Passive ID Chip Patch Cord Tracking System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for managing and tracking physical layer connections in LAN infrastructure are complex, costly, and lack efficiency, particularly in accurately documenting connections without requiring active devices or continuous power, leading to increased maintenance and reduced longevity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of ID chips on patch cords and panels that communicate unique identifiers, allowing for accurate tracking of connections between patch panels and devices, even when one end of the patch cord is disconnected, using a simpler and more cost-effective passive system that reduces power consumption and cable complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If active devices and continuous power are used to track connections, then connection tracking accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passive ID chips embedded in patch cords automatically provide identification information without requiring external power or active processing. The chips are read by scanners that passively query the connection endpoints, eliminating the need for powered devices at each connection point while maintaining accurate tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active electronic systems with passive identification tags (ID chips) that store connection information. Instead of using powered devices to actively report their status, the system uses passive chips that can be queried and read, substituting mechanical/electronic storage with passive identification fields.
2Loss of information
If scanner devices and software systems are deployed to track physical layer connections, then connection documentation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from complex active devices and embeds it directly into the patch cords themselves via passive ID chips. This separates the identification data storage from the scanning/processing equipment, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses passive ID chips that contain copied identification information about the patch cord and its connections. Instead of requiring complex real-time tracking, the system reads pre-stored identification data from these simple chip copies, greatly reducing system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If 9th wire systems with contacts are used to track connections, then connection tracking capability is improved, but cable complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive passive ID chips embedded in patch cords rather than complex 9th wire systems with additional contacts. These simple chips can be manufactured at low cost and integrated into standard patch cords without requiring modified cable constructions or additional wiring infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for deriving connectivity information among telecommunications devices. The system includes a system including a database identifying the telecommunications devices and ports associated with each of the telecommunications devices. A bus master consolidation point (BMCP) is in communication with the system over a network. A data and power consolidation point (DPCP) is in communication with the BMCP over a first bus connection. A patch panel is in communication with the DPCP over a second bus connection, the patch panel including a controller for transmitting and receiving port identification data. The patch panel forwards received port identification data to the DPCP over the second bus connection, the DPCP forwards receiving port identification data to the BMCP over the first bus connection and the BMCP the forwards port identification data to the system over the network. The system correlates received port identification data with the database to determine connectivity among the telecommunications devices.