Intelligent inter-connect and cross-connect patching system

• US 8,419,465 B2
• Filed: 08/17/2012
• Issued: 04/16/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Panduit Corporation
• Original Assignee: Panduit Corporation
• Inventors: Jacks, Steven A., Fuller, Thomas G., Pflaum, Robert J., Rago, Richard A., Leshin, Brian D., Fite, Wayne C., McNally, John M., Wilcox, Robert, Allen, Shahriar B.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, TRUC T
• Application Number:
  US13/588,136
• Publication Number:
  US 20120309211A1
• Time in Patent Office: 242 Days
• Field of Search: 439489-491
• US Class Current: 439/491
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 13/14 Handling requests for interconnection or transfer
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/641 by indicating incorrect coupling; by indicating correct or full engagement
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/7175 Light emitting diodes (LEDs)
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 2201/04 for network, e.g. LAN connectors
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 24/64 for high frequency, e.g. RJ 45
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/00 Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0213 Standardised network management protocols, e.g. simple network management protocol [SNMP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/0869 Validating the configuration within one network element
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/0811 by checking connectivity
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 1/136 having patch field management or physical layer management arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/941 Crosstalk suppression

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.

Claims

1. A system for tracing connectivity on a communications patch panel comprising:

a patch panel with a plurality of patch panel ports, each patch panel port of the plurality of patch panel ports having at least one associated management contact;

at least one wing board containing circuitry associated with at least some of the plurality of patch panel ports, the circuitry of the wing board interfacing with the management contacts;

a panel management module removably attached to the patch panel, the panel management module interfacing with the at least one wing board when connected to the patch panel and comprising control circuitry that can transmit and receive signals to and from the management contacts; and

a port trace key removably attached to the panel management module, the port trace key having a memory for storing a unique identifier.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the unique identifier is used to establish a lumination sequence of light emitting diodes for tracing ends of a cable.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the memory of the port trace key also stores changes made to the system.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the unique identifier of the port trace key is associated with a specific user.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the port trace key includes an RJ45 connector and 9^th and 10^th wire contacts.