Active Keystone Jack with Display for Network Status Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current keystone jacks in LANs lack visual verification of connection status, power presence, IP and MAC addresses, equipment type, cable location, security settings, and security lock-out status, making network maintenance and management cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An active keystone jack with a housing, electronic display, and printed circuit board that senses and displays connection status, power, IP and MAC addresses, cable location, security settings, and equipment type, using dip switches for security levels and optionally light emitting diodes for visual indication, powered by Power over Ethernet or common sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional passive keystone jacks are used, then device complexity is low and manufacturing cost is reduced, but information availability about network status is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The keystone jack is transformed from a simple passive connector into a multi-functional active device that simultaneously performs connection, display, sensing, and communication functions. The integration of LED indicators, display screens, sensors, and communication interfaces into a single jack unit enables comprehensive network status monitoring without requiring separate external devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as display screens, LED indicators, and communication modules that mediate between the network infrastructure and the end user. These intermediaries translate complex network data into visually accessible information, bridging the gap between network status and user understanding.
2Loss of information
If active components with displays and sensors are added to the keystone jack, then information availability improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal active jack platform that integrates multiple functions (display, sensing, communication, power management) into a single unit, the patent enables standardized mass production. This multi-functional approach allows manufacturers to produce comprehensive network monitoring solutions through a single product line rather than requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate components (passive jack, LED indicators, display screens, sensors, power supply units) into a single integrated active jack assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate manufacturing processes and assembly steps, potentially lowering overall manufacturing costs despite the added functionality.
3Productivity
If comprehensive network information is displayed at each jack, then maintenance efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The active keystone jack performs self-diagnosis and self-display of its operational status, eliminating the need for external testing equipment or manual troubleshooting. The jack automatically monitors its own connection status, power state, and network activity, and displays this information directly at the user interface without requiring external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor network parameters and immediately relay this information to display components. This real-time feedback loop enables maintenance personnel to quickly assess network status without manual testing, as the system continuously provides updated information about connection integrity, power status, and activity states.
4Ease of operation
If visual indicators and display systems are integrated into the jack, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color-coded LED indicators and display elements to communicate network status intuitively. Different colors represent different operational states (e.g., green for active, red for inactive, yellow for warning), enabling users to quickly understand jack status without requiring technical knowledge or interpretation of numerical data.
Solution Approach 2:
The active jack automatically manages its own display and indicator systems based on real-time sensor input, eliminating the need for user configuration or manual intervention. The system self-adjusts display content, indicator states, and information presentation based on its operational context, making it equally easy to operate for both technical and non-technical users.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and clear visualization of network jack status, facilitating efficient maintenance and management by providing essential network information at each jack, enhancing security and troubleshooting capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a front array of light emitting diodes; wherein said front array of light emitting diodes is adapted to display all of the different information sensed by the printed circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
An advanced keystone jack for use in Ethernet cabling systems that enables the display of jack status, IP address, MAC address, power status, equipment type, location of far end, security setting on the jack and security lock-out status of the circuitry. The system is self contained and powered from POE power or a common power source.