Intelligent inter-connect and cross-connect patching system
First Claim
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1. A system for managing 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 secondary board containing circuitry associated with at least some of the plurality of patch panel ports, the circuitry of the secondary board interfacing with the management contacts;
a panel management module connected to the patch panel, the panel management module interfacing with the at least one secondary board when connected to the patch panel and comprising control circuitry that can transmit and receive signals to and from the management contacts.
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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 system for managing 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 secondary board containing circuitry associated with at least some of the plurality of patch panel ports, the circuitry of the secondary board interfacing with the management contacts;
a panel management module connected to the patch panel, the panel management module interfacing with the at least one secondary board when connected to the patch panel and comprising control circuitry that can transmit and receive signals to and from the management contacts. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
- 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;
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8. A communication system for connecting with at least one cord having at least one communication plug, said system comprising:
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a patch panel with a plurality of data ports each connectable with a respective said plug; and a secondary board connected to said patch panel, said secondary board including electrical interfaces for said at least one cord, and circuitry for detecting a presence of at least one said cord, wherein said secondary board includes at least one of a printed circuit board, a microcontroller, a visual indicator, at least one contact, and an environmental sensor. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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Specification