Intelligent Ethernet Outlet for Endpoint Location Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current physical layer management systems in communication networks are limited in their ability to manage and track the physical location of endpoints beyond the patch field, especially when horizontal cables are moved, leading to a break in the correlation between cable endpoints and physical locations, necessitating an intelligent electronic outlet that can store and communicate location information.
Innovation Solution
An electronic outlet that detects Ethernet traffic, communicates with a Network Management System, and uses high-bandwidth switches to isolate endpoint devices during communication, storing location information and managing impedance to prevent signal reflections, while also utilizing Power over Ethernet for power and minimizing packet collisions through collision detection and prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an intelligent electronic outlet is implemented to track endpoint locations, then location tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic outlet autonomously detects Ethernet traffic, determines endpoint locations, and communicates this information to the Network Management System without requiring manual intervention or complex external tracking infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic outlet integrates multiple functions including traffic detection, location tracking, impedance management, and power reception into a single device, reducing overall system complexity while improving location tracking accuracy
2Reliability
If high-bandwidth switches are used to isolate endpoint devices during communication, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high-bandwidth switches dynamically isolate endpoint devices during electronic outlet communication with the NMS, providing time-dependent connectivity control that ensures reliable communication without permanent system reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The high-bandwidth switches act as intermediary devices that mediate between the electronic outlet and the network, providing controlled isolation during communication periods while maintaining system connectivity
3Reliability
If impedance management is implemented to prevent signal reflections, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic outlet actively manages impedance parameters to match transmission line characteristics, preventing signal reflections and maintaining signal quality through dynamic parameter adjustment
4Ease of operation
If Power over Ethernet is utilized for power transmission, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability worsens due to potential packet collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically schedules Power over Ethernet transmission to occur during periods when endpoint devices are isolated by high-bandwidth switches, minimizing packet collision opportunities while maintaining convenient power delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic outlet detects Ethernet traffic and uses this feedback information to coordinate Power over Ethernet transmission timing, avoiding periods when data packets are being transmitted to prevent collisions
Data Source
AI summary
An Ethernet outlet senses the presence of an Ethernet signal and transmits an Ethernet ID signal in response to the restoration of an Ethernet signal that was interrupted. The sensing circuit is designed to have no detrimental effect on Ethernet signals. Using this system, the locations of Ethernet outlets and network endpoint devices connected to the outlets can be determined following the interruption and reestablishment of network communications. Outlets according to the present invention can be used in copper-based networks or in networks having fiber optic components.