Network Scanner Port Patching Analysis Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cabling systems face challenges in accurately detecting and managing patching configurations between ports, often leading to false indications due to shared common terminations and complex network configurations, which can result in ambiguity and errors in cable connection assessments.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that analyze patching among ports by injecting scan signals and sensing returned signals to determine true or false patching indications, using a network scanner with a processing unit and control and sensing unit to differentiate between concurrent and isolated connections, and identify shared non-isolated terminations across RJ-45 ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable detection is performed at port level using standard patch cords, then the system can monitor and control MAC work orders, but false indications occur due to shared common terminations and complex network configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cable detection process into multiple phases: initial port-level detection using standard patch cords, followed by targeted analysis of specific ports identified as potential false positives. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple port-level monitoring while adding complex analysis only where needed to resolve ambiguities caused by shared common terminations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary analysis mechanism that acts as a mediator between the initial detection phase and the final determination phase. This intermediary layer performs targeted signal injection and analysis on specific ports to resolve ambiguities, filtering out false indications caused by shared common terminations while maintaining overall system simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple concurrent patchings are detected between a first port and multiple ports of other panels, then the system can identify complex patching configurations, but it becomes difficult to determine which patching indication is false
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality analysis by examining specific ports individually rather than treating all ports uniformly. When multiple concurrent patchings are detected, the system identifies which specific ports are involved and applies targeted analysis to those local areas to determine false indications, allowing complex configuration handling without overwhelming computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection using standard patch cords to identify all potential patching configurations, then uses this initial information to guide subsequent targeted analysis. This preliminary action establishes a baseline that simplifies the later identification of false indications by providing context about which configurations are actually present versus which are false positives.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of analyzing patching among a first port of a first panel and ports of one or more other panels, comprising obtaining with respect to the first port of the first panel an indication of multiple concurrent patchings between the first port and each of two or more different ports of other panels, the two or more different ports including at least a second port and a third port; injecting a scan signal between the first port and the second port and sensing for a corresponding returned signal between the second and the third ports; determining that an indication of a patching between the first port and the second port is false when a returned signal corresponding to the scan signal is detected between the second and the third ports.