Midspan patch panel with circuit separation for data terminal equipment, power insertion and data collection

Abstract

A compensating advanced feature patch panel that can include removable modular or fixed electronic components located directly on the patch panel which are separately or in combination capable of providing advanced features such as device detection and power insertion. The patch panel provides communications between an insulation displacement connector (IDC) at a PD/User end, and any standard interface type using unshielded twisted pair cables, such as an RJ45 connector at a switch end at performance levels of at least category 3, 5, 5e, 6 and/or higher (e.g. 6e or 7) and equivalent performance levels by compensating for the active electronics used in providing advanced features. Compensation is achieved in part through the separation and isolation of active and communication circuit elements.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Related subject matter is disclosed in a U.S. patent application of AbuGhazaleh et al., entitled “Midspan Patch Panel With Compensation Circuit For Data Terminal Equipment, Power Insertion And Data Collection”, attorney docket no. 44391, filed concurrently herewith and the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a patch panel replacement device including advanced features for providing power and data collection in association with attached network devices while providing at least category 3, 5, 5e, 6 and / or higher (e.g. 6e or 7) and equivalent performance levels as required. More particularly, the present invention relates to a patch panel printed circuit board including modular or fixed electrical components for use with providing advanced features and further including circuit separation techniques to minimize the adverse effects of electronics required for ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for an asset aware patch panel circuit that can provide advanced feature components as either removable modular electronic components or as fixed electronic components located directly on a patch panel printed circuit board.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for an asset aware patch panel circuit that can provide communication between an insulation displacement connector (IDC) at a PD/User end

Problems solved by technology

Currently, limited progress has been made in such areas due to the impact of proposed improvements upon operational speed.

However, technicians often neglect to update the arrangement log each time a change is made.

To correct this, manual tracing of the patch cord must be performed which can be both time consuming and prone to further errors.

However, these methods require rather expensive sensing devices and are not very practical in all cases.

Any interruption between the communication link and the remote device, such as the removal of the device from the communication link, disrupts the circuit loop and triggers an alarm.

The detection, however, is limited to the mere absence or presence of a connector in a connector port.

As disclosed in the Katzenberg patent, if no voltage drop is detected, then the remote equipment does not contain a DC resistive termination and this equipment is identified as unable to support remote power feed.

If a fixed voltage level is detected, the remote equipm

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