Fiber Connector Panels With Media Reading for Physical Layer Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network management systems (NMS) lack information about the specific physical layer media used to implement logical communication links, preventing effective physical layer management and visibility.
Innovation Solution
Implementing communications panel systems with fiber optic connector assemblies and arrangements that provide physical layer management (PLM) and identification (PLI) capabilities, enabling the collection, storage, and communication of physical layer information such as media and device attributes, location, and connection history, using media reading interfaces and programmable processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If network management systems use traditional logical link management without physical layer integration, then system complexity is reduced, but physical layer visibility and management capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the network management system with physical layer management capabilities by integrating media reading interfaces and programmable processors directly into the NMS architecture. This combination allows the system to simultaneously manage both logical communication links and physical layer media, eliminating the information gap without requiring a completely separate physical layer management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The network management system is designed to perform multiple functions: traditional logical link management plus new physical layer management tasks. The programmable processor can execute different software modules to handle both logical and physical layer operations, making the system universal and avoiding the need for separate specialized systems.
2Ease of operation
If fiber optic connector assemblies include integrated media reading interfaces and programmable processors, then physical layer management capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The media reading interface is pre-configured with software modules that automatically execute when a fiber optic connector is inserted. The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading management capabilities into the connector assembly, so that physical layer information is automatically collected and reported without requiring manual configuration or complex external management infrastructure.
3Reliability
If comprehensive physical layer information is collected and stored in the network management system, then network visibility and diagnostic capability are improved, but information storage requirements and processing load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential physical layer information needed for network management into a structured database format. Rather than storing all possible raw data, the system selectively extracts key attributes such as media type, connection status, and location information, reducing storage requirements while maintaining management reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications connection system includes an adapter module defining at least first and second ports and at least one media reading interface mounted at one of the ports. The first adapter module is configured to receive a fiber optic connector at each port. Some type of connectors may be formed as duplex connector arrangements. Some types of adapters may include ports without media reading interfaces. Some types of media reading interfaces include contact members having three contact sections.