LAN Switch Port Location Mapping via Wireless Signal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the location of Ethernet outlets in a large enterprise environment is time-consuming for system administrators due to the numerous wired ports and the complexity of LAN Switch configurations, requiring frequent verification and auditing of wiring plans.
Innovation Solution
An automated system using a wireless transceiver and control logic to obtain and send location data to a network node, allowing for independent and regular updates of location information on LAN Switches without administrator intervention, utilizing a location determination device or a Wi-Fi enabled laptop to associate switch ports with current location data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If system administrators manually configure and audit LAN Switch port locations, then location information can be obtained, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-configuration where the LAN Switch independently obtains location information by receiving wireless signals from mobile devices. The switch uses its wireless transceiver to detect device locations and automatically maps these to its ports, eliminating the need for administrator intervention in the configuration process while maintaining accurate location data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of administrators physically verifying and auditing wiring plans with an automated wireless signal-based system. The mechanical/physical verification process is substituted by electronic wireless signal transmission and automatic data processing, dramatically reducing configuration time while preserving location accuracy
2Measurement precision
If administrators verify and audit wiring plans regularly, then location mapping accuracy is maintained, but management expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LAN Switch performs automatic location mapping without requiring administrator resources for verification and auditing. The system self-maintains accurate location information by continuously receiving wireless signals and automatically updating its port location mappings, eliminating ongoing management expenses while preserving mapping accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through wireless signal monitoring, where the LAN Switch automatically detects and processes location information from mobile devices. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures location mapping accuracy is maintained without requiring periodic manual audits, reducing management expenses while preserving precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses patch panels for reconfiguration, then wiring flexibility is improved, but the complexity of tracking port locations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical tracking of physical wiring plans and patch panel configurations with an automated wireless signal-based system. Instead of manually tracking cable connections through patch panels, the system uses wireless transceivers to automatically detect and map device locations to switch ports, maintaining wiring flexibility while eliminating tracking complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless signal-based location detection system serves multiple functions: it provides location mapping, automatically updates port configurations, and eliminates the need for separate wiring verification processes. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the adaptability provided by patch panels
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a device with a wireless transceiver and a network interface, such as a wireless location determination device or a laptop with wireless capability and an Ethernet port, is coupled to a network switch port via the network interface. A request for location data is sent via the wireless transceiver, and location data is provided to the wireless transceiver, enabling the location of the Ethernet outlet to which the switch port is connected to be determined.