Intelligent RJ45 LED lighting

Abstract

The invention discloses a programmable RJ45 socket. In some examples, the RJ45 socket may be configured to emit a user-defined color in the presence of a user-selectable data link characteristic. In some examples, any number of programmable RJ45 sockets may be included within a device, such as an Ethernet switch. A configuration database describing relationships between data link characteristics and colors may be downloaded to a device that includes a programmable RJ45 socket.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 494,227, filed April 4, 2023, entitled “SMART RJ45 LED ILLUMINATION,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to networking equipment, and more particularly to RJ45 jacks with programmable LED illumination. BACKGROUND

[0004] Networking electrical equipment, including but not limited to Ethernet switches and other computing equipment, can be designed to be installed in standard equipment racks. Networking equipment often includes a plurality of RJ45 jacks (sometimes referred to as RJ45 ports or connectors) to enable interconnection with other electrical equipment.

[0005] RJ45 jacks are commonly used to make electrical connections within a network. Conventional RJ45 jacks are limited in the amount and type of information conveyed through status lights.

[0006] There is a need for RJ45 jacks that include flexible and programmable status light indicators. SUMMARY

[0007] Devices, systems, and methods of illuminating or providing backlighting within one or more RJ45 jacks are described herein. Backlight color can be user-configurable, or in some cases can be defaulted through factory settings. Generally, backlight color can correspond to any number of Ethernet link characteristics associated with a particular RJ45 jack. Any workable number of Ethernet link characteristics can be monitored, and thus any workable number of backlight colors can be seen.

[0008] Generally, a configuration database can be used to associate different backlight colors with different Ethernet link characteristics. Ethernet link characteristics can describe a quality or quantity associated with Ethernet data passing through any RJ45 jack. In some other examples, Ethernet link characteristics can relate to other devices connected or coupled through an RJ45 jack.

[0009] The configuration database can be determined or generated by a user. In some examples, a user can determine some or all of the configuration database through a graphical user interface. For example, the configuration database can be transferred or transmitted to any feasible device that includes a backlit RJ45 jack, such as an Ethernet switch.

[0010] Any of the RJ45 jacks described herein can include a light emitting diode (LED) configured to emit light into a cavity within the RJ45 jack. Typically, the LED is a multi-color LED capable of emitting a variety of colors and typically more than two colors. In some examples, the RJ45 can not include an internal light guide, can include at least one light guide, or at least two light guides. The light guide can direct light from the LED into the cavity of the RJ45 jack. In some implementations, the one or more light guides can also include a groove for guiding a contact within the RJ45 jack.

[0011] While LEDs are described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that other light sources can be used. For example, laser diodes, multiple incandescent lights, organic LEDs, polymer LEDs, etc.

[0012] Any of the methods described herein can be used to indicate Ethernet link information through an RJ45 jack of a device. Any of these methods can include receiving a configuration database that assigns colors to different Ethernet link characteristics, determining, by a device, an Ethernet link characteristic associated with at least one Ethernet port of the device, and backlighting the at least one Ethernet port with a color, where the color is determined by the at least one Ethernet link characteristic and the configuration database.

[0013] Typically, the configuration database can determine or describe an association between any feasible Ethernet link characteristic and any feasible color. The Ethernet link characteristic can include a link speed, a link power consumption, a link throughput, a data packet type, an association with a virtual local area network (VLAN), etc. In some examples, the Ethernet link characteristic can also include an attached cable quality, an attached cable length, a type of device connected to the RJ45 port, an operational uptime of the RJ45 port, etc.

[0014] In any of the methods described herein, the configuration database can be provided by a controller separate from the device. In some variations, the configuration database can be provided to the controller by a user. Typically, the controller can be internal or external with respect to the device. The controller can be coupled to the device through a network. In some cases, the controller can be implemented on a remote server. In some examples, the controller can be a processor collocated within the device. The configuration database can be uploaded to the controller by a user. In some variations, the configuration database can include a default color assignment stored within the device.

[0015] In any of the methods described herein, the Ethernet link characteristic can be an amount of power provided by an Ethernet port for Power over Ethernet (PoE) equipment coupled to the at least one Ethernet port. In some examples, the color of the backlight can change in response to a varying amount of power provided by the at least one Ethernet port.

[0016] In any of the methods described herein, the Ethernet link characteristic is based at least in part on a type of device coupled to the at least one Ethernet port. Generally, the type of device includes at least one of an Ethernet switch, a wired access point, a wireless access point, a server, or an intermediate node. In some examples, the Ethernet link characteristic can be based at least in part on a data throughput of the at least one Ethernet port. In some variations, the data throughput can be at least one of a real-time data throughput or a data throughput over a predetermined time period.

[0017] In any of the methods described herein, the color of the backlight can also be determined at least in part by a virtual local area network (VLAN) packet type included in Ethernet data passing through the at least one Ethernet port. In some examples, the color of the backlight can also be determined at least in part by at least one of a cable quality or a cable length of a cable coupled to the at least one Ethernet port. In some other examples, the color of the backlight can also be determined at least in part by a temperature of the at least one Ethernet port. In yet another example, the Ethernet link characteristic can be based at least in part on a data link speed of the at least one Ethernet port.

[0018] In any of the methods described herein, backlighting the at least one Ethernet port can be based at least in part on receiving a command to locate the at least one Ethernet port. In some aspects, the received command can cause the cavity of the at least one Ethernet port to flash or pulse.

[0019] Any of the methods described herein can include a method for generating, via a graphical user interface, a configuration database for backlighting an RJ45 jack of a device. The method can include detecting, via user interaction with the graphical user interface, user selection of a first Ethernet port of a plurality of Ethernet ports of the device, assigning, by the user, a first Ethernet link characteristic to the first Ethernet port, assigning, by the user, a first color to the first Ethernet link characteristic, generating the configuration database based on assigning the first color to the first Ethernet link characteristic, and transmitting the configuration database to the device.

[0020] Any of these methods can further include displaying a simulation of the device based at least in part on the configuration database. Generally, the simulation can be displayed on any feasible display, including a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, etc. In some variations, the simulation can be shown or rendered through a web browser window. The simulation can include displaying a simulation of the Ethernet ports based at least on the configuration database.

[0021] In any of the methods described herein, the configuration database can determine a backlight color for a first Ethernet port of the device. Further, any of the methods described herein can include displaying a plurality of Ethernet link characteristics in response to a user selection of the first Ethernet port, and selecting a first Ethernet link characteristic from the plurality of Ethernet link characteristics by the user. Generally, the graphical user interface can include any number of drop-down menus. In some examples, the plurality of Ethernet link characteristics can be displayed with a drop-down menu.

[0022] Any of the methods described herein can include displaying an image of the device, wherein detecting the user selection of the first Ethernet port is in response to displaying the image of the device. Generally, the displayed image of the device can include all portions associated with the device, including but not limited to the Ethernet ports (RJ45 jacks).

[0023] Any of the methods described herein can include displaying a plurality of colors in response to assigning the first Ethernet link characteristic to the first Ethernet port, and selecting a first color from the plurality of colors. Generally, the plurality of colors can be displayed through a drop-down menu.

[0024] Any of the methods described herein can include assigning a second Ethernet link characteristic to the first Ethernet port by the user, assigning a second color to the second Ethernet link characteristic by the user, and generating the configuration database based on assigning the second color to the second Ethernet link characteristic. Generally, any number of Ethernet link characteristics can be assigned and monitored with respect to any Ethernet port. Thus, some Ethernet ports can have one, two, or any number of Ethernet link characteristics that are monitored and associated with any feasible color. In some cases, the color assignments can be uniform within a set of Ethernet ports, however, in some other cases, the color assignments can be distinct and different for each Ethernet port.

[0025] Any of the methods described herein can include detecting a user selection of a second Ethernet port of a plurality of Ethernet ports of the device via user interaction with the graphical user interface, assigning a third Ethernet link characteristic to the second Ethernet port by the user, assigning a third color to the third Ethernet link characteristic by the user, and generating the configuration database based on assigning the third color to the third Ethernet link characteristic. Generally, the device can include any feasible number of Ethernet ports.

[0026] Any RJ45 jack as disclosed herein can include a light emitting diode (LED) disposed within the RJ45 jack and a first light guide disposed between the LED and a cavity in the RJ45 jack configured to receive an RJ45 plug, wherein the first light guide is configured to emit light from the LED into the cavity. Generally, the RJ45 jack can include any number of cavities that can receive any number of RJ45 plugs. In some examples, the RJ45 jack can be referred to as an Ethernet port.

[0027] In some examples, the LED of the RJ45 jack can be configured to emit more than two colors. Generally, the LED can be configured to emit a semi-continuous spectrum of colors. In some variations, the LED can be a surface mount LED.

[0028] In some examples, the first light guide can be configured to guide contacts of the RJ45. Generally, any light guide of the RJ45 jack can include one or more grooves that can be used to guide the contacts. In some examples, the RJ45 jack can include a second light guide. Generally, the RJ45 jack can include any number of light guides. In some cases, the second light guide can be disposed between the first light guide and the LED. In some examples, any light guide can contact and / or surround the LED. In cases where the LED is shaped as a cube or similar cube, any light guide can surround five sides of the LED.

[0029] In some examples, the RJ45 jack can include a first light guide configured to transmit light from the LED to a second light guide. In some variations, the RJ45 jack can include a printed circuit board. Generally, the LED can be a surface mount LED that can be mounted on the printed circuit board. In some examples, the second light guide can contact the printed circuit board. Generally, any light guide of the RJ45 jack can contact the printed circuit board.

[0030] In any RJ45 jack described herein, the first light guide can include an opening for receiving the LED. Thus, the LED can be directly exposed to the cavity through the first light guide. Generally, any light guide of the RJ45 jack can include an opening for receiving the LED. Thus, in any RJ45 jack described herein, at least one surface of the LED can be configured to emit light directly into the cavity.

[0031] An RJ45 jack as disclosed herein can include an opening configured to receive an RJ45 plug into a cavity, a first light emitting diode (LED), a second LED, and a third LED configured to emit light into the cavity, wherein the first LED and the second LED are disposed on opposite sides of the opening.

[0032] Any of the RJ45 jacks disclosed herein can include a first light guide configured to direct light from the first LED to a surface of the RJ45 jack and a second light guide configured to direct light from the second LED to the surface of the RJ45 jack. In some examples, the surface can coincide with an opening configured to receive an RJ45 plug.

[0033] Any of the RJ45 jacks described can also include a third light guide configured to disperse light from the third LED into the cavity. In some embodiments, the diffuser (third light guide) can more evenly distribute light within the cavity. In some examples, the third light guide can contact at least one surface of the third LED.

[0034] In any of the RJ45 jacks described herein, the third LED can be a tri-color LED configured to emit three or more colors. In any of the RJ45 jacks described herein, a printed circuit board configured to mount the first LED, the second LED, and the third LED can also be included.

[0035] Any of the RJ45 jacks described herein can include a conductive shell configured to provide electromagnetic shielding. In some examples, in addition to the conductive shell, the RJ45 jack can include an insulator disposed between the conductive shell and a jack body, where the jack body is configured to form the cavity and support electrical contacts of the RJ45 jack. In any of the RJ45 jacks described herein, the insulator can be configured to provide electrostatic discharge protection to the third LED. Further, in some examples, the conductive shell can include a contact configured to provide a low impedance electrical path to a predetermined voltage.

[0036] In any of the RJ45 jacks described herein, the first LED and the second LED can be multi-color LEDs.

[0037] All of the methods and apparatuses described herein are contemplated in any combination and can be used to achieve the benefits described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] A better understanding of the features and advantages of the methods and apparatuses described herein will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, and the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example network system.

[0039] Figure 2 An example of a backlit RJ45 jack that can be included in any enhanced Ethernet switch is shown.

[0040] Figures 3A-3EVarious example arrangements of backlit RJ45 jacks that can be included in any enhanced Ethernet switch are shown.

[0041] Figures 4A-4C is a cross-sectional view of an example dual row backlit RJ45 jack.

[0042] Figure 5 is an exploded view of an RJ45 jack.

[0043] Figure 6A and Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of another example dual row backlit RJ45 jack.

[0044] Figure 7 is an exploded view of an RJ45 jack.

[0045] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of another example dual row backlit RJ45 jack.

[0046] Figure 9 is an exploded view of an RJ45 jack.

[0047] Figures 10A-10B is a diagram showing an example housing for an RJ45 jack.

[0048] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example method for generating color assignment information (e.g., a configuration database) for backlit RJ45 jacks of an Ethernet switch.

[0049] Figure 12 An example graphical user interface is shown.

[0050] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example method for controlling backlit RJ45 jacks.

[0051] Figure 14 A block diagram of a device that can be one example of a console or switch of Figure 1 is shown.

[0052] Figure 15A is a cross-sectional view of another example dual row backlit RJ45 jack.

[0053] Figure 15B A bottom side view of an RJ45 jack of Figure 15A is shown.

[0054] Figure 16A is a cross-sectional view of another example dual row backlit RJ45 jack.

[0055] Figure 16B A bottom side view of an RJ45 jack of Figure 16A is shown.

[0056] Figure 17A is another example cross-sectional view of a dual row backlit illuminated RJ45 jack.

[0057] Figure 17B shows Figure 17A a bottom side view of the RJ45 jack of

[0058] Figure 18 shows an example user interface that can be used to configure or program the behavior of any of the LEDs described herein.

[0059] Figure 19A is another exploded view of the RJ45 jack.

[0060] Figure 19B shows Figure 19A a cross-sectional view of the RJ45 jack of

[0061] Figure 20A is another exploded view of the RJ45 jack.

[0062] Figure 20B shows Figure 20A a cross-sectional view of the RJ45 jack of

[0063] Figure 21A shows a cross-section of the RJ45 jack.

[0064] Figure 21B shows Figure 21B a view of the light guide of

[0065] Figure 22 shows an example implementation of the RJ45 jack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, computing device readable media, and devices that address technical problems related to visually indicating Ethernet link information that can be associated with one or more configurable or programmable RJ45 jacks. Generally, the operation of the RJ45 jack can be user definable. That is, for any viable RJ45 port, a user can specify an Ethernet link characteristic and a backlight color associated with that Ethernet link characteristic. This information can be included within a configuration database. The configuration database can be generated locally or remotely and then downloaded to any viable device that includes an RJ45 jack with programmable backlighting.

[0067] A device that includes a programmable RJ45 jack can advantageously display any viable information through backlight color. The color, as well as the link characteristic, can be determined by the user, allowing the user to fully customize the operation of any device that includes a configurable or programmable RJ45 jack.

[0068] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example network system 100. The network system 100 can enable data transfers between two or more devices. Example devices can include "end point" devices (data sink devices or data source devices), such as computers, servers, printers, scanners, etc. Other example devices can include "intermediate" devices (devices that pass along and / or route data), such as access points, routers, Ethernet switches, etc. The network system 100 can include a console 110, enhanced Ethernet switches 120-122, end point devices 130-133, and a network 140. Other example network systems can include additional devices or fewer devices.

[0069] The network 140 can be any feasible data (computer) network capable of carrying data. In some examples, the network 140 can be a single isolated network, or can be a collection of several interconnected networks. The network 140 can be a wired network, a fiber optic network, or a wireless network. In some variations, the network 140 can be a combination of any or all of these types of networks. The network 140 can be a private network, a public network, a local area network, a virtual network, a wide area network, or a combination of these and any other feasible network. In some examples, the network 140 can include the Internet.

[0070] The enhanced Ethernet switches 120-122 can be Ethernet switches that transmit and receive Ethernet data packets. Although only three enhanced Ethernet switches 120-122 are shown in Figure 1 In other implementations, the network system 100 can include any number of enhanced Ethernet switches 120-122. In some implementations, the enhanced Ethernet switches 120-122 can include a plurality of backlit RJ45 jacks. The color and functionality of the backlit RJ45 jacks found on the enhanced Ethernet switches 120-122 can be user-configurable as compared to the regular RJ45 jacks found on typical Ethernet switches. The enhanced Ethernet switches 120-122 can transmit and receive data from any number of devices, including the example devices 130-133.

[0071] In some examples, the console 110 is used to assign colors and their meanings to any RJ45 jack. Different colors can be used to indicate different communication attributes and / or device characteristics that can be monitored with respect to or associated with a particular RJ45 jack. The number of colors available can be based on the type or number of light emitting diodes (LEDs) used to provide illumination for the RJ45 jack. In some variations, light can be emitted from within the RJ45 jack and flood an inserted RJ45 connector. In some examples, LEDs can provide illumination from the RJ45 jack to indicate the presence or absence of power (Power over Ethernet), data throughput speed, assignment to a particular virtual local area network (VLAN), etc. In conjunction with Figure 2 The communication attributes and device characteristics that can be shown by the LEDs are described in more detail.

[0072] In general, an LED can refer to any solid state light source, such as a laser LED, organic LED, polymer LED, etc. In some cases, an LED can be replaced with any feasible light source, including two or more incandescent lights arranged to mix multiple light colors. In some examples, different colors can be generated by mixing light from multiple LEDs. For example, mixing light from a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED can allow a wide variety of colors to be generated. In addition, multiple LED colors can be produced by a single discrete LED device that includes multiple LEDs (within the discrete LED). Although red, green, and blue are mentioned here, other LED colors are possible as well.

[0073] The console 110 can be implemented with a physical processing node (not shown) coupled to the network 140. In other variations, the console 110 can be a virtual console implemented in software across one or more computing platforms directly or indirectly coupled to the network 140. The console 110 can be accessed through a web-based portal or a mobile device executing an application (e.g., an app) to assign color functionality, which in turn generates or modifies a configuration database uploaded to each enhanced switch 120-122.

[0074] The example devices 130-133 include a wireless access point 130, a laptop computer 131, a mobile device 132, and a computer 133. Although only four devices 130-133 are shown, the network system 100 can include any number of devices. The devices can be endpoint devices such as the laptop computer 131, the mobile device 132, and the computer 133 or intermediary devices such as the wireless access point 130. The devices 130-133 can be coupled to any of the enhanced switches 120-122 or, in some cases, directly to the network 140.

[0075] Figure 2An example backlit RJ45 jack that can be included in any enhanced Ethernet switch is shown. A 2x6 (two rows of six RJ45 jacks each) RJ45 jack 200 shows example colors that can be assigned to different RJ45 jacks. RJ45 jack 210 is a 2x6 jack with six plugged in cables. A single RJ45 jack 220 is also shown. Notably, in any of the RJ45 jacks 200, 210, and 220, the backlights illuminate substantially all of the interior cavity of each individual RJ45 jack. Although described herein with respect to Ethernet switches, those skilled in the art will recognize that backlit RJ45s can be deployed on any feasible device, including access points, cameras, computers, or any other device that uses RJ45 jacks. Further, although a 12 port (2x6) Ethernet switch is shown here, backlit RJ45s can be used with any size Ethernet switch, including but not limited to 4 port, 8 port, 24 port, and 32 port Ethernet switches.

[0076] As described above with respect to Figure 1 Backlit RJ45 jacks can be configured to indicate different Ethernet link information that can be associated with any individual RJ45 jack (sometimes referred to as an RJ45 port). For example, a processor within an enhanced Ethernet switch can be configured to monitor Ethernet link information (data link metrics and / or connected device characteristics) as listed below: - Data link speed (i.e., 10 GbE, GbE, 100 MbE) - PoE power consumption - Ethernet throughput (i.e., real-time throughput) - Ethernet throughput (i.e., 10 gigabytes over a period of time, e.g., over the past 24 hours) - Temperature of the port / device - Cable quality - Cable length - Packet type filter (e.g., VLAN) - Port connection on both ends (both ends show same LED color to guide link) - Link time of the port, etc. - Connected device (e.g., another switch one color, another AP, etc.)

[0077] The list is not exhaustive, but rather a partial list of Ethernet or port characteristics or attributes that can be associated with any viable color. In some variations, different meanings can be associated with a blinking rather than a steady light. In one example, the backlight color can be associated with a threshold amount of power supplied relative to power consumed by the PoE device. In another example, the backlight color can change to a different color determined from the power consumed by the PoE device. In yet another example, the backlight color can be determined by the type of device connected to the RJ45 jack. Different colors can be associated with computers, laptops, mobile devices, wireless access points, servers, intermediate nodes, Ethernet switches, etc.

[0078] In some implementations, the backlight color can be determined by the data throughput associated with the RJ45 jack. For example, if the data throughput is greater than a threshold, the backlight color can be set to a first color. If the data throughput is less than the threshold, the backlight color can be set to a second color different from the first color. In another example, different data throughput rates can be associated with different colors.

[0079] In some examples, the backlight color of the RJ45 jack can be determined by the assigned VLAN. Different VLANs can be assigned different colors. In another example, the backlight color can be determined by at least one of cable quality or cable length coupled to the RJ45 jack.

[0080] In some examples, the behavior of the backlight can be configurable or controllable. For example, the backlight LED of a particular RJ45 jack can be configured to blink or pulse to enable a user to locate that particular RJ45 jack. In some cases, the user can select or determine the particular color or blinking pattern of the backlight LED.

[0081] Figures 3A-3E Various example arrangements of backlit RJ45 jacks that can be included in any enhanced Ethernet switch are shown. Figure 3A An RJ45 jack 300 is shown that is a 2x6 configuration similar to the RJ45 jack 200 Figure 2 of FIG. 2. Notably, the RJ45 jack 300 can include a conductive housing 301. The housing 301 can provide electrical shielding from noise and help to suppress electromagnetic interference (EMI). The housing 301 can include pins that are coupled to an electrical ground.

[0082] Figure 3B An RJ45 jack 310 is shown in a 1x4 (one row with four connectors) arrangement. Figure 3C An RJ45 jack 315 is shown in a 1x2 arrangement. Figure 3D A single RJ45 jack 320 is shown. Figure 3EA 1x8 arrangement of RJ45 jacks 325 is shown. Although not explicitly indicated, the RJ45 jacks 310, 315, 320, and 325 can also include a conductive housing similar to the RJ45 jack 300. Other arrangements of RJ45 jacks are possible. For example, any workable number of rows and columns of RJ45 ports are possible.

[0083] Figures 4A-4C is a cross-sectional view of an example two-row backlit RJ45 jack 400. Figure 4A The RJ45 jack 400 is shown with a first LED 405 and a second LED 410. Each LED is mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). Thus, the first LED 405 is mounted to a first PCB 406 and the second LED 410 is mounted to a second PCB 411. Light from the LEDs is diffused into an interior region or cavity of the RJ45 jack 400, generally into the region that includes the contacts. The first LED 405 emits light into a first light guide 407, which emits light into a second light guide 408. The first light guide 407 is shaped to substantially surround the first LED 405. For example, the first light guide 407 can surround five sides of the first LED 405. In some cases, the first light guide 407 can contact the first PCB 406. The first light guide 407 can be disposed between the second light guide 408 and the first LED 405. In this way, the first light guide 407 can more effectively capture light from the first LED 405. The second light guide 408 can be adjacent to the first light guide 407, and in some cases, contact the first light guide 407. In some implementations, physical contact between the first light guide 407 and the second light guide 408 can enable efficient transfer (capture, emit, conduct, diffuse, etc.) of light from the first light guide 407 to the second light guide 408. In a similar manner, the second LED 410 can be surrounded by a third light guide 412 that is adjacent to a fourth light guide 413. That is, the third light guide 412 can surround five sides of the second LED 410. The third light guide 412 can be disposed between the second LED 410 and the second LED 410. The first LED 405 and the second LED 410 can be multi-color LEDs. That is, each LED can emit a variety of colors, rather than just one or two colors. In some examples, the first LED 405 and the second LED 410 can emit at least three colors (e.g., red, green, blue (RGB) light). In some other examples, the first LED 405 and the second LED 410 can emit at least four colors (e.g., red, green, blue, white (RGBW) light). Although discrete colors are mentioned here, a variety of colors can be generated by the first LED 405 and the second LED 410 by mixing different amounts of the discrete colors together.

[0084] Notably, the second light guide 408 and the fourth light guide 413 are positioned within the RJ45 jack 400 (centered and towards the middle of the RJ45 jack 400). In some variations, an RJ45 plug (not shown) on an RJ45 cable can be in close proximity to, and in some cases contact, the second light guide 408 or the fourth light guide 413, particularly when inserted into the RJ45 jack 400. Because a typical RJ45 plug is clear and / or translucent, the RJ45 plug can act as a light pipe to conduct light from the second light guide 408 and / or the fourth light guide 413.

[0085] The RJ45 jack 400 includes upper contacts 409 and lower contacts 414. The second light guide 408 can include a groove for guiding and positioning the upper contacts 409, and the fourth light guide 413 can include a groove for guiding and positioning the lower contacts 414. In this way, the second light guide 408 and the fourth light guide 413 can advantageously perform both light guiding and contact positioning functions, thereby reducing the number of components and simplifying the design of the RJ45 jack 400.

[0086] The RJ45 jack 400 includes a plurality of through-hole contact pins 415 (as shown), to facilitate electrical connections with the upper contacts 409, the lower contacts 414, the first LED 405, and the second LED 410. Additionally, the RJ45 jack 400 can include a metal housing 416 that provides shielding from electrical noise and electromagnetic interference (EMI). Figure 4C

[0087] Figure 4B is another cross-sectional view of the RJ45 jack 400, showing the first LED 405, the first PCB 406, the first light guide 407, the second light guide 408, and the upper contacts 409. As shown, the first light guide 407 surrounds the first LED 406 and can contact the second light guide 408. The second light guide 408 can include a groove 420 that guides the upper contacts 409.

[0088] Figure 4C is another cross-sectional view of the RJ45 jack 400, showing the first LED 405 and the second LED 410 mounted to the first PCB 406 and the second PCB 411, respectively. Figure 4C The contact pins 415 are also shown.

[0089] Figure 5 is an exploded view of an RJ45 jack 500. The RJ45 jack 500 can be a Figures 4A-4C ​FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an RJ45 jack 500 in accordance with some embodiments. The RJ45 jack 500 can include a housing 505 and a shell 510. The RJ45 jack 500 is an example of a 2x6 RJ45 jack. In other embodiments, the RJ45 jack 500 can be any other feasible arrangement (e.g., 1x8, 1x4, 1x2, etc.).

[0090] In some examples, some components of the RJ45 jack 500 can be duplicated to implement each individual receiving jack. For example, the RJ45 jack 500 can include any feasible number of first light guides 520, second light guides 530, upper contact assemblies 540, lower contact assemblies 550, and LED printed circuit assemblies (PCAs) 560. These common components can advantageously reduce the number of unique components required to assemble the RJ45 jack 500, thereby reducing costs.

[0091] Figure 6A and Figure 6B is another example cross-sectional view of a dual row backlit illuminated RJ45 jack 600. Figure 6A The RJ45 jack 600 is shown to include an upper LED PCA 610, a lower LED PCA 620, an upper light guide 630, and a lower light guide 640.

[0092] The upper LED PCA 610 includes an upper LED 611 (which can be surface mounted to the upper LED PCA 610). The upper LED 611 can be disposed adjacent to or in close proximity to the upper light guide 630. The proximity of the upper LED 611 to the upper light guide 630 can enable light from the upper LED 611 to be captured, diffused, and / or emitted into an upper region or cavity of the RJ45 jack 600.

[0093] The lower LED PCA 620 includes a lower LED 621 (which can be surface mounted to the lower LED PCA 620). The lower LED 621 can be disposed adjacent to or in close proximity to the lower light guide 640. As such, the lower light guide 640 can capture and diffuse light from the lower LED 621 into the lower RJ45 port. The proximity of the lower LED 621 to the lower light guide 640 can enable light from the upper LED 621 to be captured and diffused into a lower region of the RJ45 jack 600. The upper LED 611 and the lower LED 621 can be multi-color LEDs. That is, each LED can emit multiple colors, rather than just one or two colors.

[0094] Figure 6BAnother cross-section of an RJ45 jack 600 including an upper LED PCA 610 and a lower LED PCA 620 is shown. Upper contacts 650 are coupled to the upper LED PCA 610, and lower contacts 655 are coupled to the lower LED PCA 620. Contact pins 660 are attached to the upper LED PCA 610 and the lower LED PCA 620. The contact pins 660 can provide electrical coupling to the upper contacts 650 and the lower contacts 655. In some examples, the contact pins 660 can also provide electrical coupling to the upper LEDs 611 and the lower LEDs 621 via respective PCBs. The upper light guide 630 and the lower light guide 640 can include one or more grooves to guide the upper contacts 650 and the lower contacts 655, respectively. In contrast to the RJ45 jack 400 of Figure 4A and Figure 4B The RJ45 jack 600 can use fewer components, advantageously reducing the number of components and lowering costs.

[0095] Figure 7 is an exploded view of an RJ45 jack 700. The RJ45 jack 700 can be an example of the RJ45 jack 600 of Figure 6A and Figure 6B The RJ45 jack 700 can include a housing 705 and a shell 710. The RJ45 jack 700 is an example of a 2x6 RJ45 jack. In other embodiments, the RJ45 jack 700 can be any other feasible arrangement (e.g., 1x8, 1x4, 1x2, etc.).

[0096] In some examples, some components of the RJ45 jack 700 can be duplicated to implement each individual receiving jack. For example, the RJ45 jack 700 can include any feasible number of light guides 720, upper and lower contacts 730, upper LED PCAs 740, lower LED PCAs 750, and contact pins 760. These common components can advantageously reduce the number of unique components needed to assemble the RJ45 jack 700, thereby lowering costs.

[0097] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of another example dual-row backlit illuminated RJ45 jack 800. In contrast to the RJ45 jack 400 of Figures 4A-4C and the RJ45 jack 600 of Figure 6A and Figure 6B The RJ45 jack 800 does not rely on any light guides to illuminate the interior of the RJ45 jack 800. The RJ45 jack 800 includes upper LEDs 810, lower LEDs 820, upper contact guides 830, and lower contact guides 840. The upper contact guides 830 and the lower contact guides 840 can guide and position upper contacts 835 and lower contacts 845, respectively.

[0098] The upper LED 810 can be disposed through an opening in the upper contact guide 830 such that light can emit into the interior (e.g., cavity) of the upper RJ45 port. In a similar manner, the lower LED 820 can be disposed through an opening in the lower contact guide 840 such that light can emit into the interior of the lower RJ45 jack 800. Thus, the upper LED 810 and the lower LED 820 can emit light directly into the cavity of the RJ45.

[0099] In some examples, some components of the RJ45 jack 800 can be replicated to implement each individual receiving jack. For example, the RJ45 jack 800 can include any workable number of upper LEDs 810, lower LEDs 820, upper contact guides 830, and lower contact guides 840. These common components can advantageously reduce the number of unique components required to assemble the RJ45 jack 800, thereby reducing costs.

[0100] Figure 9 is an exploded view of an RJ45 jack 900. The RJ45 jack 900 can be an example of the RJ45 jack 800 of Figure 8 The RJ45 jack 900 can include a housing 905, a shell 910, and a back cover 915. The RJ45 jack 900 is another example of a 2x6 RJ45 jack. In other embodiments, the RJ45 jack 900 can be any other workable arrangement (e.g., 1x8, 1x4, 1x2, etc.).

[0101] In some examples, some components of the RJ45 jack 900 can be replicated to implement each individual receiving jack. For example, the RJ45 jack 900 can include any workable number of lower LEDs 920, upper contact assemblies 930, lower contact assemblies 940, upper LEDs 950, and LED support blocks 960. These common components can advantageously reduce the number of unique components required to assemble the RJ45 jack 900, thereby reducing costs.

[0102] Figures 10A-10B is a diagram illustrating an example housing for an RJ45 jack. As described with respect to the RJ45 jack 300 of Figure 3A The housing of an RJ45 jack can be used to shield and reduce EMI emissions, as described with respect to the RJ45 jack 300 of Figure 10AAn RJ45 socket 1000 with a housing 1010 is shown. The housing 1010 can be aluminum, steel, copper alloy, or any other feasible conductive material. The housing 1010 may include one or more pins 1020, which may be attached to or coupled to circuit ground, for example, via a PCB (not shown). The housing 1010 may include flexible conductive fingers 1030 on the upper and side surfaces of the RJ45 socket 1000. The fingers 1030 may contact a chassis or housing, which may also be connected to circuit ground. Thus, the fingers 1030 can provide a relatively continuous electrical shield around the circuitry associated with the Ethernet switch. Figure 10B An RJ45 socket 1050 with a housing 1060 is shown. In contrast to the RJ45 socket 1000, the housing 1060 includes conductive fingers 1070 only on the upper surface of the RJ45 socket 1050. In some applications, the additional fingers of the RJ45 socket 1000 may be unnecessary or may restrict or interfere with other components. Therefore, the conductive fingers on the side surfaces of the RJ45 socket 1050 can be omitted.

[0103] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method 1100 for generating color assignment information (e.g., a configuration database) for backlit RJ45 sockets of an Ethernet switch. Although this document describes Ethernet switches, method 1100 can be applied to any backlit RJ45 socket. Some examples can perform the operations described herein with additional operations, fewer operations, operations in a different order, parallel operations, and a number of different operations. The following is about... Figure 1 The network system 100 describes method 1100; however, method 1100 can be performed by any other suitable system or device.

[0104] Method 1100 begins at box 1102, where the user selects a port on the Ethernet switch. As used herein, a port refers to a specific RJ45 socket that typically accepts Ethernet cables terminated with RJ45 plugs. In some cases, as described herein... Figures 3A-3E As shown, an RJ45 socket may include one or more ports. Ports can be selected via any feasible device or interface. For example, a user interface, including a graphical user interface, can be displayed via a mobile device (mobile phone, tablet, laptop, etc.) or any feasible web browser. In some variations, different selectable ports may be presented to the user via drop-down menus displayed on the graphical user interface. The selection of ports via the user interface can be transmitted to console 110 via network 140.

[0105] Next, in block 1104, an Ethernet link characteristic is selected for monitoring at the selected port. The Ethernet link characteristic can be any viable link information or device characteristic. Example link characteristics can include data link speed, Ethernet throughput, packet type, etc. Example device characteristics can include temperature of the device, type of connected device (switch, access point, end device), etc. Similar to block 1102, the selection can be made by any viable device and transmitted to the console 110. In some variations, the user can be presented with different selectable communication characteristics and / or device characteristics through a drop-down menu presented on the graphical user interface. Figure 2

[0106] Next, in block 1106, a color is assigned to the selected Ethernet link characteristic. For example, through the user interface, the user can select a color that can be generated or produced by the selected port (e.g., an LED associated with the selected port). In some variations, the user can be presented with different available colors through a drop-down menu presented on the graphical user interface.

[0107] Next, in block 1108, the console 110 can generate a configuration database. The configuration database associates a particular Ethernet link characteristic with a particular port on a particular Ethernet switch. In addition, the configuration database can associate a particular color with the selected Ethernet link characteristic. In this way, the configuration database can include color assignment information that associates a color with an Ethernet communication metric, communication characteristic, or other device characteristic.

[0108] Next, in block 1110, the configuration database is uploaded to the Ethernet switch. In some examples, the console 110 can transmit the configuration database to any selected Ethernet switch, including Figure 1 any of the enhanced Ethernet switches 120-122. For example, a processor included in the Ethernet switch can receive the configuration database. Then, the processor can use the configuration database to determine how and when to illuminate any port of the RJ45 with backlighting.

[0109] Figure 12 An example graphical user interface 1200 is shown. The graphical user interface can be executed (hosted by) on a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, web browser, or any other viable device. In Figure 12 ​In the example of FIG. 12, the graphical user interface is hosted on mobile phone 1210. After determining the associations between ports, monitoring characteristics, and colors, the user can click (press) apply button 1220. In response to detecting activity associated with apply button 1220, the user is shown an animation that backlights RJ45 jack 1230. The animation allows the user to evaluate the configuration. If the user approves the configuration, the user can click (press) upload button 1240 to upload the configuration to the selected Ethernet switch. (Although depicted as buttons, apply button 1220 and upload button 1240 are graphical images intended to receive user interaction (mouse click, touch, etc.).

[0110] Figure 13 FIG. 13 shows a flowchart illustrating an example method 1300 for controlling a backlit RJ45 jack. Method 1300 is described with respect to an Ethernet switch, such as any of Ethernet switches 120-122 described herein. Figure 1 However, method 1300 can be used to control any of the RJ45 jacks described herein. Method 1300 begins at block 1302, the Ethernet switch receives a configuration database. In some examples, a controller or processor within the Ethernet switch can receive the configuration database. In some other examples, the configuration database can be a default database containing default associations between colors and Ethernet link information. The default database can be loaded or programmed at the factory or as part of an initial configuration step. As described above with respect to Figure 11 The configuration database can associate a particular port with a particular communication attribute or associate a device characteristic with a particular color. In some examples, the configuration database is stored in memory.

[0111] Next, in block 1304, the Ethernet switch determines a communication attribute and / or a device characteristic associated with a port of the RJ45 jack. In some examples, a processor of the Ethernet switch in conjunction with hardware, software, and / or firmware can monitor data packets or other viable signals associated with any particular port. In some cases, the communication attributes and device characteristics being monitored can be based on the configuration database.

[0112] Next, in block 1306, the Ethernet switches and controls the LEDs of the port based on the determined communication attribute and / or device characteristic. For example, a processor of the Ethernet switch can cause any LED of any RJ45 port to activate in conjunction with the configuration database. The configuration database can determine the color of any LED.

[0113] Figure 14 A block diagram of a device 1400 is shown, which can be a Figure 1FIG. 14 illustrates one example of a console 110 or switch 120-122. The device 1400 can include at least one backlit RJ45 jack 1410, a driver 1420, a processor 1430, and a memory 1440.

[0114] As shown, the backlit RJ45 jack 1410 coupled to the driver 1420 and the processor 1430 can be used to connect any viable electrical equipment and / or network, such as the network 1445. The backlit RJ45 jack 1410 can be an example of any of the RJ45 jacks described herein. Thus, the backlit RJ45 jack can include one or more LEDs that can be controlled directly or indirectly by the processor 1430 and / or the driver 1420.

[0115] The driver 1420 is coupled to the processor 1430 and the backlit RJ45 jack 1410. In some implementations, the driver 1420 can simply control the color of the backlit RJ45 jack 1410. For example, the driver 1420 can provide different and / or variable voltages to the LEDs within the backlit RJ45 to determine the color generated by the LEDs. In some other examples, the driver 1420 can provide a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal to control the LEDs within the backlit RJ45 jack. In other examples, the driver 1420 can provide any viable signal (current, voltage, etc.) to control the LEDs.

[0116] The processor 1430 coupled to the memory 1440 can be any one or more suitable processors capable of executing scripts or instructions of one or more software programs stored in the device 1400, such as within the memory 1440.

[0117] The memory 1440 can include a configuration database 1442. The configuration database 1442 associates particular communication and / or device characteristics with particular backlit RJ45 jacks, such as the backlit RJ45 jack 1410. Further, the configuration database 1442 can associate particular colors with the selected communication and / or device characteristics. In some examples, the configuration database 1442 can be received over the network 1445.

[0118] The memory 1440 can also include a non-transitory computer readable storage medium (e.g., one or more non-volatile memory elements, such as EPROM, EEPROM, Flash memory, a hard drive, etc.) that can store the following software modules: a graphical user interface software module 1444, a software control application programming interface (API) 1446, and a communication software module 1447.

[0119] The execution of the graphical user interface software module 1444 can provide, display, or render a graphical interface that allows the user to program, select, or simulate LED (lighting) functions associated with backlighting the RJ45 socket 1410. The execution of the graphical user interface software module 1444 can enable the processor 1430 to perform any feasible graphical interface functions, including those described herein (particularly regarding…). Figure 12 The functions described herein. For example, execution of the graphical user interface software module 1444 may enable a user to select one or more Ethernet link characteristics and assign any feasible color of light to be emitted when the selected Ethernet link characteristic is detected. In some examples, execution of the graphical user interface software module 1444 may enable the processor 1430 to generate, write, or update the configuration database 1442.

[0120] Execution of the software control API 1446 can provide a programming interface that, when accessed, causes the processor 1430 to control the backlight to illuminate one or more LEDs within the RJ45 1410. For example, the processor 1430 can execute the software control API 1446 to illuminate one or more LEDs within the RJ45 1410 according to a configuration database 1442.

[0121] Processor 1430 can execute communication software module 1447 to communicate with any other feasible device. For example, execution of communication software module 1447 can enable device 1400 to communicate via driver 1420 and backlighting of RJ45 socket 1410. In some implementations, driver 1420 can simply control LED color. In some embodiments, execution of communication software module 1447 can enable device 1400 to communicate with network switches, servers, other computers, or any other feasible device. In some other embodiments, execution of communication software module 1447 can implement encryption and / or decryption processes.

[0122] In some variations, the functionality of any or all items within memory 1440 can be implemented as host processes. Therefore, the execution of the host processes can provide the functionality of configuration database 1442, graphical user interface software module 1444, software control API 1446, and communication software module 1447, all contained in memory 1440.

[0123] Figure 15A This is another example of a cross-sectional view of a dual-row backlit RJ45 socket 1500. Although two vertical RJ45 ports are shown in the RJ45 socket 1500, any feasible number of RJ45 ports may be included in the horizontal direction. Similar to Figure 4 described herein— Figure 9RJ45 jack 1500 can include a multi-color LED arranged to disperse or diffuse light into the connector cavity. The color of the dispersed light can be user-selectable. Thus, a user can assign different colors of light to different Ethernet link characteristics associated with any of the RJ45 ports.

[0124] In addition to the cavity LED, optional LEDs can be provided on either side of the opening of the RJ45 jack. Thus, two LEDs can be provided on opposite sides of the opening. In some examples, the two LEDs can operate in a conventional manner to indicate Ethernet link activity, link speed, etc.

[0125] RJ45 jack 1500 can include an upper RJ45 port 1510 and a lower RJ45 port 1520. Upper RJ45 port 1510 can include a multi-color LED 1511 arranged to disperse light into the cavity of upper RJ45 port 1510. An LED 1512 can be provided toward one side of upper RJ45 port 1510. In some examples, upper RJ45 port 1510 can include two LEDs provided on either side, although only one LED 1512 is shown here. As shown, LED 1511 is not exposed to the surface of the outer surface of upper RJ45 port 1510, rather, the surface of LED 1512 can be exposed to the outer surface of upper RJ45 port 1510. LED 1512 can include a conductive lead 1513 exposed to the outer surface of RJ45 jack 1500 to enable current to be provided to LED 1512.

[0126] In a similar manner, lower RJ45 port 1520 can include a multi-color LED 1521 arranged to disperse light into the cavity of lower RJ45 port 1520. Lower RJ45 port 1520 can include two LEDs provided on either side, although only one LED 1522 is shown here. LED 1522 can have at least one surface exposed to the outer surface of lower RJ45 port 1520. LED 1522 can include a conductive lead 1523.

[0127] Figure 15B A lower side view of RJ45 jack 1500 is shown. As shown, conductive lead 1513 can be coupled to an upper LED of RJ45 jack 1500. In a similar manner, conductive lead 1523 can be coupled to a lower LED of RJ45 jack 1500. For reference, Figure 15B Two upper LEDs 1514 and two lower LEDs 1524 are shown. Upper LEDs 1514 can include Figure 15A LED 1512 of RJ45 jack 1500. Lower LEDs 1524 can include Figure 15ALED 1522.

[0128] In some examples, the RJ45 jack 1500 can advantageously have relatively low parts (bill of materials) and assembly costs. In addition, the two LEDs on each side of the connector can operate in a conventional manner to show link activity status, speed, Power over Ethernet, etc. Thus, the meaning of the two LEDs can be readily understood.

[0129] Figure 16A is a cross-sectional view of another example dual row backlit illuminated RJ45 jack 1600. Although two vertical RJ45 ports are shown in the RJ45 jack 1600, any workable number of RJ45 ports can be included in the horizontal direction. Similar to the RJ45 jack Figure 15A and Figure 15B RJ45 jack, the RJ45 jack 1600 can include a multi-color LED arranged to disperse or diffuse light into the connector cavity. The color of the dispersed light can be user selectable. Thus, a user can assign different colors of light to different Ethernet link characteristics associated with any of the RJ45 ports.

[0130] The RJ45 jack 1600 can include an upper RJ45 port 1610 and a lower RJ45 port 1620. The upper RJ45 port 1610 can include a multi-color LED 1611 arranged to disperse light into the cavity of the upper RJ45 port 1610. An LED 1612 can be disposed toward one side of the upper RJ45 port 1610. In some examples, the upper RJ45 port 1610 can include two LEDs disposed on either side, although only one LED 1612 is shown here. A light guide 1613 can be disposed adjacent or in close proximity to the LED 1612. The light guide 1613 can convey or transmit light from the LED 1612 to an outer surface of the RJ45 jack 1600.

[0131] The lower RJ45 port 1620 can include a multi-color LED 1621 and an LED 1622 disposed toward one side of the lower RJ45 port 1620. A light guide 1623 can convey or transmit light from the LED 1622 to an outer surface of the RJ45 jack 1600.

[0132] The LED 1611 and the LED 1612 can be mounted on a PCB 1614. In a similar manner, the LED 1621 and the LED 1622 can be mounted on a PCB 1624. Since the LEDs for each RJ45 port are mounted on a shared / common PCB, the connections for the LEDs can be disposed in close proximity to one another as shown. Figure 16B

[0133] Figure 16B ​A bottom side view of the RJ45 jack 1600 is shown. Conductive leads 1615 can be coupled to the LEDs associated with the upper RJ45 port 1610, and conductive leads 1625 can be coupled to the LEDs associated with the lower RJ45 port 1620. Notably, the conductive leads for the LEDs for each RJ45 port are disposed adjacent to one another. The arrangement of the conductive leads can enable easier signal routing to and from the Ethernet signaling pins 1616 and 1626. Easier signal routing can be advantageous, particularly for high speed differential signals such as Ethernet signals. Moreover, the number of pins that can be needed can be reduced compared to other implementations. Fewer pins can reduce cost, simplify PCB design.

[0134] Figure 17A is another example cross-sectional view of a dual row backlit illuminated RJ45 jack 1700. Although two vertical RJ45 ports are shown in the RJ45 jack 1700, any workable number of RJ45 ports can be included in the horizontal direction. Similar to the RJ45 jack 1600, Figure 15A and Figure 15B the RJ45 jack 1700 can include multi-color LEDs (not shown) arranged to disperse or diffuse light into the connector cavity. The color of the dispersed light can be user selectable. Thus, a user can assign different colors of light to different Ethernet link characteristics associated with any RJ45 port.

[0135] The RJ45 jack 1700 can include an upper RJ45 port 1710 and a lower RJ45 port 1720. The upper RJ45 port 1710 can include an LED disposed on either side of the upper RJ45 port 1710. The LED can be surface mounted. For example, the LED 1712 can be surface mounted to the PCB 1714. In some examples, the upper RJ45 port 1710 can include two LEDs disposed on either side, although only one LED 1712 is shown here. A light guide 1713 can be disposed adjacent or proximate to the LED 1712. The light guide 1713 can convey or transmit light from the LED 1712 to an outer surface of the RJ45 jack 1700.

[0136] The lower RJ45 port 1720 can include an LED 1722 disposed toward one side of the lower RJ45 port 1720. A light guide 1723 can convey or transmit light from the LED 1722 to an outer surface of the RJ45 jack 1700.

[0137] Figure 17B A bottom side view of the RJ45 jack 1700 is shown. In particular, Figure 17BSurface mount LEDs 1715 for the upper RJ45 port 1710 and surface mount LEDs 1725 for the lower RJ45 port 1720 are shown. In some aspects, the surface mount LEDs used in the RJ45 jack 1700 can advantageously provide more possible options for LED selection compared to conventional leaded LEDs (e.g., as used in the RJ45 jack 1500).

[0138] Figure 18 An example user interface 1800 that can be used to configure or program LED behavior for any of the LEDs described herein is shown. A first section 1810 of the user interface 1800 can be used to program LED behavior (e.g., activity) for a "standard RJ45" port. As used herein, a standard RJ45 port can refer to an RJ45 port that includes two LEDs, one LED on either side of the RJ45 port (i.e., two LEDs, one LED on either side of the opening of the RJ45 port that receives an RJ45 connector). In some examples, the user interface 1800 can allow a user to select a particular LED and associate a particular behavior with that LED. For example, either LED can be designated to indicate port speed, port activity, power over Ethernet behavior, etc.

[0139] A second section 1820 of the user interface 1800 can be used to program LED behavior for LEDs associated with an "etherlight" port. As used herein, an etherlight port can refer to any RJ45 port that has a multi-color LED that is configured or arranged to disperse light into the cavity of the RJ45 port.

[0140] In some examples, the user interface 1800 can provide or enumerate different Ethernet activities, features, or behaviors and allow a user to associate a particular color with that activity. For example, a user can associate different colors with port speed, power over Ethernet, virtual local area network (VLAN), or device type. In some examples, a user can select a color and / or flashing pattern or behavior that can be used to locate any particular RJ45 port (by causing the backlight LED to flash or otherwise operate the backlight LED). The Ethernet activities, features, and behaviors described herein are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. For example, any other viable Ethernet feature can be associated with any viable color.

[0141] A third section 1830 of the user interface 1800 can be used to program LED behavior for LEDs associated with a "combo" Ethernet port. As used herein, a combo Ethernet port can refer to any RJ45 that includes both a regular LED, such as the LED associated with the first section 1810, and a multi-color LED, such as the LED associated with the second section 1820. For example, the user interface 1800 can enable a user to control the color and operation of the LED disposed on either side of the RJ45 port, as well as control the color and operation of the multi-color LED arranged to illuminate the interior cavity of the RJ45 port.

[0142] Figure 19A is another exploded view of the RJ45 jack 1900. The RJ45 jack 1900 can include a housing 1910, an insulator 1920, and a shell 1930. Although shown as a single row RJ45 connector, in other examples, the RJ45 jack 1900 can include any number of rows.

[0143] The housing 1910 can include Ethernet signaling contacts and any of the LEDs, light guides, and / or PCBs described herein. The shell 1930 can be formed or made of a conductive material, such as a metal, tin, etc. The shell 1930 can provide shielding from electrical noise and electromagnetic interference (EMI). The insulator 1920 can be disposed between the housing 1910 and the shell 1930. The insulator 1920 can reduce or prevent the occurrence of any electrostatic discharge (ESD) events. In some examples, the insulator 1920 can be a polyester film. In some other examples, the insulator 1920 can be any material having insulating (non-conductive) properties.

[0144] Figure 19B is shown. As shown, upon assembly of the RJ45 jack 1900, the insulator 1920 is disposed between the housing 1910 and the shell 1930.

[0145] Figure 20A is another exploded view of the RJ45 jack 2000. As with the RJ45 jack 1900, Figure 19A and Figure 19BIn contrast to the RJ45 jacks described above, the RJ45 jack 2000 is a two row RJ jack, while in other examples, the RJ45 jack can include any workable number of rows. The RJ45 jack 2000 can include a housing 2010, an insulator 2020, and a shell 2030. The housing 2010 can include the Ethernet signaling contacts and any of the LEDs, light guides, and / or PCBs described herein. The shell 2030 can be formed or made of a conductive material, such as metal, tin, etc. The shell 2030 can provide shielding from electrical noise and electromagnetic interference (EMI). The insulator 2020 can be disposed between the housing 2010 and the shell 2030. The insulator 2020 can reduce or prevent the occurrence of any electrostatic discharge (ESD) events. In some examples, the insulator 2020 can be a polyester film. In some other examples, the insulator 2020 can be any material having insulating (non-conductive) properties.

[0146] Figure 20B A cross-sectional view of the RJ45 jack 2000 is shown. As shown, the insulator 2020 is disposed between the housing 2010 and the shell 2030 when the RJ45 jack 2000 is assembled.

[0147] Figure 21A A cross-section of the RJ45 jack 2100 is shown. The RJ45 jack 2100 can include a housing 2110, a shell 2120, a multi-color LED 2130, a PCB 2140, and a light guide 2150. The housing 2110 can include the Ethernet signaling contacts and a cavity for receiving an RJ45 connector. The multi-color LED 2130 can be mounted or secured to the PCB 2140. Additionally, the multi-color LED 2130 can be arranged to emit light into the cavity of the RJ45 jack 2100.

[0148] The light guide 2150 can be disposed between the multi-color LED 2130 and the cavity of the RJ45 jack 2100. The light guide 2150 can diffuse and / or disperse light from the multi-color LED 2130. In some examples, the light guide 2150 can enhance the illumination from the multi-color LED 2130 and increase optical uniformity. As shown, the light guide 2150 can be disposed between the multi-color LED 2130 and the cavity of the RJ45 jack 2100.

[0149] Figure 21B A view of the light guide 2150 is shown. In some examples, Figure 21B A side or surface of the light guide 2150 that can be adjacent to or in contact with the multi-color LED 2130 can be shown.

[0150] Figure 22An example implementation of an RJ45 jack 2200 is shown. While the RJ45 jack 2200 includes sixteen discrete jacks, other implementations can include any number of discrete jacks. As shown, the RJ45 jack 2200 can include traditional (conventional) LEDs. For example, each RJ45 jack can include a first LED 2230 and a second LED 2231. The first and second LEDs 2230, 2231 can be any color, although amber and green are typical. The first and second LEDs 2230, 2231 can indicate activity, status, etc. Additionally, the RJ45 jack 2200 can include an LED 2220 that provides backlighting to the cavity of each discrete jack. The backlighting LED 2220 can be any viable multi-color LED. As described herein, the color of the backlighting LED 2220 can reflect the operation or status of the associated RJ45 jack.

[0151] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) discussed in more detail below can be used as a part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein, and that the scope of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein should not be limited to only those implementations described.

[0152] The process parameters and sequence of steps described and / or illustrated herein are given by way of example only. The steps can be performed in a different order than illustrated and / or described herein, and / or a described and / or illustrated step can be modified, eliminated, or added to. Various example methods described and / or illustrated herein can omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated, or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

[0153] Any of the methods (including user interfaces) described herein can be implemented as software, hardware, or firmware, and can be described as non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing a set of instructions capable of being executed by a processor (e.g., a computer, a tablet, a smart phone, etc.) that, when executed, cause the processor to control performance of any steps, including but not limited to: displaying, communicating with a user, analyzing, modifying parameters (including timing, frequency, intensity, etc.), determining, alerting, etc. For example, any of the methods described herein can be performed at least partially by an apparatus comprising one or more processors having memory storing a set of instructions for the processes of the method.

[0154] While various embodiments have been described and / or illustrated herein in the context of fully functioning computing systems, one or more of these example embodiments can be distributed over various forms and / or media, for example as a program product stored in one or more types of computer-readable media. The embodiments disclosed herein can also be implemented using software modules that perform certain tasks. These software modules can include scripts, batch programs, or other executable files. In some embodiments, these software modules can configure a computing system to perform one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein.

[0155] As described herein, the computing devices and systems described and / or illustrated herein broadly represent any type or form of computing device or system capable of executing computer-readable instructions, such as those contained within the modules described herein. In their most basic configuration, these computing devices each can include at least one memory device and at least one physical processor.

[0156] The term “memory” or “memory device” used herein generally represents any type or form of volatile or non-volatile storage devices or media capable of storing data and / or computer-readable instructions. In one example, a memory device can store, load, and / or maintain one or more of the modules described herein. Examples of memory devices include, without limitation, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), flash memory, Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid-State Drives (SSDs), optical disk drives, caches, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable storage memory.

[0157] Moreover, the term “processor” or “physical processor” used herein generally represents any type or form of hardware-implemented processing unit (or processing circuitry) capable of generating a plurality of signals each in accordance with a different one of a plurality of protocols. In one example, a physical processor can access and / or modify one or more of the modules stored in the memory devices described above. Examples of physical processors include, without limitation, microprocessors, microcontrollers, Central Processing Units (CPUs), Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) implementing softcore processors, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), portions of one or more of the same, variations or combinations of one or more of the same, or any other suitable physical processors.

[0158] Although illustrated as separate elements, the method steps described and / or illustrated herein can represent portions of a single application. In addition, in certain embodiments one or more of these steps can represent or correspond with one or more software applications or programs that, when executed by a computing device, can cause the computing device to perform one or more tasks, such as method steps.

[0159] In addition, one or more of the devices described herein can transform data, physical devices, and / or representations of physical devices from one form to another. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the modules described herein can transform a processor, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and / or any other portion of a physical computing device from one form to another by executing on the computing device, storing data on the computing device, and / or otherwise interacting with the computing device.

[0160] As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" generally refers to any form of device, carrier, or medium capable of storing or carrying computer-readable instructions. Examples of computer-readable media include, without limitation, transmission-type media, such as carrier waves and non-transitory types of media, such as magnetic storage media (e.g., hard disk drives, tape drives, and floppy disks), optical storage media (e.g., Compact Discs (CDs), Digital Video Discs (DVDs), and BLU-RAY discs), electronic storage media (e.g., solid-state drives and flash media), and other distribution systems.

[0161] Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize and understand that any of the processes or methods disclosed herein can be modified in a variety of ways. The process parameters and sequence of the steps described and / or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied as desired. For example, while the steps illustrated and / or described herein can be illustrated or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be carried out in the order given or discussed.

[0162] The various exemplary methods described and / or illustrated herein can also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein, or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed. Further, the steps of any of the methods as disclosed herein can be combined with any one or more of the steps of any of the other methods as disclosed herein.

[0163] A processor as described herein can be configured to perform one or more steps of any of the methods disclosed herein. Alternatively or in combination, a processor can be configured to combine one or more steps of one or more methods as disclosed herein.

[0164] When a feature or element is mentioned as being "on" another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element, or there can be intervening features and / or elements present. By contrast, when a feature or element is mentioned as being "directly on" another feature or element, then there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that when a feature or element is mentioned as being "connected," "attached," or "coupled" to another feature or element, the feature or element can be directly connected, attached, or coupled to the other feature or element, or there can be intervening features or elements present. By contrast, when a feature or element is mentioned as being "directly connected," "directly attached," or "directly coupled" to another feature or element, then there are no intervening features or elements present. Features and elements described or shown with respect to one embodiment can be applied to other embodiments, although described or shown with respect to one embodiment. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that structures or features mentioned as being disposed adjacent to another feature can have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

[0165] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present application. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items and can be abbreviated as " / ".

[0166] For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatially relative terms, such as "under", "below", "lower", "over", "upper", and the like, can be used to describe an element's or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device is inverted in the figures, elements described as "under" or "below" other elements or features would then be oriented "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "under" can encompass both an orientation of "over" and "under". The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms "upwardly", "downwardly", "vertical", "horizontal", and the like are used herein for purposes of explanation only, unless otherwise indicated.

[0167] Although the terms "first" and "second" can be used herein to describe various features / elements (including steps), these features / elements should not be limited by these terms, unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms can be used to distinguish one feature / element from another feature / element. Thus, a first feature / element discussed below could be termed a second feature / element, and similarly, a second feature / element discussed below could be termed a first feature / element without departing from the teachings of the present application.

[0168] In this specification and the appended claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise" and variations of the term, such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. For example, the term "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of any stated element or step but not the exclusion of any other element or step.

[0169] In general, any apparatus and method described herein should be understood to be inclusive, but any or all of the components and / or steps can alternatively be exclusive, and can be represented as "consisting of or alternatively "consisting essentially of various components, steps, sub-components or sub-steps.

[0170] As used herein in the specification and claims, including in the examples, and unless otherwise indicated, all numbers are to be read as "about" or "approximately" even if the term does not expressly appear. The phrase "about" or "approximately" shall include numbers that are pretty close to the value with some implicative acceptable range of values. For example, an amount can have a value that is + / -0.1%, + / -1%, + / -2%, + / -5%, + / - 10% of the stated value or range of values. Any numerical value, however, should be understood in every instance as being modified in all instances by the term "about" or "approximately" unless otherwise indicated. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, then "about 10" is also disclosed. Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein. It is also understood that when a value is disclosed that "less than or equal to" the value, "greater than or equal to the value" and possible ranges between values are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by the skilled person. For example, if the value "X" is disclosed the "less than or equal to X" as well as "greater than or equal to X" (e.g., where X is a numerical value) is also disclosed. It is further understood that data given in a variety of different formats throughout this application and that such data represents endpoints and starting and ending points of any combination of the data points given, and ranges derived from the data points. For example, if a particular data point "10" and a particular data point "15" are disclosed, then, it is understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15 are considered disclosed as well as any other combination of the data points. It is also understood that individual units are disclosed in the data given, e.g., 10 and 15 are considered to be disclosed as individual units. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0171] While various illustrative embodiments have been described above, it is to be understood that any of the various embodiments described above can be further modified through numerous combinations of the features set out above, and that many such modifications or permutations can be made to the preferred embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. Accordingly, the particular description does not limit the scope of the application.

[0172] The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter can be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments can be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. If practical, singular embodiments can comprise "combinations" of the specified embodiments or "combinations" of alternative embodiments that can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter can be referred to individually or collectively, and are intended to cover any and all combinations of one or more of the disclosed embodiments and / or alternative embodiments with variations made to the preferred embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for indicating Ethernet link information through an RJ45 jack of a device, the method comprising: receiving a configuration database that assigns colors to different Ethernet link characteristics; determining, by the device, at least one Ethernet link characteristic associated with at least one Ethernet port of the device; and backlighting the at least one Ethernet port with a color, wherein the color is determined by the at least one Ethernet link characteristic and the configuration database.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, the configuration database is provided by a controller that is separate from the device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, the configuration database is provided by a user to the controller.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, the configuration database is provided by a controller that is collocated within the device.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, the configuration database is uploaded by a user to the device.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein, the configuration database is a default color assignment stored within the device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, the Ethernet link characteristic is an amount of power provided by the Ethernet port for Power over Ethernet (PoE) equipment coupled to the at least one Ethernet port.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, the color of the backlight changes in response to a varying amount of power provided by the at least one Ethernet port.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein, the Ethernet link characteristic is based at least in part on a type of device coupled to the at least one Ethernet port.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, the type of device includes at least one of an Ethernet switch, a wired access point, a wireless access point, a server, or an intermediary node.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein, the Ethernet link characteristic is based at least in part on a data throughput of the at least one Ethernet port.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, the data throughput is at least one of a real-time data throughput or a data throughput over a predetermined time period.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein, the Ethernet link characteristic is based at least in part on a virtual local area network (VLAN) packet type included in Ethernet data passing through the at least one Ethernet port.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein, the color of the backlight is further determined at least in part by at least one of a cable quality or a cable length of a cable coupled to the at least one Ethernet port.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein, the color of the backlight is further determined at least in part by a temperature of the at least one Ethernet port.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein, the Ethernet link characteristic is based at least in part on a data link speed of the at least one Ethernet port.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein, backlighting the at least one Ethernet port is based at least in part on receiving a command to locate the at least one Ethernet port.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, the command causes a cavity of the at least one Ethernet port to flash or pulse.

19. A method for generating a configuration database for backlighting an RJ45 jack of a device via a graphical user interface, the method comprising: detecting, via user interaction with the graphical user interface, a user selection of a first Ethernet port of a plurality of Ethernet ports of the device; assigning, by the user, a first Ethernet link characteristic to the first Ethernet port; assigning, by the user, a first color to the first Ethernet link characteristic; generating a configuration database based on assigning the first color to the first Ethernet link characteristic; and transmitting the configuration database to the device.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising displaying a simulation of the device based at least in part on the configuration database. ​ 21. The method of claim 19, further comprising displaying a simulation of the Ethernet port based at least on the configuration database.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein, The configuration database determines a backlight color of the first Ethernet port of the device.

23. The method of claim 19, further comprising: displaying a plurality of Ethernet link characteristics in response to the user selection of the first Ethernet port; and selecting the first Ethernet link characteristic from the plurality of Ethernet link characteristics by the user.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein, The plurality of Ethernet link characteristics are displayed with a drop-down menu.

25. The method of claim 19, further comprising displaying an image of the device, wherein, Detecting the user selection of the first Ethernet port is in response to displaying the image of the device.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The image of the device includes at least a portion of the plurality of Ethernet ports.

27. The method of claim 19, further comprising: displaying a plurality of colors in response to assigning the first Ethernet link characteristic to the first Ethernet port; and selecting the first color from the plurality of colors.

28. The method of claim 19, further comprising: assigning a second Ethernet link characteristic to the first Ethernet port by the user; assigning a second color to the second Ethernet link characteristic by the user; and generating a configuration database based on assigning the second color to the second Ethernet link characteristic.

29. The method of claim 19, further comprising: detecting a user selection of a second Ethernet port of a plurality of Ethernet ports of the device via user interaction with a graphical user interface; assigning a third Ethernet link characteristic to the second Ethernet port by the user; assigning a third color to the third Ethernet link characteristic by the user; and generating a configuration database based on assigning the third color to the third Ethernet link characteristic.

30. An RJ45 jack, comprising: a light emitting diode (LED) disposed within the RJ45 jack; and a first light guide disposed between the LED and a cavity in the RJ45 jack configured to receive an RJ45 plug, wherein the first light guide is configured to emit light from the LED into the cavity.

31. The RJ45 jack of claim 30, wherein, The LED is configured to emit more than two colors.

32. The RJ45 jack of claim 30, wherein, The LED is a surface mount LED.

33. The RJ45 jack of claim 30, wherein, The first light guide is configured to guide a contact of the RJ45 jack.

34. The RJ45 jack of claim 30, further comprising a second light guide disposed between the first light guide and the LED.

35. The RJ45 jack of claim 34, wherein, The second light guide is configured to surround five sides of the LED.

36. The RJ45 jack of claim 34, wherein, The first light guide is configured to transmit light from the LED to the second light guide.

37. The RJ45 jack of claim 34, further comprising a printed circuit board configured to mount the LED.

38. The RJ45 jack of claim 37, wherein, The second light guide is configured to contact the printed circuit board.

39. The RJ45 jack of claim 30, wherein, The first light guide includes an opening configured to receive the LED.

40. The RJ45 jack of claim 39, wherein, At least one surface of the LED is configured to emit light directly into the cavity.

41. The RJ45 jack of claim 30, wherein, The LED is at least one of a laser LED, an organic LED, or a polymer LED.

42. An RJ45 jack, comprising: an opening configured to receive an RJ45 plug into the cavity; a first light emitting diode, LED; a second LED, wherein the first LED and the second LED are disposed on opposite sides of the opening; and a third LED configured to emit light into the cavity.

43. The RJ45 jack of claim 42, further comprising: a first light guide configured to guide light from the first LED to a surface of the RJ45 jack; and a second light guide configured to guide light from the second LED to the surface of the RJ45 jack.

44. The RJ45 jack of claim 42, further comprising a third light guide configured to disperse light from the third LED into the cavity.

45. The RJ45 jack of claim 44, wherein, the third light guide is configured to contact at least one surface of the third LED.

46. The RJ45 jack of claim 42, wherein, the third LED is configured to emit three or more colors.

47. The RJ45 jack of claim 42, further comprising a printed circuit board configured to mount the first LED, the second LED, and the third LED.

48. The RJ45 jack of claim 42, wherein, the first LED and the second LED are surface mount LEDs.

49. The RJ45 jack of claim 42, further comprising a conductive housing configured to provide electromagnetic shielding.

50. The RJ45 jack of claim 49, further comprising an insulator disposed between the conductive shell and the jack body, wherein, the jack body is configured to form the cavity and support electrical contacts of the RJ45 jack.

51. The RJ45 jack of claim 50, wherein, the insulator is configured to provide electrostatic discharge protection to the third LED.

52. The RJ45 jack of claim 49, wherein, the conductive housing includes a contact configured to provide a low impedance electrical path to a predetermined voltage.

53. The RJ45 jack of claim 42, wherein, the first LED and the second LED are multi-color LEDs.

Images