upstream network path cable connection having a plurality of pairs of leads;
a downstream network path cable connection;
a broadcast controller connectable to the upstream network path cable connection, the broadcast controller configured to transmit a broadcast signal from the upstream network path cable connection;
a switch configured to connect the upstream network path cable connection and one of;
the downstream network path cable connection, orthe broadcast controller;
a switch controller that controls the switch; and
a detector connected with the upstream network path cable connection and the switch controller, the detector configured to detect a predetermined change in an Ethernet signal at the upstream network path cable connection and to provide a switch signal to the switch controller in response thereto.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for documenting network path connectivity are described that allow a network management system/revision management system (NMS/RMS) to determine what equipment and ports support a network path by interrupting and restoring Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) service on the network path. Upon detecting a loss of PoE service, communication active jacks that support network path connectivity may activate an internal switch that interrupts downstream connectivity. Each communication active jack along the network path may then begin broadcasting a unique message in the upstream direction that is addressed to the NMS/RMS. Upon receiving a unique active jack message, the NMS/RMS may record the information contained within and instruct the communication active jack to reestablish connectivity to the next downstream device. In this manner, as each device along a network path regains connectivity the network path information stored within the NMS/RMS is updated until a complete view of the network path is documented.
142 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A connector comprising:
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an upstream network path cable connection having a plurality of pairs of leads; a downstream network path cable connection; a broadcast controller connectable to the upstream network path cable connection, the broadcast controller configured to transmit a broadcast signal from the upstream network path cable connection; a switch configured to connect the upstream network path cable connection and one of; the downstream network path cable connection, or the broadcast controller; a switch controller that controls the switch; and a detector connected with the upstream network path cable connection and the switch controller, the detector configured to detect a predetermined change in an Ethernet signal at the upstream network path cable connection and to provide a switch signal to the switch controller in response thereto. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A network system comprising:
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a patch panel; a wall plate connected to the patch panel via a patch cord; and a network device, wherein the network device, the patch panel, and wall plate are connected in a network, and wherein at least one of the patch panel, the wall plate, or the network device contains a connector that includes; an upstream network path cable connection having a plurality of pairs of leads; a downstream network path cable connection; a broadcast controller connectable to the upstream network path cable connection, the broadcast controller configured to transmit a broadcast signal from the upstream network path cable connection; a switch configured to connect the upstream network path cable connection and one of; the downstream network path cable connection, or the broadcast controller; a switch controller that controls the switch; and a detector connected with the upstream network path cable connection and the switch controller, the detector configured to detect a predetermined change in an Ethernet signal at the upstream network oath cable connection and to provide a switch signal to the switch controller in response thereto. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification