Systems for automatically tracking patching connections to network devices using a separate control channel and related patching equipment and methods

摘要

Methods of automatically tracking a patching connection between a first connector port of a patch panel and a second connector port of a network device are provided in which a sensor is used to detect that a first end of a patch cord has been inserted into the second connector port. The patch cord has at least one data communications channel and a separate control channel. A first conductor of the control channel of the patch cord is biased to power an integrated circuit chip on the network device. In response to the detection by the sensor, a first signal is transmitted over the separate control channel of the patch cord to the network device. A second signal is received over the control channel of the patch cord in response to the first signal. The second signal includes a unique identifier that is associated with the second connector port.

主权项

1. A method of automatically tracking a patching connection between a first connector port of a patch panel and a second connector port of a network device, the method comprising:
detecting, via a sensor, that a first plug of a patch cord has been inserted into the first connector port, the patch cord having at least one data communications channel and a separate control channel; biasing a first conductor of the control channel of the patch cord to power an integrated circuit chip that is pre-programmed with a unique identifier that identifies the second connector port, wherein the integrated circuit chip is fixedly mounted on a front face of the network device either above or below a plug receiving opening into the second connector port; transmitting a first signal through the first plug, over the control channel of the patch cord onto, through and out of a second plug of the patch cord to the integrated circuit chip in response to detecting that the first end of the patch cord has been inserted into the first connector port; receiving a second signal that is transmitted by the integrated circuit chip and that is carried over the control channel of the patch cord in response to the first signal, the second signal including the unique identifier.