Low Energy Wireless Port State Sensor for Legacy Network Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy network facilities lack the necessary hardware and physical space to install port sensing and monitoring systems, inhibiting the ability to detect and communicate port state information effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing self-contained port sensor modules that use low energy wireless communications, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), to dynamically sense and transmit port state changes to a central monitor, eliminating the need for retrofitting and allowing flexible placement of the monitor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If port sensing and monitoring hardware is integrated into legacy network facilities, then port state information can be detected and communicated, but the facilities lack the necessary physical space and hardware to install such systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired port sensing hardware with wireless port state sensors that communicate via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). This substitution eliminates the need for physical wiring and reduces hardware installation requirements, allowing port monitoring in legacy facilities without sufficient physical space for traditional sensing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between port state sensors and the monitoring system. Instead of direct wired connections, BLE technology serves as a mediator to transmit port state information, enabling monitoring capability without requiring physical integration into the legacy facility's hardware architecture.
2Loss of information
If traditional wired port monitoring systems are installed, then port state information can be transmitted, but additional wiring and physical integration are required in legacy facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. Port state sensors transmit information via BLE radio waves instead of electrical signals through wires, dramatically simplifying installation in legacy facilities while maintaining complete port state information transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless port state sensors are designed as self-contained units that autonomously detect port state changes and transmit the information without requiring manual wiring or physical integration into the facility's existing infrastructure. This self-service capability reduces installation complexity while ensuring reliable information transmission.
3Ease of operation
If wireless port state sensors are used, then installation is simplified and no additional wiring is required, but wireless signal interference may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology with controlled transmission parameters to minimize interference. By optimizing transmission power, frequency selection, and duty cycle, the system achieves simple wireless installation while reducing harmful signal interference to acceptable levels.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for network port monitoring using low energy wireless communications are provided. In one embodiment, a device comprises: at least one port module, the at least one port module comprising one or more connector ports each configured to receive a connector of a network data cable; and a port state sensor that includes a port sensing circuit coupled to a sensor controller, wherein the port sensing circuit is configured to sense a port state for the one or more connector ports; wherein the sensor controller is configured to input the port state from the port sensing circuit, wherein in response to detecting a change in the port state from the port sensing circuit, the sensor controller wirelessly transmits port state information to a port state monitor.