Patch Panel Cover Antenna Grid for RFID Cable Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing network cable connections in complex telecommunications or computer networks are inefficient and costly due to manual tracking and inaccuracy, which can lead to loss of network capacity and service disruptions.
Innovation Solution
An RF antenna grid is installed on a patch panel cover with protruding antennas in a 'U' shape to detect RFID tags on cable ends plugged into device ports, allowing for automatic determination of connections without disrupting existing network operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If RFID tags are placed on cable ends and a single independent receiver (antenna) is used at each device port, then automatic determination of cable connections can be achieved, but the cost becomes prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna functions into a single shared antenna by implementing time-division multiplexing. The antenna is sequentially activated to serve multiple device ports, replacing the need for multiple independent antennas. This merging approach maintains automatic connection determination capability while dramatically reducing the number of expensive RFID reader components required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns the single antenna to different device ports at different time intervals. The antenna is activated in sequence to detect RFID tags at various ports, with the system adapting its operation based on which port is currently being monitored. This dynamic time-division approach enables one antenna to perform the work of multiple antennas.
2Measurement precision
If an RF antenna grid is installed on existing patch panel systems, then accurate automated tracking of network cable connections is enabled, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single shared antenna is designed to serve multiple device ports universally through time-division multiplexing. Rather than requiring specialized antennas for each port, one antenna performs the detection function for all ports sequentially. This universal approach reduces installation complexity while maintaining measurement precision across all connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of installing multiple physical antennas at different locations with a single antenna that is dynamically controlled through software. This substitution of mechanical complexity with electronic control simplifies the physical installation while achieving the same measurement precision through intelligent signal processing and time-division management.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual tracking methods are used for network cable connections, then the initial setup is simple, but the accuracy and reliability of connection records deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-detection and self-recording of cable connections. When an RFID-tagged cable is plugged into a port, the antenna automatically detects the tag and the system automatically records the connection information. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual tracking operations while ensuring continuous accuracy, as the system autonomously updates connection records whenever changes occur in the network infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables accurate and automated tracking of network cable connections, reducing manual errors and costs associated with maintaining accurate records, while allowing for retrofitting on existing patch panel systems without disrupting network operations.
Implementation Method 1
RFID systems for the automatic determination of cable connections, by employing RFID tags on both cable ends and equipment ports
Data Source
AI summary
An RF antenna grid design in which the antenna array is installed on a patch panel cover allows for the retrofitting of an RF antenna grid on existing patch panel based systems without disrupting network operation. An apparatus for determining connectivity between device ports on a patch panel and cable ends having corresponding RFID tags attached thereto comprises a patch panel having a plurality of device ports and a patch panel cover comprising a plurality of RFID antennas, where each of the RFID antennas comprises one or more protruding portions thereof, each of the protruding portions of the RFID antennas being in close physical proximity to one or more of the plurality of device ports when the patch panel cover is positioned in a fixed positional relationship to the patch panel (e.g., when the patch panel cover is “attached” to the patch panel).