Configurable Cable Patch Panel for Dynamic Network Demarcation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network interconnection systems require manual intervention and complex cabling processes, leading to increased latency, costs, and reduced flexibility in provisioning network services, especially in shared data centers where multiple customers need to connect with various service providers.
Innovation Solution
A configurable cable patch panel, or 'active panel,' acts as a demarcation point between customer and provider areas, allowing dynamic configuration of connections through a programmable network platform that abstracts port assignments, enabling on-demand virtual connections and reducing the need for manual cabling and physical modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If manual cabling and physical connection processes are used for network interconnection, then physical connections can be established between customers and service providers, but provisioning speed is reduced and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cabling operations with an automated electronic configuration system. The active panel uses software-controlled switching fabric to establish logical connections between customer ports and service provider ports, eliminating the need for physical cable installation and manual patching. This substitution of mechanical operations with electronic control dramatically accelerates provisioning speed and reduces latency.
Solution Approach 2:
The active panel enables automated self-provisioning of network connections through programmable configuration interfaces. The system can automatically establish, modify, and terminate connections between customers and service providers without requiring manual intervention from technicians. This self-service capability allows the network infrastructure to dynamically allocate resources and configure connections on-demand, significantly reducing provisioning time.
2Ease of operation
If manual cabling processes are used for network interconnection, then physical connections can be established, but operational complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual cabling operations with simplified electronic configuration. Instead of physically tracing and connecting cables through the data center infrastructure, operators can establish connections through software-defined configurations on the active panel. This reduces operational complexity while maintaining the ability to establish robust physical connections through the switching fabric.
Solution Approach 2:
The active panel acts as an intermediary device between customer networks and service provider networks. It provides a standardized interface that abstracts the underlying physical infrastructure complexity, allowing connections to be configured through logical port mappings rather than direct physical cable management. This intermediary layer simplifies operations while managing the complexity of the underlying network fabric.
3Adaptability or versatility
If physical access to customer areas is required for cabling modifications, then connections can be updated, but security is compromised and access frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical access requirements with remote electronic configuration capabilities. The active panel allows connection modifications to be performed through software interfaces without requiring technicians to physically enter customer-secured areas. This maintains the flexibility to dynamically reconfigure network connections while preserving customer area security by eliminating the need for repeated physical access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated connection modifications through programmable interfaces that can be accessed remotely. Connection updates, additions, and terminations can be performed on-demand through configuration commands sent to the active panel, eliminating the need for physical site visits. This self-service capability provides operational flexibility while maintaining security boundaries.
Data Source
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AI summary
In general, this disclosure describes a configurable cable patch panel, or "active panel," that serves as a demarcation point between a customer area of a communication facility and a provider area of the communication facility. As described herein, the active panel may be dynamically configured to interconnect existing customer-side and provider-side connections to active panel ports in order to facilitate on-demand virtual connections within the communication facility between facility customers and/or between a facility customer and communication facility services. In some examples, a programmable network platform for the communication facility exposes a collection of interfaces by which customers may request virtual connections, which the programmable network platform provisions, in part, by configuring the active panel to interconnect select customer-side ports of the active panel with select provider-side ports of the active panel.