Network Cable Connector Location via Packet Triggered Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex network environments, administrators face difficulties in locating endpoint connectors of network cables due to entangled wiring and the complexity of managing cable endpoints across different racks, rooms, or buildings, with conventional solutions like paired tags being inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that capture incoming packets with specific identifiers from echo request instructions, triggering an indicating device to show the locations of endpoint connectors, using a packet capturing hardware device and examination logic integrated with a computer system or appliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If administrators manually check endpoint tags of every cable to locate connectors, then they can identify cable endpoints, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and inefficient in complex network environments with multiple racks and rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a locating module and indicating devices that mediate between the administrator and the cable endpoints. The locating module captures packets, processes identifiers, and triggers visual indicators at actual cable connector locations, serving as an intermediary that eliminates the need for manual tag checking across multiple racks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual process of physically checking tags on cables with an automated electronic system. The system uses packet capture, identifier processing, and electronic indication (lights or displays) to substitute the manual mechanical action of administrators physically tracing cables through racks and rooms
2Adaptability or versatility
If network cables are routed across different racks, rooms, and buildings to connect endpoints, then network coverage is expanded, but the complexity of managing and locating cable endpoints increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system responds to administrators' locating requests by capturing packets, processing identifiers, and providing visual feedback through indicating devices at the actual cable connector locations. This feedback loop allows administrators to quickly identify cable endpoints across distributed locations without manually tracing cables through multiple racks and rooms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal locating system that can identify cable endpoints regardless of their physical location - whether in the same rack, different rack, different room, or different building. The system processes identifiers and triggers indicators universally at any cable connector location, making the cable management solution adaptable to any network topology or physical layout
Data Source
AI summary
A method of locating one or more endpoint connectors of a network cable wherein the network cable includes a first endpoint connector and a second endpoint connector comprises: one or more processors capturing an incoming packet carrying therein a specific identifier, wherein the specific identifier is a specific bit string that has been predefined to trigger an activation of one or more indicating devices located on one or more endpoint connectors on the network cable; determining that the incoming packet carries therein the specific identifier; and in response to determining that the incoming packet carries therein the specific identifier, triggering an activation of a first indicating device indicative of a location of the first endpoint connector.