Automated Fixed Cabling Information Capture in Patching Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated Infrastructure Management (AIM) systems are not configured to automatically detect and document changes to fixed cabling, leading to inconvenient and error-prone manual data capture and entry processes for technicians.
Innovation Solution
Integration of sensors, controllers, and cable testers within patching equipment to automatically detect and store information about fixed cabling connections, allowing for local storage and later population of AIM database objects, reducing manual data entry and increasing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual data capture and entry processes are used for fixed cabling information, then technicians can document cabling details, but the process becomes inconvenient and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the AIM system automatically detects and documents fixed cabling changes without requiring technician intervention for data capture and entry. Sensors and controllers monitor port states and automatically update the database, eliminating manual processes and their associated errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of technicians physically capturing and entering data with an automated electronic system. Controllers and sensors electronically detect connection states and automatically populate the database, substituting human manual operations with automated electronic detection and data management.
2Extent of automation
If AIM systems are configured to automatically detect fixed cabling changes, then data capture becomes automated, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the AIM system to handle both patching connections and fixed cabling changes through the same sensors and controllers. The existing infrastructure is extended to perform multiple functions, including automatic detection of both connection types and documentation of changes, without requiring separate dedicated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration during initial installation where technicians document fixed cabling information once during setup. The controllers are pre-programmed with this information, enabling automatic detection and comparison of changes against the baseline without requiring complex ongoing configuration or re-documentation.
3Productivity
If manual data entry is eliminated through automation, then productivity increases, but the initial system setup becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the complex configuration work upfront during initial installation. Controllers are pre-programmed with fixed cabling information in a single setup phase, eliminating the need for ongoing manual data entry. This preliminary action concentrates the complexity into an one-time event rather than a continuous process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a digital replica of the fixed cabling configuration during initial setup. The physical cabling arrangement is captured and stored as digital data in the controllers, which then automatically tracks any deviations from this baseline copy, eliminating manual copying and entry operations.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is directed to detecting that a cable has been connected to a port of patching equipment and detecting that the cable is no longer connected to said port. In response to detecting that the cable is no longer connected, information associated with fixed cabling coupled to said port that is captured by a cable tester is downloaded to a controller. The downloaded information is associated with said port and the downloaded information and association information is locally stored at the controller. The locally stored information can then be used to create and/or populate objects in a database. Another embodiment is directed to including a storage device and a wireless interface in patching equipment or other equipment such as an outlet or consolidation point for use in writing information to the storage device and reading information from the storage device via the wireless interface. Other embodiments are disclosed.