Programmable matrix switch

摘要

A system and method for interconnecting a plurality of network components to form a local area network (LAN) include a wiring manager having at least one port module connected to a controller via a data signal bus on a passive backplane. Each port module includes a plurality of ports which can be programmed to electrically couple selected sets of the plurality of network components without physically rerouting network cabling. A LAN management system provides a graphical user interface to communicate with the wiring manager and provide network status information and control the wiring manager to configure the network.