Intelligent inter-connect and cross-connect patching system
First Claim
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1. A communications patch panel comprising:
- a plurality of patch panel ports provided on a face of the patch panel, each of said plurality of patch panel ports having at least one associated management contact and at least one associated indicator light;
at least one wing board containing circuitry associated with at least some of said plurality of patch panel ports, said circuitry of said wing board interfacing with said management contacts and said indicator lights of said patch panel ports;
a panel management module removably attached to said patch panel, said panel management module interfacing with said at least one wing board when connected to said patch panel and comprising control circuitry that can transmit and receive signals to and from said management contacts and control the illumination of said indicator lights; and
a user interface that is accessible at said face of said patch panel, said user interface interfacing with said panel management module whereby functions of said panel management module may be accessed by a user.
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Abstract
An intelligent network patch field management system is provided that includes electronic hardware, firmware, mechanical assemblies, cables, and software that provide visible and audible cues for connecting and disconnecting patch cords in an interconnect or cross-connect patching environment. Systems of the present invention also monitor patch cord connections in a network.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A communications patch panel comprising:
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a plurality of patch panel ports provided on a face of the patch panel, each of said plurality of patch panel ports having at least one associated management contact and at least one associated indicator light; at least one wing board containing circuitry associated with at least some of said plurality of patch panel ports, said circuitry of said wing board interfacing with said management contacts and said indicator lights of said patch panel ports; a panel management module removably attached to said patch panel, said panel management module interfacing with said at least one wing board when connected to said patch panel and comprising control circuitry that can transmit and receive signals to and from said management contacts and control the illumination of said indicator lights; and a user interface that is accessible at said face of said patch panel, said user interface interfacing with said panel management module whereby functions of said panel management module may be accessed by a user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A communications patch cord management system comprising:
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a first communications patch panel comprising; a plurality of first patch panel ports provided on a face of the first patch panel, each of said plurality of patch panel ports having at least one associated management contact and at least one associated indicator light; at least one first patch panel wing board containing circuitry associated with at least some of said plurality of first patch panel ports, said circuitry of said wing board interfacing with said management contacts and said indicator lights of said first patch panel ports; and a panel management module removably attached to said first communications patch panel, said panel management module interfacing with said at least one first patch panel wing board when connected to said patch panel and comprising control circuitry that can transmit and receive signals to and from said management contacts and control the illumination of said indicator lights on said first communications patch panel; and a second communications patch panel comprising;
a plurality of second patch panel ports provided on a face of the second patch panel, each of said plurality of patch panel ports having at least one associated management contact and at least one associated indicator light;at least one second patch panel wing board containing circuitry associated with at least some of said plurality of second patch panel ports, said circuitry of said wing board interfacing with said management contacts and said indicator lights of said second patch panel ports; and a peripheral expansion management module removably attached to said second communications patch panel, said peripheral expansion management module interfacing with said panel management module whereby said management contacts and said indicator lights on said second communications patch panel can be accessed and controlled in conjunction with signals sent between said peripheral expansion management module and said panel management module. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification