Port Occupancy Management for Legacy Patching Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy patching systems lack infrastructure management capabilities due to the absence of sensors, processors, and physical space, making it challenging to automate connection tracking, and retrofitting these systems while maintaining service can be difficult and risky.
Innovation Solution
A system with port status input panels equipped with manually operable selector switches that allow technicians to enter and aggregate port occupancy status information, which is then transmitted to a remote infrastructure management system via a network, enabling remote monitoring and management of network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If legacy patching systems are retrofitted with sensors and processors to enable automated connection tracking, then infrastructure management capabilities are improved, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary component that mediates between the legacy patching system and the infrastructure management system. The gateway collects connection information from patch panels through manual or automated means and transmits it to the remote management system, enabling automated tracking without requiring complex integration of sensors and processors directly into the legacy patching equipment. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing automation capability while keeping the core patching system simple and compatible with legacy hardware.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If retrofitting work is performed while the patching system remains in service, then service continuity is maintained, but the risk of interrupting active traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary configuration of the infrastructure management system and gateway before the actual retrofitting of connection tracking components. The system can be prepared and tested in advance, allowing technicians to minimize the window of potential service disruption during the actual installation. Additionally, the system supports hot-swappable components and maintains existing operational functionality throughout the retrofit process, reducing the risk of unintentional traffic interruption while enabling service continuity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual tracking methods are used by technicians, then infrastructure management is maintained in legacy systems, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the infrastructure management system automatically receives and processes connection information from the patching system. When connections are made or changed at the patch panels, the system detects these changes (through manual input devices, sensors, or automated detection) and updates the connection database automatically. This feedback loop eliminates the need for technicians to manually record each connection change, significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining compatibility with legacy systems through various detection methods.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system for providing port occupancy management for a network connected device that includes a plurality of ports comprises: at least one port status input panel that comprises a plurality of manually operable port occupancy status selector switches, wherein each of the selector switches are associated with one or more of the ports; a control circuit coupled to the port status input panel, wherein the control circuit determines a port occupancy status for each of the ports based on signals initiated by the selector switches; a gateway coupled to the control circuit and configured to aggregate port occupancy status data for the network connected device based on the port occupancy status for each of the ports determined by the control circuit. The gateway executes at least one interface configured to provide the port occupancy status data to a remote system.