U.S. patent application number 09/991836 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-11 for network revision system with probe.
Invention is credited to Caveney, Jack E..
Application Number | 20020090858 09/991836 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27500428 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020090858 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Caveney, Jack E. |
July 11, 2002 |
Network revision system with probe
Abstract
A revision system for a network having a plurality of data
ports, pairs of the data ports being connectable by a patch cord to
place the pairs of data ports into communication with each other,
the revision system including a computer processor, a plurality of
port plates corresponding to and disposed proximately to at least a
plurality of the data ports, a scanner in communication with the
computer processor, the scanner capable of polling at least some of
the port plates for determining information therefrom, a plurality
of local system ports disposed at distinct physical locations
within the system, the local system ports in communication with the
computer processor, and a probe for connecting to respective ones
of the plurality of local system ports and respective ones of the
plurality of port plates, whereby when the probe is connected to
one of the local system ports and one of the port plates, the probe
may display information about corresponding ones of the data ports
in the system.
Inventors: |
Caveney, Jack E.; (Hinsdale,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jay A. Saltzman
Panduit Corp.
Legal Department -- TP12
17301 S. Ridgeland Avenue
Tinley Park
IL
60477
US
|
Family ID: |
27500428 |
Appl. No.: |
09/991836 |
Filed: |
November 23, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60252517 |
Nov 22, 2000 |
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60257396 |
Dec 22, 2000 |
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60270811 |
Feb 23, 2001 |
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60297289 |
Jun 11, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
439/490 ; 439/43;
439/578 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 43/0817 20130101;
H04Q 2201/802 20130101; H01R 11/18 20130101; H04M 3/229 20130101;
H01R 24/62 20130101; H04Q 1/144 20130101; H04Q 1/136 20130101; H04L
41/0813 20130101; H04L 43/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/490 ;
439/578; 439/620; 439/43 |
International
Class: |
H01R 003/00; H01R
009/05 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A revision system for a network having a plurality of data
ports, pairs of said data ports being connectable to place said
pairs of data ports into communication with each other, said
revision system comprising: a computer processor; a plurality of
port plates corresponding to and disposed proximately to at least a
plurality of said data ports; a scanner in communication with said
computer processor, said scanner capable of polling at least some
of said port plates for determining information therefrom; a
plurality of local system ports disposed at distinct physical
locations within said system, said local system ports in
communication with said computer processor; and a probe for
connecting to respective ones of said plurality of local system
ports and respective ones of said plurality of port plates, whereby
when said probe is connected to one of said local system ports and
one of said port plates, said probe may thereby display information
about a corresponding one of said data ports in said system.
2. A revision system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
plurality of data ports are distributed over and disposed upon a
plurality of network racks and each of said racks includes at least
one local system port disposed proximately thereto.
3. A revision system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said system
further includes a second probe for connecting to respective ones
of said plurality of local system ports and respective ones of said
port plates, wherein when said second probe is connected to one of
said local system ports and one of said port plates, said second
probe may thereby display information about a corresponding one of
said data ports in said system, said second probe being able to
function on said revision system simultaneously with said other
probe.
4. A revision system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
scanner periodically polls all of said data ports in said
system.
5. A probe for use in a revision system including a plurality of
data ports, pairs of said data ports being connectable to place
said pairs of data ports into communication with each other, a
computer processor, port plates corresponding to and disposed
proximately to at least a plurality of said data ports, a scanner
in communication with said computer processor, said scanner capable
of polling at least some of said port plates for determining
information therefrom, and a plurality of local system ports
disposed at distinct physical locations within said system, said
local system ports in communication with said computer processor,
said probe comprising: a system port connector for enabling
connection with respective ones of said local system ports; a port
plate connector for enabling connection with respective ones of
said port plates; and an indicator for conveying information to the
user information regarding the status of the revision system.
6. A probe in accordance with claim 5 wherein said indicator
includes a visual indicator.
7. A probe in accordance with claim 6 wherein said visual indicator
includes a light-emitting diode.
8. A probe in accordance with claim 6 wherein said visual indicator
includes a liquid crystal display.
9. A probe in accordance with claim 6 wherein said visual indicator
includes a color display screen.
10. A probe in accordance with claim 5 wherein one of said data
ports includes a patch cord plug inserted therein, said patch cord
plug including a plug extension for contacting said corresponding
port plate when said patch cord plug is inserted in said data
port.
11. A probe in accordance with claim 10 wherein said patch cord
plug includes a plug plate thereon, said plug plate being
connectable to said probe.
12. A probe in accordance with claim 11 wherein said probe includes
a specialized connector for contacting said plug plate.
13. A method for obtaining information regarding the status of a
revision system, said revision system including a plurality of data
ports, pairs of said data ports being connectable to place said
pairs of data ports into communication with each other, a computer
processor, port plates corresponding to and disposed proximately to
at least a plurality of said data ports, a scanner in communication
with said computer processor, said scanner capable of polling at
least some of said port plates for determining information
therefrom, and a plurality of local system ports disposed at
distinct physical locations within said system, said local system
ports in communication with said computer processor, said method
comprising the steps of: providing a probe having a system port
connector, a port plate connector, and an indicator; connecting
said system port connector to one of said plurality of local system
ports; connecting said data port connector to one of said port
plates in said system; and observing said indicator to obtain
information regarding the status of said revision system.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is claiming priority to the following
previously filed U.S. provisional patent applications: Serial Nos.
60/252,517 filed Nov. 22, 2000; 60/257,396 filed Dec. 22, 2000;
60/270,811 filed Feb. 23, 2001; and 60/297,289 filed Jun. 11, 2001;
the entirety of the previously filed applications being
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As communication network utilization and technology
continues to escalate, the typical local area network (LAN) is
simultaneously growing larger and denser, resulting in an
exponential growth in the number of cord connections needed between
ports in respective patch panels, communication switches,
equipment, etc., to maintain appropriate network functionality.
Each such connection typically entails a cord (cable) of suitable
type connecting a pair of jacks, adapters, or other connector ports
in the network. Sometimes the connected ports are only inches
apart; other times, the ports are disposed relatively farther
apart. As the density and volume of needed cabling has increased,
"spaghetti" cabling, a term colorfully describing a dense, chaotic
arrangement of cables and the resultant difficulty of tracking a
single cable from end to end in the LAN, has correspondingly become
more commonplace and more problematic.
[0003] A primary purpose of LANs is to strategically place most or
all of the routing-determinative connective hardware of a network
within a single location so as to increase the efficiency of
reconfiguring routing and communications connections. This purpose
is being significantly thwarted by the increased presence and
severity of spaghetti cabling, particularly when larger LANs are
involved.
[0004] Nevertheless, until fairly recently, LAN operators primarily
maintained only manual documentation relating to LAN connections,
an endeavor that has become increasingly daunting as LAN size and
sophistication continues to proliferate. Under a manual
documentation scheme, when changes were needed in a particular LAN
configuration, the operator would be faced with the complex problem
of determining whether and which cords needed to be added, removed,
or transferred (re-routed on one end). The problem became even more
complex when the order of such steps needed to be considered, i.e.,
which cord to change before which other cord. The problem became
still more complex when one considered cord length issues. Assuming
the LAN operator even kept accurate records about the length of
cord used to maintain particular connections within the LAN, there
would still be the formidable task of determining whether a
particular cord was sufficiently long, for example, to be moved
from a particular port on one network rack to a different port on
another network rack.
[0005] In many of the LAN installations today, time is of the
essence in completing required revisions to the LAN cabling
configuration. For example, if electronic network equipment
malfunctions, critical communications could be interrupted,
necessitating rapid connection of a destination to a new source,
which, in turn, requires a rapid change in the LAN cabling. When a
revision to the LAN cabling configuration is made, it is essential
that each step is performed correctly. If a cabling revision step
is made incorrectly, it could disrupt vital communications.
[0006] In addition, given the high cost of technically skilled
labor, employing an operator and one or more revisors to
sporadically or continuously monitor and reconfigure a LAN, can be
very costly. Thus, trying to efficiently reconfigure these
spaghetti cable networks has become very complex, very time
consuming, very confusing, and very costly. As such, there has been
a need for an improved manner of monitoring and reconfiguring such
systems. Fortunately, networking problems of the type described are
efficiently addressed by computer algorithms, and some efforts have
been made to address the problem of inefficient and costly
reconfiguration in this manner.
[0007] In particular, the use of polling terminals in a patch panel
and automatic documentation of configurational changes is disclosed
in UK patent application GB2236398A to Carter et al, filed Sep. 29,
1989. "The Great Cabling Treasure Hunt" by Mary Jander, published
Mar. 21, 1991 in Data Communications, discusses some ways in which
software can help LAN administrators gain and maintain control over
their organization's cabling resources. U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,467 to
Krupke et al. discloses a particular example of such an application
in which a computer or microprocessor employs a scanner to
continuously sense the interconnection arrangement or configuration
of the LAN cabling. Much in line with the teachings of the Carter
application, Krupke discloses the logic circuitry of the computer
or microprocessor receiving intermittent scanning inputs through a
detection matrix to insure that the actual cabling configuration is
in conformity with what is designed. The Krupke scanner may provide
an interconnection status output to the computer or to a dedicated
output device. One type of dedicated output device for displaying
the interconnection status of a LAN is an array of lights disposed
in corresponding relationship to particular ports within the
LAN.
[0008] It is thus known to have a LAN with output lights associated
with particular ports in the network wherein the lights are
selectively lit to indicate information relating to the comparison
between an existing connection pattern and a predetermined desired
connection configuration. Such systems have proven to be fairly
advantageous relative to the difficulty of manually monitoring,
documenting, and changing configurations. Nevertheless, the
automatic documentation and reconfiguration systems developed to
date have significant shortcomings with regard to reconfiguring LAN
cabling.
[0009] Reconfigurations typically entail a LAN revisor performing a
series of revisions to the connections between ports by cords.
Sometimes it is necessary to introduce a new cord to connect two
previously open ports within the network, thereby adding
("addition") a cord to the system. Other times, one needs to
completely remove ("removal") an already installed cord, thereby
disconnecting the cord from two ports previously connected to one
another. Sometimes, one end of a cord needs to be moved from one
port to another ("transfer") while the other end stays connected.
In an automatic documentation and reconfiguration management
system, such as one controlled by a computer or processor as
described generally above, hereinafter called "the system," a
reconfiguration typically involves a series of instructions, i.e.,
additions, removals, and transfers, communicated by the system to
the revisor, which may include communication by illuminating
appropriate lights corresponding to the relevant ports where cords
need to be plugged in or removed.
[0010] Currently, under one such automatic revision system, for
example, to indicate a necessary "addition", lights are illuminated
adjacent the two ports into which the cord ends must be inserted.
Since the system cannot ascertain a change in the configuration
until both ends are plugged in, the lights do not change upon
insertion of the first end of the cord, but both turn off when the
second end is appropriately inserted. As such, when the revisor
inserts the first end of the cord, there is no light signal or
other confirmation to indicate whether he has correctly completed
this step. Given the high density of data ports in current networks
and the usual need for a reconfiguration to be performed quickly,
the rate of revisor error is significant. Additionally, if the two
lights are in places where they cannot be seen from where the
revisor is standing, the revisor must first find both lights,
visually approximate the distance between them, and guess at the
minimal length of cord needed to connect the corresponding ports.
Of course, a cord that is too short will result in a failed effort
to make the connection, thereby wasting expensive time; a cord that
is too long will produce wasteful slack that contributes to
spaghetti cabling.
[0011] Currently for removals, lights are typically illuminated
next to the two ports from which the respective cord ends must be
removed. Since the connection to the system is broken by the
removal of the first end from the first port, the system considers
the cord "removed" when the first end is removed. For reasons of
waste, cost, spaghetti cabling, and freeing the second port for
future use, it is necessary to remove the second end of the cord.
Because the cord is considered removed upon the removal of its
first end, however, the two lights are both turned off at this
point, thereby making it very difficult for the revisor to find the
other end of the cord, particularly if the length of the cord is
partially or totally hidden. Furthermore, the revisor will have no
light indicator or other confirmation if and when he correctly
performs the removal of the other end.
[0012] It is not known whether prior systems employ specialized
routines for transferring a cord end from one port to another, but
one might presume that transfers in prior systems are performed by
breaking them down into a cord removal followed by a subsequent
cord addition. Sometimes, such a procedure would result in the
inefficient unplugging of a cord end from a port only to have the
same end immediately reinserted into the same data port in the
subsequent step. Thus, additions, removals, and transfers still can
be very cumbersome with current electronic systems and have much
inefficiency existent in current procedures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In one form of the invention there is a revision system for
a network having a plurality of data ports, pairs of the data ports
being connectable to place the pairs of data ports into
communication with each other, the revision system including a
computer processor, a plurality of port plates corresponding to and
disposed proximately to at least a plurality of the data ports, a
scanner in communication with the computer processor, the scanner
capable of polling at least some of the port plates for determining
information therefrom, a plurality of local system ports disposed
at distinct physical locations within the system, the local system
ports in communication with the computer processor, and a probe for
connecting to respective ones of the plurality of local system
ports and respective ones of the plurality of port plates, whereby
when the probe is connected to one of the local system ports and
one of the port plates, the probe may thereby display information
about a corresponding one of the data ports in the system.
[0014] In another form of the invention there is provided a probe
for use in a revision system including a plurality of data ports,
pairs of the data ports being connectable to place the pairs of
data ports into communication with each other, a computer
processor, port plates corresponding to and disposed proximately to
at least a plurality of the the data ports, a scanner in
communication with the computer processor, the scanner capable of
polling at least some of the data port plates for determining
information therefrom, and a plurality of local system ports
disposed at distinct physical locations within the system, the
local system ports in communication with the computer processor,
the probe including a system port connector for enabling connection
with respective ones of the local system ports, a port plate
connector for enabling connection with respective ones of the port
plates, and an indicator for conveying information to the user
information regarding the status of the revision system.
[0015] In yet another form of the invention, there is provided a
method for obtaining information regarding the status of a revision
system, the revision system including a plurality of data ports,
pairs of the data ports being connectable to place the pairs of
data ports into communication with each other, a computer
processor, port plates corresponding to and disposed proximately to
at least a plurality of the data ports, a scanner in communication
with the computer processor, the scanner capable of polling at
least some of the port plates for determining information
therefrom, and a plurality of local system ports disposed at
distinct physical locations within the system, the local system
ports in communication with the computer processor, the method
including the steps of providing a probe having a system port
connector, a data port connector, and an indicator, connecting the
system port connector to one of the plurality of local system
ports, connecting the data port connector to one of the data ports
in the system, and observing the indicator to obtain information
regarding the status of the revision system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric-type view of a patch cord in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic isometric-type view of a probe in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention wherein the probe is
engaged with a plug from a patch cord.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] The invention is directed to apparatus and methods for
facilitating the efficient maintenance and/or reconfiguration of a
LAN using a system which includes an automatic direction and
response system and a scanner system.
[0019] The complete disclosures of the previously filed provisional
patent applications Serial Nos. 60/252,517 filed Nov. 22, 2000;
60/257,396 filed Dec. 22, 2000; 60/270,811 filed Feb. 23, 2001; and
60/297,289 filed Jun. 11, 2001 are incorporated herein by
reference.
[0020] The LAN may include a scanner, an optional information
module, a number of network racks having arrays of ports
interconnected by a large number of cords, and a multitude of
system ports for connection to the system. Like other LAN
reconfiguration direction and response systems, instructions for
reconfiguring the LAN are determined and communicated by a computer
system or the like which controls the LAN. However, relative to
currently existing systems, in a preferred embodiment of the
invention, the instructions provide more direction to the revisor,
the instructions are more specific, the instructions provide a more
efficient sequence of steps to implement the desired
reconfiguration, the instructions are delivered more accessibly to
the revisor, and the revisor receives immediate confirmation upon
completion of each step in a revision/reconfiguration.
[0021] Among the many improvements contemplated by the present
invention is the conveyance of more information about a particular
step within a reconfiguration. In particular, the inventive system
may include an optional information module having an output display
for the revisor to carry with him during the reconfiguration. The
information module can access information from the system from
anywhere in the LAN by plugging it into one of a number of system
ports for communication with the system. Such an information module
may preferably include an appropriately configured jack for
receiving one end of a patch cord to thereby electrically connect
the patch cord (and any data port at the end thereof) to the system
through the information module. Wireless communication between the
information module and the system is also considered possible and
contemplated to be within the scope of the invention. Carrying the
information module obviates the need for the revisor to
repetitively return to one designated site within the LAN where
instructions are visually displayed, such as on a computer monitor,
or carry with him a printed series of instructions.
[0022] The information module can provide very specific
instructions relating to a particular addition, removal, or
transfer, providing information such as port numbers and/or rack
locations, cord length information and/or whether a replacement
cord is needed, etc. In addition to the display, the information
module may have a light or other form of visual, audio, or
vibratory indicator to indicate that new instructions have been
presented or are accessible on the display. For example, a light
may blink or otherwise change state when the revisor acknowledges
receipt of instructions (such as by pressing a button or key on the
portable controller) and/or turn off or otherwise change state when
the necessary reconfigurational steps presented on the display have
been completed by the revisor. The information module may be a
device of custom design, or may be a type of small computer, such
as a lap-top or hand-held computer. The computer system, among
other things, may account for all patch cords, both currently
installed and in storage, by type and length to ensure that the
optimum cord for a particular reconfigurational step can be rapidly
located.
[0023] Either as an alternative to, or as a supplement to, the
above-described information module, an array of more sophisticated
indicators (correspondingly proximately placed relative to the data
ports) may be used in accordance with the invention. Indicators
having at least two states, but preferably more than two states,
are correspondingly disposed proximately to some or all of the
ports in the LAN. A two-state indicator, for example, may be a
simple light having an "on" state and an "off" state. More than two
states may be indicated, by way of example, by a light capable of
being "on", "off", or "blinking"; by lights capable of blinking at
differing rates; by a pair of lights correspondingly proximate to
some or all ports; and by lights capable of alternatively emitting
one of a number of distinct colors. Within a given LAN, particular
states or colors may universally represent particular steps. For
example, a "continuously on" light may indicate the need for a cord
to be inserted into the corresponding port, while a "blinking"
light may indicate the need for a cord to be removed from the
corresponding port (and a light that turns "off" may indicate that
no additional action is needed with respect to the corresponding
port).
[0024] In an embodiment of the invention, this system of improved
output apparatus facilitates more efficient procedures for
reconfiguring a LAN. For example, if one desires to perform the
reconfigurational step of adding or installing a cord into two open
ports of a LAN, the information module, after preferable
acknowledgment, would first instruct the revisor to select an
optimum type and length of patch cord. Additionally or
alternatively, the information module would display or direct him
to one or both of the two destination ports. For example, the
information module may provide rack and port numbers or may even be
programmed to display a map of the entire LAN or a section of the
LAN with the particular port(s) indicated on the map.
[0025] Assuming for example that the revisor had been instructed as
to the optimal cord and had obtained such cord, the information
module would then direct the revisor to the general location of the
first LAN port to which the cord should be installed. Upon reaching
that general location, the revisor plugs a second end of the cord
into an information module port or optionally a local system port
and the first end of the cord into the first designated LAN port
(identified by a light illuminated to a particular state, (such as
"continuously on"). If the first end has been installed into the
correct LAN port, the system turns off the light corresponding to
that LAN port while simultaneously providing directional
instructions to the revisor relative to the second LAN port. The
system may also concurrently illuminate the light corresponding to
the second LAN port needing to be connected.
[0026] After removing the second end of the cord from the
information module port or system port, the revisor travels to the
general location of the second LAN port. When the revisor arrives
at the second general location, he may, if the second port has
already been identified by an illuminated light adjacent thereto,
then plug the second end of the cord into the second LAN port,
thereby completing the installation. Alternatively, the system may
require him to plug the second end of the cord into a local system
port, or a port on an information module connected thereto, at the
second general location which prompts the system to illuminate a
light next to the second LAN port, after which the revisor then
removes the second end of the cord from the system port or
information module port before inserting it into the second LAN
port. In either case, the system senses the completion of the
needed addition/installation, turns off the illuminated light, and
proceeds to the next needed reconfigurational step, if any. If the
revisor inserts either end into a wrong port, the light will not
turn off and the revisor will thereby know he has erred before he
proceeds with any subsequent steps. Furthermore, no subsequent
steps will be provided by the system or information module until
the present step is properly completed.
[0027] As compared with previous systems employing automatic
documentation and reconfiguration instructions, the above apparatus
and procedure facilitates the addition/installation step in that it
immediately tells the revisor if he has plugged the cord into the
correct LAN port. The change in the status of each light will not
occur if he has not plugged the cord into the specified LAN port.
In previous systems, when the revisor plugs the first end into a
port, there is no indication that he has plugged it into the
correct port. The present system, unlike its predecessors, also may
provide specific information about the type and length of cord
needed for the application. Additionally, the information module
may direct the revisor to an illuminated LAN port to assist the
revisor in finding it. Finding illuminated LAN ports, particularly
in a large network, can be frustrating and expensively
time-consuming.
[0028] The present inventive apparatus and method provide similar
advantages to the step of removal. With respect to the removal
step, after preferable acknowledgment by the revisor, the system
illuminates a first LAN port corresponding to the first end of the
cord to be removed. Simultaneously, the information module may
direct the revisor to the location of the preferably blinking light
(blinking indicates removal rather than insertion in a preferred
embodiment). When the revisor removes the cord from the blinking
LAN port, the system senses the broken connection and turns off the
blinking light to indicate that the proper cord end was removed.
The information module may direct the revisor to a second general
location or a second LAN port corresponding to the second end of
the cord to be removed and the system may begin to blink the light
of the LAN port. Optionally, upon arriving at the second location,
the revisor then plugs the free end of the cord into the
information module port or system port and the system reacts by
beginning to blink the light at the LAN port where the second end
of the cord needs to be removed. When the second end of the cord is
removed, the blinking light is turned off by the system to again
confirm proper removal. The system may then instruct regarding the
next step in the reconfiguration, whether the next step is an
addition, removal, or transfer.
[0029] As compared with current automatic documentation and
reconfiguration systems, the removal step is improved in that for
each segment of the removal process, only one light is lit/blinking
to indicate removal of a specified plug, and this light is turned
off by the system only when and immediately when the plug is
removed from the specified LAN port. Under prior systems, both
lights are typically lit at first, and the removal of one end of
the cord turns off both lights, making finding and removing the
second end very difficult, time-consuming, and subject to
error.
[0030] With regard to the transfer step, the system can
theoretically determine and advise the revisor if a cord is long
enough for a proposed transfer step or if a cord is longer than
required and how much longer. After preferable acknowledgment, the
light proximate to the end of the cord to be moved begins to blink
while the information module directs the revisor to the
corresponding LAN port. Once the first end of the cord is removed,
the blinking light will turn off to confirm proper end removal and
the light at the new destination port illuminates continuously. The
information module directs the revisor to the newly illuminated
port where he inserts the recently removed first end into its new
location, thereby completing the transfer step and causing the
system to turn off the illuminated port light. If, however, the
cord is not of appropriate length to complete the transfer step,
the revisor may push a designated button or key on the information
module to prompt the computer to provide an alternative series of
instructions, such as one that accomplishes the transfer by means
of a removal followed by an addition. In this manner, the transfer
can be effected and optimal cord length maintained, thereby
avoiding deleterious slack.
[0031] As with the previous types of reconfigurational steps,
several advantages accrue relative to status quo automatic
documentation and reconfiguration systems with respect to a
transfer. Each time the revisor plugs or unplugs a cord end as
specified with regard to a LAN port, the light status at that LAN
port immediately changes telling the revisor he has correctly
completed that step. In addition, the system may direct the revisor
to the location of the next step. The preferably multi-state output
indicators (lights) avoid revisor confusion about when cords need
to be inserted or removed and from which ports they need to be
removed and into which ports they need to be inserted.
Additionally, the present system may accomplish a transfer with
fewer revisor steps than prior systems if the existing cord is
appropriate for the new connection.
[0032] The prime advantage of one preferred embodiment of the
inventive system is to illuminate only one LAN port light at a time
and to turn that light off only when and immediately when the step
required at that port has been correctly completed. In a preferred
embodiment, plugging one end of an attached LAN cord into the
information module port or system port is a key action in being
able to ascertain more information from the system during the
addition, removal, and transfer steps, and this feature very
clearly sets the inventive apparatus and methods apart from prior
systems. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the lights at
two LAN ports are on simultaneously during at least a part of the
procedure, however, the light signal associated with each step at
each LAN port changes only when and immediately when that step has
been correctly completed.
[0033] In general, during normal operation of the system, a full
scanning process and comparative analysis is repeated over a
certain time interval such that the entire configuration of the LAN
can be determined upon each polling and the results of a specific
polling can be compared to those of an immediately previous one to
indicate any configurational change which has been completed. While
providing very complete information, this full scanning and
analysis process may be lengthy in a large LAN and may cause
significant delay between pollings. Most of the time, during normal
use, such a delay is acceptable and not at all problematic. During
a reconfiguration of the LAN, however, such a delay could
potentially add significant time to the reconfiguration process
because the revisor would have to wait for the system to complete a
scan and analysis to confirm that each configuration change he had
completed was correct, thereby rendering less effective the very
advantageous indicator confirmation that is preferably immediate.
To allay this potential problem, the inventive system contemplates
the preferable use of a specialized targeted scan or targeted
analysis of scan results during the revision process. Such a
targeted scan or targeted focus on particular results could, for
example, merely analyze the information module port or system port
and any ports corresponding to illuminated lights (activated output
indicators). Such a focused analysis would sense all proper
configurational changes during the revision process, but would
require only an infinitesimal fraction of the time delay
necessitated by a full scanning and analysis process. This
abbreviated analysis permits the effectively immediate confirmation
provided by the invention.
[0034] The revision process and its preferred limited analysis
would preferably be initiated by the acknowledgment of the revisor
and would preferably be terminated by an automatic return to the
global scan and analysis of normal operation upon proper completion
of all the necessary steps of a revision.
[0035] One form of the invention contemplates the use of a probe by
the revisor of the network configuration. The probe is preferably
easy for the revisor to carry around with him, and each rack in the
network preferably has a system outlet for plugging in the probe.
Thus, the probe may have similar function for the information
module except that, rather than receiving a patch cord already
connected to a date port, the probe may be inserted into the data
port. The probe preferably has a housing with an LCD screen to
convey information about the system, revision steps, cord
specifications, etc. during the revision process. The probe may
also have one or more push buttons or keys whereby the revisor can
input information into the system, such as an acknowledgment of
receipt of instructions, indication that a particular cord does not
meet specifications, etc. The probe may include one or more
integral signal lights for alerting the revisor as to the presence
of new instructions on the LCD screen or providing supplemental
information, for example. Emanating from the housing of the probe
is a probe cable having a probe plug at the remote end thereof. The
probe cable is preferably a multi-conductor electrical cable. The
probe plug is configured to mechanically and electrically cooperate
with the system outlets such that the probe can be plugged into the
system from various locations within the network. As an alternative
to the LCD screen being on the probe, an LCD or other display may
be located in series with the probe cable. The probe includes at
least one conductive probe element with which it can be placed in
electrical contact with the system for the purpose of testing the
location of a particular LAN port or plug. At least one embodiment
of the invention provides for two differently configured probe
elements emanating from the probe housing for testing different
parts of the system. The housing may also include one or more
lights for illuminating an area in the direction of one or more of
the probe elements for assisting the revisor in better seeing where
to contact a probe element for system testing.
[0036] Use of the probe in the present invention is contemplated to
be associated with conductive contact elements, such as port plates
associated with and adjacent to each of the data ports in the LAN.
Each such port plate is independently connected to the system. The
system utilizes specialized cabling for making electrical
connections between specified ports. In particular, the cords, like
most other such cords, have plugs on each end of the cord for
plugging into particular data ports. Unlike most other cords,
however, the specialized cords contemplated to be in accordance
with the invention include plug extensions extending transversely
from the plugs and configured to cooperatingly mechanically and
electrically engage the port plates associated with and adjacent to
the respective ports into which the plug is inserted. In a
preferable embodiment, the mechanical and electrical engagement
between the plug extensions and the port plates may be encouraged
by spring-loading or other biasing means. Of course, each plug
extension must have a conductive contact element for electrically
engaging the port plate, though it may also include insulative
dielectric structure to provide mechanical strength and to protect
against short circuits. The conductive portions of the plug
extensions on opposite ends of a cord are in electrical contact
with one another and are preferably electrically connected by a
wire or the like in the cord. Each of the plug extensions may
preferably also include an electrical contact ("plug plate") on the
back thereof for providing a testing site for a probe element in
accordance with the invention. Also, the plug extension may include
a diode or other electrical element between the conductive portion
which contacts the port plate and the plug plate on the back of the
plug extension.
[0037] One embodiment of the invention functions as described
below. The revisor plugs the probe plug into any system outlet.
When a LAN cabling revision is to be performed, a signal light on
the probe housing illuminates continuously or blinks rapidly to
indicate to the revisor that a cabling revision is to be performed.
In one embodiment of the invention, if the light is illuminated
continuously, this indicates that the revisor must add/install a
new cord into the system; if the light is blinking rapidly, this
indicates that the revisor must subtract/remove a cord from the
system. The processes for addition and removal of a cord are both
two-step processes wherein each step deals with one of the two ends
of the cord being added or removed.
[0038] In the case that the signal light is continuously
illuminated, the screen on the probe housing will simultaneously
indicate the type and length of cord required for the addition.
After the revisor obtains the designated cord, he presses a push
button or key on the probe housing or screen, thereby informing the
system that he is in possession of the appropriate cord. Upon
pushing the button or key, the system responds by providing the
location in the LAN at which step one of the addition is to be
made. Such information might include the room number, the rack
number, the patch panel or equipment number, and the data port
number. In this embodiment, the LCD screen displays only room and
rack information. Once the revisor has traveled to the appropriate
rack, he plugs the probe plug into the system outlet on the
particular rack. If and only if the revisor has plugged the probe
into the appropriate rack, the system will then turn on the
illumination light, the signal light will again illuminate to a
continuously "on" state, and new instructions will appear on the
LCD screen. The new instructions will include the data port number
(and possibly a patch panel or equipment number) into which one end
of the cord is to be inserted. Once the revisor has found the LAN
data port he believes to be the one specified by the LCD screen
instructions, he touches the probe element to the port plate
adjacent to and corresponding with the found port. Upon touching,
and thereby making an electrical connection between the port plate
and the probe element, the signal light on the probe will switch
from its continuously on state to a slowly blinking state if and
only if the correct port has been identified by the revisor. Upon
removing the probe element from the port plate, the signal light on
the probe housing will return to its previous continuously on
state. If an incorrect port plate is touched by the probe, the
signal light on the probe housing will not be affected. In this
manner, the revisor can confirm the correctness of the port he has
identified by noting whether the signal light changes state when
the probe element is touched to the corresponding port plate. Upon
determining that he has identified the correct port, the revisor
then inserts one of the new cord plugs into the specified port. In
doing so, the plug extension extending from the inserted plug will
simultaneously cover and make electrical contact with the port
plate corresponding to the port. Now the revisor confirms that he
has inserted the cord plug into the correct port by touching the
probe element to the plug plate on the back of the plug extension.
The signal light on the probe housing will again change state from
continuously on to slowly blinking if the cord plug was inserted
into the correct port; otherwise, no change in the signal light on
the probe housing will occur. The change of state will permit the
revisor to know that he has correctly performed the first step of
the addition while simultaneously informing the system that the
first step is completed. Thus, when the revisor removes the probe
element from the plug plate, the system again puts the signal light
on the probe housing to a continuously on state while the LCD
screen displays instructions to begin performance of the second
step of the addition process.
[0039] If the second step of the addition process is at the same
rack location, the illumination light stays on and the LCD screen
displays the port number (and possibly patch panel or equipment
number) where the second end of the new cord is to be inserted. If
the second step is to be performed at a different rack, the
illumination light will turn off, the location of the new rack is
provided on the LCD screen, and the specific port information is
withheld until the probe cord plug is inserted into the system
outlet on the new rack. Once the revisor arrives at the new rack
(or stays appropriately at the same rack) and is plugged into the
system outlet, the port number/location (and possibly patch panel
or equipment number/location) is displayed on the LCD screen. The
revisor then goes through the same sequence of actions as with the
first step of the addition process, namely confirming the
correctness of the found port by touching the probe element to the
corresponding port plate, inserting the free end (plug) of the cord
into the identified and confirmed port, and testing the correctness
of the insertion by probing the plug plate on the back of the plug
extension. After the revisor removes the probe element from the
plug plate of the correctly inserted plug, the signal light on the
probe housing turns off to indicate that the addition has been
correctly completed.
[0040] In the case that the signal light is blinking rapidly,
thereby indicating the need for a cord removal rather than a cord
addition, the screen on the probe housing will simultaneously
indicate information about where the first step of the removal is
to occur. Though the system may immediately indicate the room
number, the rack number, the patch panel or equipment number, and
the port number, in this embodiment, the LCD screen displays only
room and rack information initially. Once the revisor has traveled
to the appropriate rack, he plugs the probe plug into the system
outlet on the particular rack and the signal light on the probe
housing will blink rapidly while the LCD screen simultaneously
displays specific patch panel or equipment and/or port number
information and the illumination light turns on. Once the revisor
has found the port he believes to be the one specified by the LCD
screen instructions, he touches the probe element to the plug plate
on the back of the plug extension extending from the plug already
disposed in the found port to confirm the correctness of the
identified plug. If the correct plug has been probed, the signal
light will change states from a fast blink to a slow blink to
confirm the correctness thereof to both the revisor and the system.
When the probe element is removed from the plug plate, the signal
light returns to its fast blinking condition. The revisor then
removes the plug from the port, after which he confirms the
correctness of his action by touching the probe element to the port
plate uncovered by the plug removal. Assuming the revisor has
correctly performed the operation, the signal light will again
change to slow-blinking until the probe element is removed from
contact with the port plate. Thus, when the revisor removes the
probe element from the port plate, the system again puts the signal
light on the probe housing to a fast-blinking state while the LCD
screen displays instructions to begin performance of the second
step of the removal process.
[0041] If the second step of the removal process is at the same
rack location as was the first, the illumination light stays on and
the LCD screen displays the port number (and possibly patch panel
or equipment number) where the second end of the cord is to be
removed. If the second step is to be performed at a different rack
from the first, the illumination light will turn off, the location
of the new rack is provided on the LCD screen, and the specific
port information is withheld until the probe cord plug is inserted
into the system outlet on the new rack. Once the revisor arrives at
the new rack (or stays appropriately at the same rack), the LAN
port number/location (and possibly patch panel or equipment
number/location) is displayed on the LCD screen. The revisor then
goes through the same sequence of actions as with the first step of
the removal process, namely confirming the correctness of the found
plug by touching the probe element to the corresponding plug plate,
removing the identified and confirmed plug from its data port, and
testing the correctness of the removal by probing the uncovered
port plate corresponding to the now-empty port. After the revisor
removes the probe element from the port plate, the signal light on
the probe housing turns off to indicate that the removal has been
correctly completed.
[0042] When a first end of an already installed system cord needs
to be relocated to a different port while the second end of the
cord remains in the same port, this process is referred to as a
transfer. A transfer according to the currently described
embodiment of the invention is achieved ideally by performing step
one of the removal process on an end of a cord immediately followed
by performing step two of the addition process with the same end of
the same cord. Among other identities, the signal light will change
state as it did relative to the respective afore described addition
and removal steps and the sequences for probe testing/confirming
the system are the same as with the respective afore described
addition and removal steps. If, however, the already installed cord
is insufficiently long (or, in some cases, overly long) for its new
configuration, the revisor presses a push button or key on the
probe housing to indicate this fact, and the system responds by
breaking the transfer process into a complete cord removal followed
by a complete cord addition. This change can occur at the outset of
the transfer or after step one of the removal process is complete
and the revisor subsequently determines that the cord is of
inappropriate length for the new configuration.
[0043] In order for the system to recognize that particular ones of
the above-described steps have been performed, the system needs to
be able to differentiate, via the probe element, whether contact is
being made with a port plate or a plug plate overlying a port
plate. Though the invention contemplates many different apparatus
and methods for making this differentiation, as well as many
different apparatus and methods for more generally facilitating the
revision process, several specific exemplary embodiments are
described below.
[0044] In one embodiment, shown schematically in FIG. 1, a diode is
included in each of the cord plugs such that the diode is
interposed between the plug extension, which is the conductive
portion of the plug that contacts the port plate, and the plug
plate at the back of the plug. This diode can be used to provide
differentiation in the signal between the plug plate and the
underlying port plate. Specifically, the port plate may provide an
electrical signal which is an alternating current (AC) voltage,
while the diode converts such AC signal to a pulsating direct
current (DC) voltage provided at the plug plate. Thus, the system
can determine whether a single probe element is touching a plug
plate or the underlying port plate by whether the signal detected
by the probe is DC or AC, respectively. To prevent confusion by the
revisor, a port plate is not accessible by the probe element when
there is an overlying plug extension (i.e. a plug is disposed in
the corresponding port).
[0045] In a second embodiment, shown schematically in FIG. 2, the
probe includes two distinct probe elements, one which electrically
and/or mechanically cooperates only with the port plates and one
which electrically and/or mechanically cooperates only with the
plug plates. For example, the probe may have a pin-type probe
element that can only engage the port plates and a coaxial probe
element extension that can only engage the plug plates. The two
probe elements of the second embodiment may emanate from different
places in the probe housing or may diverge from a common connector
to the housing.
[0046] Each of the two probe contacts is connected to the system by
a separate conductor in the probe cable. A common signal is applied
to each selected port plate and received by the system when the
probe is electrically connected to the port plate or to the plug
plate of a connected plug. The system differentiates between the
connection types based on which conductor in the probe cable the
signal is transmitted.
[0047] In another embodiment, shown schematically in FIG. 3, the
network includes ports having ten-contact jacks compatible and
connectable with ten-wire cords having a ten-contact plug at each
end thereof. In such an embodiment, eight wires (and contacts)
serve to transmit communications data between respective ports
while the ninth wire/contact is reserved for the transmission of
signals relating to the connection status of the network. In
particular, the ninth contact in the port jack serves an analogous
function to the port plate in the embodiments described above, a
testing site associated with the port; thus, the presently
described embodiment does not require any port plates or other
conductive apparatus outside or adjacent particular data ports.
Furthering the analogy to previously described embodiments, the
ten-contact plug includes a plug plate on the back thereof for
providing a probe-testing site when a plug is disposed within a
port jack. The ninth contact of the jack is covered by a plug
disposed in the jack so that it cannot be probed inadvertently when
the plug is in place. There may be electrical hardware, such as a
diode, between the plug/probe contact of the cable and the plug
plate probe for differentiating the signal between the two testing
sites and thereby permitting the probe to differentiate between the
respective testing sites, or, as is shown in FIG. 3, distinct probe
elements may be employed to indicate which type of testing site is
being probed. Of course, the probe element(s) would be configured
in such an embodiment to be compatible with the ninth jack contact
and the plug plate.
[0048] Another embodiment of the invention includes the presence of
a distinct indicator, such as an LED, adjacent some or all of the
ports in the network. The indicator corresponding to a port where a
process step needs to be performed changes state in the same manner
and at the same times as does the indicator light of the probe
housing in previously described embodiments, but in this embodiment
the indicator also serves the purpose of assisting the revisor in
finding/identifying the port described on the visual display of the
probe housing. These port-adjacent indicators could be supplemental
to the indicator light on the probe housing, in which case the
port-adjacent indicators could be present adjacent any desired
subset of ports, if not adjacent every port in the system. If the
port-adjacent indicators are alternative to, rather than
supplemental to, the indicator light on the probe housing, however,
then an indicator should be present adjacent each port in the
system to avoid revisor confusion.
[0049] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to
facilitating multiple concurrent revisions to a single system. This
embodiment contemplates multiple probes being used by multiple
revisors simultaneously to reconfigure a network more quickly while
maintaining the accuracy promoted by the processes described in the
previous embodiments. For example, different signals could be
applied to distinct port plates concurrently whereby each probe
could be configured or tuned to identify only particular ones of
the different signals. The different signals could vary in
frequency, amplitude, or any other relevant aspect. The AC-to-DC
conversion could be employed in this embodiment to differentiate AC
signals provided at respective testing locations, and the pulsating
DC signals utilized to facilitate such multiple revisor
embodiments. Such concurrent revisions could be performed
regardless of specific apparatus issues, such as whether port
plates or ninth contacts were used, for example.
[0050] Another embodiment of the invention utilizes the apparatus
and methods discussed above in a system capable of determining if
two port plates are electrically connected together by applying a
signal to one of the two port plates and sensing the other port
plate. In particular, a system in accordance with this embodiment
of the invention could determine that a complete cord addition has
been effected without the final addition process step of probing
the plug plate on the back of a plug extension or a ten-contact
jack. The system confirms the completion of the addition process by
sensing the existence of a previously absent electrical connection
between the port plates associated with the two ports connected by
the added cord. Similarly, a system in accordance with this
embodiment could determine that the first step in a cord removal
has been effected without the probing of the port plate exposed by
the removal of one end of the cord. The system confirms this step
instead by sensing the lack of a previously existent electrical
connection between the port plates of the two ports previously
connected by the cord.
[0051] During the revision process, the system preferably stops any
scanning process it may be running and introduces a signal voltage
to each of the port plates adjacent the LAN port(s) where a
revision step is to be made. The signal voltage can be applied
simultaneously to multiple port plates or may be selectively or
sequentially applied. The inventive apparatus and methods can also
be employed, however, in a system that does not employ a revision
process separate from the normal scanning process. In such an
embodiment, the scanning process could be employed to place the
appropriate electrical signal(s) on the associated port plate(s).
Such a system, however, would necessitate that the various probing
steps, e.g., placing the probe element(s) in contact with the port
and plug plates, to occur for sufficient duration to be noticed by
the scanning process. Depending upon the size of the system, the
processing speed of the system, and other such factors, the delay
inherent in utilizing the scanning process in this fashion may be
completely manageable or may be an entirely unmanageable impediment
to operating the invention.
[0052] Software executes each revision process in response to a
desired revision which is input into the system and in response to
the signals received from the probe. The signals provide
confirmation of the performance of specific actions by the revisor,
both to the revisor through state changes in the signal light on
the probe housing, and to the system through signals that are
returned to the system from the plug and port plates, through the
probe element, the probe, and the probe cord into the system
outlet.
[0053] The inventive apparatus and methods for efficient network
reconfiguration have several benefits over previous revision
systems. First, the inventive system provides a mechanism for
determining and confirming each particular action involved in a
revision, namely the identification of ports and plugs, and the
insertion or removal of the plugs into and from the ports. Prior
systems generally relied upon electrical connections between
distinct ports being established or broken before the system could
recognize that a number of actions had already taken place. In the
inventive system, it is not necessary to determine whether or not
any two distinct ports are connected to one another. In particular,
each action is confirmed to both the revisor and the system.
Second, some prior systems require that indicators, such as light
emitting diodes (LEDs) or other types, be arrayed on the racks in
correspondence with each of the LAN ports so that the lights could
direct the revisor to specified ports and/or provide confirmation
of port-to-port connections established or broken; while at least
one embodiment of the invention employs such indicators, they are
unnecessary with most of the embodiments of the present inventive
apparatus and methods.
[0054] One form of the invention contemplates the use of a probe by
the revisor of the network configuration. The probe is preferably
easy for the revisor to carry around with him, and each rack or
site in the network preferably has a specialized system outlet for
plugging in the probe such that it may electrically communicate
with the system. In addition to its structure discussed below, the
probe or probe cable may have an LCD or other type screen, LED, or
other output device to convey information about the system, e.g.,
revision steps, cord specifications, and/or port locations, or such
information may be conveyed to the revisor by separate means. The
probe may also have one or more buttons or keys whereby the revisor
can input information into the system, such as an acknowledgment of
receipt of instructions, indication that a particular cord does not
meet specifications, etc.
[0055] In accordance with the present invention, the probe includes
a probe cable having one or more electrical conductors disposed
therein, the cable having a plug on one end suitable for plugging
into a specialized system outlet and a plug on the other end for
insertion into the back of a patch cord plug. With reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2, the patch cord includes a cable having a plug on
each end thereof, each plug suitably configured for being inserted
into a LAN port in the system. Each plug of the patch cord
preferably has a biased latch for facilitating retention of the
plug in a LAN port and removal of the plug from the LAN port when
desired. Each plug further includes a special plug contact on a
stepped front portion of the plug and each LAN port has a
conductive port plate disposed adjacently thereto whereby the plug
contact on a patch cord plug touches the adjacent port plate when
the plug is fully inserted into the LAN port. Each of the port
plates is independently electrically connected to the system. The
plug contact is preferably spring-loaded to ensure sufficient
mating force between the plug contact and the port plate adjacent
the LAN port.
[0056] As further seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the probe plug opposite
the end for plugging into the system outlet includes a probe head
and pins emanating forwardly therefrom for insertion into the back
of a plug from the patch cord. In the shown embodiment, the back of
the plug includes a pair of spaced sockets and the probe includes
on the front of its head a pair of pins insertable into the sockets
such that they are placed in electrical contact with the plug
contact from the plug. The probe further includes a spring-loaded
forked retainer on the top it its head facilitating the releasable
retention of the probe in the back of the plug. In particular, the
spring-loaded fork retainer includes a pair of forked fingers at
its front most portion, a central portion generally perpendicular
to the fingers and a thumb lever angled rearwardly from the central
portion. At the rear of the probe head emanates the probe cable and
also preferably an LED or other visual indicator for indicating the
status of a particular connection or revision.
[0057] To insert the probe into the back of a plug, the revisor
puts his hand generally around the head of the probe, depresses the
thumb lever of the spring-loaded fork retainer to lift the fork
portion above the top of the plug and provide clearance for the
probe to be inserted, inserts the pins on the front of the probe
head into the sockets on the back of the plug while the face of the
head comes flush with the back of the plug, and releases the thumb
lever to permit the fork portion of the spring-loaded retainer to
straddle the plug contact on the stepped front portion of the plug
and simultaneously prevent the probe pins from being removed from
the sockets by tension being applied to the probe cable. To remove
the probe from a plug, the reverse procedure is followed. Namely,
the revisor generally grips the probe head in his hand, depresses
the thumb lever to disengage the spring-loaded retainer fork from
the front stepped portion of the plug, pulls the probe away from
the plug such that the pins on the front face of the probe
disengage from the contacts in the sockets on the back of the plug,
and then, once the probe is sufficiently disengaged, releases the
thumb lever to permit it to return to its natural, biased
state.
[0058] The LED or other indicator on the probe head functions
similarly to the LED's or other indicators discussed in the
previously filed U.S. patent applications discussed above, although
relative to some of the embodiments discussed therein, the one
light on the probe head may be utilized instead of permanently
installing lights adjacent to each of the many LAN ports in the
system. As is required in some of the previous embodiments, a LAN
plate or other electrical contact permanently connected to the
system is required to be disposed adjacently to each of the LAN
ports in the system such that the plug contact can electrically and
mechanically mate therewith when the plug is inserted into the LAN
port. Thus, one electrical conductor in the probe cable is
electrically connected to the spring-loaded plug contact, and
thereby indirectly to the port plate, when the probe is connected
to a plug which is installed in a LAN port (the other end of this
electrical conductor being connected to the system). Two additional
electrical conductors in the probe cable are connected to the LED
or other indicator on the probe head with the other ends of these
additional electrical conductors being connected to the system.
[0059] The installation of a new patch cord into a network with the
apparatus and method of the present invention is thus carried out
as follows. Instructions are preferably provided to the revisor as
to where to insert one or both ends of the patch cord, e.g., the
revisor may be informed either through printed instructions or
through a visual display with the room number, rack number, patch
panel number and/or port number to direct him to the LAN port into
which the first end of the patch cord is to be inserted. Once the
revisor arrives at what he believes to be the proper LAN port, he
plugs the probe tail into the nearest system outlet and inserts the
probe head into the back of one plug on the patch cord. He then
inserts the plug having the probe attached to it into the LAN port
he previously identified from his instructions and observes the
light on the probe. Preferably for a patch cord installation, the
probe light is initially continuously on once the probe is plugged
into the system outlet and the system confirms that the plug has
been inserted to the correct LAN port by turning the probe light
off. If the plug is inserted into an incorrect LAN port, there will
be no change in the status of the probe light, i.e., the probe
light will remain continuously on. Once the revisor has the plug
inserted into the correct LAN port, he removes the probe from the
inserted plug, the probe light goes on, and the revisor searches
for the second LAN port into which the opposite end of the patch
cord is to be inserted. Once he has identified the LAN port he
believes to be the correct site for the second end of the patch
cord, the revisor performs the same operation wherein he applies
the probe to the second plug on the patch cord prior to inserting
the plug into the LAN port he believes to be the correct one for
the second end of the patch cord. Again, the correctness of the
port is indicated by the probe light going off. As an alternative,
the system determines if the second end of the patch cord has been
installed in the correct LAN port without attaching the probe.
[0060] A reverse procedure is employed for the removal of a patch
cord from a LAN configuration. When a cord is identified to be
removed by the system, e.g., through written or displayed
instructions, the revisor first identifies the LAN port having a
plug therein from which he believes the plug is to be removed. With
the probe tail plugged into a system outlet (preferably the
nearest) he then applies the probe head to the still-installed
plug. Prior to engagement of the probe, the LED on the back of the
probe head preferably is blinking slowly to indicate that a cord
removal is necessary. After engaging the probe to the plug, the
status of the LED will change, e.g., to blinking rapidly, if the
LAN port is the correct one. Once the revisor has received
confirmation that he has plugged the probe into the correct plug,
he then removes the plug and the LED will blink slowly. He then
moves the probe to the plug on the other end of the cord and if it
is the correct plug, the LED will blink rapidly. He then removes
the plug and the LED will go off.
[0061] Although there are many ways in which an automated
documentation and revision system could determine which ports are
electrically connected to which other ports, one currently
considered as preferable employs a distinct electrical contact
associated with each port in the LAN and an electrical conductor
within each LAN cord for electrically connecting the two contacts
associated with the respective ports connected by the cord. The
present system, like prior known systems, detects this electrical
connection in arriving at the global LAN configuration, but only
the inventive system utilizes the cord conductor connected to the
information module port or system port in conjunction with the
revision process, as well as with the global scanning and analysis
process.
[0062] It should be noted that the above-described invention
contemplates many embodiments and is not limited to the described
embodiments. For example, and without limitation, use of the
information module is optional.
* * * * *