Intelligent Patch Panel Port Identification and Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current patch cord management systems in communications networks lack efficient documentation and revision capabilities, especially in interconnect and cross-connect configurations, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies in tracking changes within patch fields.
Innovation Solution
A patch cord management system utilizing intelligent patch panels with appliqués on network switches, featuring indicator lights and unique identifier codes for each port, which guides technicians through the installation and management of patch cord connections, ensuring real-time and reliable documentation across interconnect and cross-connect configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional patch cord management systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but documentation reliability and tracking accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments patch cord management into distinct functional components: intelligent patch panels with port identifiers, appliques with unique identifiers, indicator lights for status display, and a documentation system. Each component performs a specific function, improving overall documentation reliability while keeping individual elements manageable in complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms through indicator lights that provide real-time status information about patch cord connections. The documentation system continuously updates and tracks connection changes, providing feedback on the current state of the patch field, which improves documentation reliability through continuous verification
2Productivity
If manual documentation methods are used, then the system complexity is low, but productivity and documentation accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent patch panel system performs self-documentation by automatically detecting and recording patch cord connections between ports. The system self-updates documentation when connections are made or changed, eliminating the need for manual documentation and significantly improving productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through automated processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical documentation processes with electronic detection and digital documentation. Sensors and identification circuits automatically detect connections and update documentation systems, substituting manual labor with automated electronic systems to improve productivity
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive tracking of patch cord changes is implemented, then documentation accuracy improves, but the impact on existing networks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses appliques as intermediary components attached to network switches, which contain unique identifiers and communication interfaces. These appliques mediate between the existing network infrastructure and the documentation system, enabling accurate tracking of connections while minimizing direct integration complexity with existing networks
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent patch panel and applique system is designed to support multiple network configurations including interconnect and cross-connect arrangements. The universal design allows the same system to accurately track connections across different network topologies without requiring configuration-specific hardware, reducing integration complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A communication network device and corresponding patch field system are disclosed. The device includes a port module, ports, and an appliqué attached to a face of the port module. The appliqué includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with conductive pads. A patch cord connects the device with an intelligent patch panel. The patch cord contains at least one system wire. The patch panel is adapted to measure a resistance associated with each port via the system wire. An open circuit indicates that no patch cord is attached to the port, a resistance within a first range indicates that the patch cord is attached only to the port of the intelligent patch panel, and a resistance within a second range less than the first range indicates that the patch cord connects the intelligent patch panel and the device.