Cable Interconnection Identification via In-Band Messaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracing cabling interconnections in communication networks are inefficient, particularly when they require RFID readers at both endpoints or an OSS/NMS system, and struggle with determining exact connections through intermediate systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that store local interconnection information at each system, generating and updating an interconnections trace message as it travels along the cabling path, allowing identification of all cables and systems without needing RFID readers at both endpoints or an OSS/NMS, using a cabling interconnection identification unit with a receiver, transmitter, code memory, and processor to append and transmit this information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID readers are installed at both endpoints and an OSS/NMS system is used to trace cabling interconnections, then the accuracy of connection identification is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracing functionality from complex external systems (OSS/NMS) and RFID infrastructure, implementing it instead through simple in-band messaging within existing communication protocols. This removes the need for dedicated RFID readers at endpoints and complex external management systems, achieving connection identification through standard communication channels already present in the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing communication protocols multi-functional by embedding connection identification capabilities within standard in-band messaging. The same communication channels used for data transmission also carry tracing information, eliminating the need for separate RFID readers and dedicated tracing infrastructure, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining identification accuracy.
2Reliability
If RFID readers are installed at both endpoints, then the reliability of connection tracing is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to retrofitting requirements for legacy systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables legacy systems to participate in connection tracing without retrofitting by making existing communication protocols multi-functional. Standard in-band messaging channels, already present in legacy systems, are used to carry tracing information, allowing reliable connection identification across heterogeneous systems including legacy equipment without requiring RFID readers or modifications to existing infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If physical tags are attached to cables, then the ease of operation for cable identification is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as tags may become separated or illegible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical tagging system with an electronic/digital solution using in-band messaging. Instead of relying on physical tags that can become detached or illegible, the system embeds connection identification information within communication protocols, transmitting it electronically through existing communication channels, thereby eliminating the reliability issues associated with physical tags while maintaining ease of operation.
4Reliability
If unique connectors are designed for each cable, then the reliability of correct connection is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connection identification function from the physical connector hardware and relocates it to the communication protocol layer. Instead of requiring unique physical connectors for each cable, the system uses standard connectors combined with in-band messaging that carries identification information, thereby maintaining connection accuracy while dramatically simplifying manufacturing by eliminating the need for custom connector production.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques to ascertain physical cabling connections of electronic systems are provided for situations where there are numerous systems interconnected by a very large number of electrical or optical cables. A cable identifying code is inserted into a message sent from a local endpoint system to remote endpoint system over the identified cable. Each intermediate system that is in the interconnection path between the two endpoint systems of interest appends its code for the cable connected to the I/O port from which the message will egress that system and be sent to the next system along the path. The remote endpoint system receives the message which now contains codes for all the cables transited along the path, extract the codes, and thereby determines the exact cabling used in the interconnection of the two endpoint systems.