Patent Application
20080141056
The present invention relates to an Asset, Power over Ethernet (PoE) and power supply controller for a device, such as a patch panel device including advanced features for providing power and data collection while providing at least category 3, 5, 5e, 6 and/or higher (e.g. 6A or 7) and equivalent performance levels as required.
The convergence of telecom and datacom technologies, as well as the blurring distinction between the system side and the cabling system of networks is driving a continuous evolution of structured cabling. User expectations and dependence on local area network (LAN) performance is creating an expectation beyond operational speed and reliability to further include device tracking and system management. Currently, limited progress has been made in such areas due to the impact of proposed improvements upon operational speed. As hubs and switches deal in logical addresses and network maps, asset location and connection management is best addressed through the cabling system. Tracking through the infrastructure also allows for tracking the switches and switch ports themselves. Development of advancements therefore, must address several evolving system features and requirements such as the detection of connected devices, including the addition, removal and/or movement of such devices accessing the system and the provision of power to connected devices.
The movement of devices accessing the system is one of several considerations during improvement developments. As described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,148, issued Feb. 26, 2002, to Batolutti et al., the entire subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference, many businesses have dedicated telecommunication systems that enable computers, telephones, facsimile machines and the like to communicate with each other through a private network, and communicate with remote locations via a telecommunications service provider. In most buildings, the dedicated telecommunications system is hard wired using telecommunication cables that are coupled to individual service ports throughout the building. The wires from the dedicated service ports typically extend throughout the building and terminate at a patching system that is used to interconnect the various telecommunication lines. The patching system is usually located within a telecommunications closet and is most often positioned on a mounting frame that includes a number of racks or patch panels to which each telecommunication line is terminated. The patch panels include a number of port assemblies, such as RJ-45 telecommunication connector ports, and each telecommunication line is terminated to the patch panel in an organized manner.
One example of device movement considerations as disclosed in the Batolutti patent includes assigning one or more employees their own computer network access number exchange so that the employee can interface with a company main frame computer or computer network. As employees or equipment are moved, patch cords in a typical telecommunications closet are rearranged and new positions are manually documented using either paper or computer based logs. However, technicians often neglect to update the arrangement log each time a change is made. To correct this, manual tracing of the patch cord must be performed which can be both time consuming and prone to further errors.
Detecting connected devices is another consideration during improvement development which is commonly required for security purposes in many applications. Details of several examples of such detection issues are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,260, issued Apr. 11, 1995, to Cummings et al., the entire subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. A number of device detection methods have been developed for guarding against the unauthorized removal of electronic equipment, including methods that require the actual physical attachment of a security cord to each piece of protected equipment or the attachment of non-removal tags to the equipment. However, these methods require rather expensive sensing devices and are not very practical in all cases. In the device detection method disclosed in the Cummings patent, an isolation power supply is used to provide a low current DC power signal to each communication link and thereafter, monitor a circuit loop created through a DC resistive termination between the communication link and a remote device. Any interruption between the communication link and the remote device, such as the removal of the device from the communication link, disrupts the circuit loop and triggers an alarm.
Additional methods of circuit loop device detection also include the sensing of a current loop that is physically coupled to the protected equipment. One such method is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,640, issued Mar. 31, 1987, to Carll et al., the entire subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. The Carll patent discloses a theft alarm system for use with a digital signal PBX telephone system which includes a number of electronic tethers connected to individual pieces of protected equipment, each tether including a pair of conductors which are connected to form a closed current loop via a series resistor and conductive foil adhesively bonded to the equipment. Once assembled, the resulting circuit loop can be used for device removal detection however the conductive foil which is bonded to the equipment may be carefully removed without any detection.
The Batolutti patent also referenced above, discloses yet another method of detection for patch panel connectors themselves. A patch panel, on which multiple mechanical sensors are mounted, serves to detect the presence or absence of a patch cord connector in a connector port on the panel and a computer controller connected to the multiple sensors may then be used to monitor changes in patch panel connections, such as when a connector is removed from a connector port. The detection, however, is limited to the mere absence or presence of a connector in a connector port.
Providing power to connected devices is yet another consideration during improvement development which can often include aspects of device detection as described above. Power applications, such as those found in power over ethernet technologies, allows IP telephones, wireless LAN Access Points and other appliances to receive power while also receiving data over existing LAN cabling without a need to modify ethernet infrastructure. Such technologies are described in IEEE802.3af, also known as Power over Ethernet, which outlines the designs of Ethernet power-sourcing equipment and powered terminals.
Various methods for providing power to remote devices are also disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,930, issued Apr. 17, 2001, to Katzenberg et al., the entire subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. In one example of a power application technology, an initial detection step is used prior to a power application step. Prior to applying external power to a device, automatic detection of connected equipment is accomplished by delivering a low level current to the network interface and measuring a voltage drop in the return path. The measurement can have three states, including no voltage drop, a fixed level voltage drop or a varying level voltage drop. As disclosed in the Katzenberg patent, if no voltage drop is detected, then the remote equipment does not contain a DC resistive termination and this equipment is identified as unable to support remote power feed. If a fixed voltage level is detected, the remote equipment contains a DC resistive termination, such as a “bob smith” termination and this equipment is also identified as being unable to support remote power feed. If a varying voltage level is detected, this detection indicates the presence of a DC-DC switching supply in the remote equipment and this equipment is identified as being able to support remote power feed which is then provided.
The attempts to address device movement and detection, as well as attempts to address providing power to connected devices, typically fail to consider the communication performance degradation that such solutions can create. Where attempts to correct performance degradation have been made, the solutions have typically been limited to the relocation and manipulation of signal traces. Examples of such solutions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,764, issued Aug. 25, 1998, to Coulombe et al., and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,009, issued Sep. 30, 1997, to Klas et al., the entire subject matter of each being incorporated herein by reference. The Coulombe patent discloses a printed circuit board electrically coupling a connector block and jack assembly within a patch panel. Each signal trace on the board is provided a compensation trace aligned either above or below the respective signal trace for an electromagnetic connection between traces sufficient to reduce crosstalk. Trace manipulation is also disclosed in the Klas patent, which discusses a printed circuit board on which crosstalk is eliminated through the relocation of adjacent traces. Equal and opposite signal source traces are placed adjacent to one another such that cumulative crosstalk is eliminated. Unfortunately, trace manipulation is not sufficient in every case to provide category 3, 5, 5e, 6 and/or higher and equivalent performance levels.
Still further examples of such solutions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,777, issued Sep. 3, 2002, to McCurdy et al., and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,541, issued Oct. 15, 2002, to Hashim et al., the entire subject matter of each being incorporated herein by reference. The McCurdy patent discloses an inductive and capacitive crosstalk compensation technique incorporated into a communication connector (i.e. modular jack) which includes the relocation of contact wires and the addition of a printed wiring board for capacitive coupling. The contact wires are separated by a distance set to obtain an adequate level of inductive compensation coupling, and a capacitive coupling is provided by one or more printed circuit boards located in the plug body as the contact wires are displaced. The use of such printed wiring boards is also discussed in the Hashim patent, which discloses a two stage crosstalk compensation technique. In a first stage, a printed wiring board is provided for capacitive coupling as the contact wires are displaced, and in a second stage, a printed wiring board is provided having a number of inductive loops and carefully positioned comb traces. Although both the McCurdy and Hashim patents address crosstalk reductions at the connector position, each fails to address the performance degradation beyond the connector, including performance degradation that can be created due to additional active circuitry elements involved in providing advanced features.
Still further, a system and method is needed to manage the inclusion and control of these desired features, such as a patch panel with asset and/or PoE and/or a power supply, for performing tasks such as the detection of connected devices, including the addition, removal and/or movement of such devices accessing the system and the provision of power to connected devices. In doing so, communication paths and interface connections are required that satisfy desired performance standards.
Examples of patch panel feature control are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0094291 to Caveney et al., the entire subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. The Caveney '291 reference describes a system and method for monitoring and reporting patch panel port-level cable connectivity, and uses a system wherein each patch panel includes a patch panel controller that independently determines cable connectivity at the patch panel, and which can communicate with and be controlled by a network management system. Such a manage system is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0047800 to Caveney et al., the entire subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference. The Caveney '800 reference describes a network management system that is coupled to a number of end user devices such as patch panels, via a network such that functions can be distributed where possible to intelligent network devices. The central NMS can then perform higher-level monitoring and control, including network management functions and distribution of new command and control parameters.
Still other references, such as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0245127 to Nordin et al. and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0073597 to Caveney et al., the entire subject matter of each being incorporated herein by reference, describe a powered communications patch panel having a management port to allow remote management of the patch panel via a network connection. In regard to power control, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0181398 to Martich et al., the entire subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a patch panel and power distribution system compliant with IEEE 802.3af and TIA/EIA 568B.1-6 standards. A controller is provided as a control module to be removable or detachably mounted to facilitate repairs and upgrades, and can be configured to control power application to devices in conformance with IEEE 802.3af and TLA/EIA 568B.1-6 standards. However, in each case, function control is limited and there is no provision of function control in regard to connectivity.
Accordingly, a need exists for a controller for a device such as an asset aware patch panel providing one or more advanced features.
An object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to substantially solve the above and other problems, and provide a system and method for managing a patch panel providing one or more advanced features, such as a patch panel with asset and/or Power over Ethernet (PoE) and/or power supply features.
Another object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide a system and method for managing a patch panel providing one or more advanced features, and including a serial communication path that is star topology (direct connect) or daisy chained.
Another object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide a system and method for managing a patch panel providing one or more advanced features, and including an IP network connection, and through this Ethernet interface, all manner of active management is performed.
Another object of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide a system and method to query the power supply and/or determine its available total power, and compare it to power being used in order to perform power management and administration. The system and method can trigger alarms or other indications when certain thresholds of power usage levels are reached. The controller can also instruct patch panels to deny additional activation of port power if insufficient. Whereas each panel performs power management at its own level, the controller can facilitate power management for and between all connected ports and panels.
These and other objects of the present invention are substantially achieved by providing a device, such as a command module, to manage one or more patch panels having assets and/or PoE and/or power supply features. The command module can query attached patch panels having additional capabilities, synchronize data, and act as an administrative server.
Other objects, advantages and salient features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, when taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to the drawings which form a part of this disclosure:
The present invention includes a system and method for managing a patch panel having additional capabilities, such as a patch panel with asset and/or Power over Ethernet (PoE) and/or power supply features. The invention provides an exemplary system and method for managing a number of patch panels using a communication path and/or protocol, such as a serial communication path/topology or a serial communication protocol. Examples of a serial communication protocol are I2C, RS232, RS485 or similar. Examples of communication paths include a star topology (direct connect) or a daisy chained topology. The invention further provides an exemplary system and method for managing a number of patch panels including an IP network connection and through this Ethernet interface, performing all manner of active management. Embodiments of the present invention can comprise an electrical device, such as a command module, to manage one or more patch panels having assets and/or PoE and/or power supply features. In such a manner, the command module is positioned and adapted to query attached patch panels having such additional capabilities, synchronize data, and act as an administrative server.
Another aspect is that the communication paths/channels can be independent and parallel for each function (e.g. PoE and asset management) for reliability, or can share the same path.
The asset, PoE and power supply, stack management controller (hereinafter referred to as a Command Module), when connected to a panel, such as a PowerTrac panel with an asset and/or a PoE module (i.e. DIMM) installed, can query up to all of the attached panels and synchronize with their data. Once the Command Module and PowerTrac Panel(s) are in synchronization, the Command Module can act as the administrative server and the panels accept the instructions issued by the Command Module as a control policy. For example, when the Command Module is attached to a PowerTrac power supply, the Command Module can administer power management for all attached PowerTrac panels. The Command Module can be connected with the IP network through this Ethernet interface such that all manner of active management is performed.
As shown in
The CPU 102 is also in communication with a 485 Bus 120 via the RS485 communication buffer 120. The 12C Bus and the 485 Bus are each coupled to the ports 140-154. The embodiment shown is but one example, and in yet other embodiments of the present invention, any single or multiple communications bus can be used to either group or isolate functions. That is, in yet other embodiments of the present invention, a single bus or multiple parallel busses can be used. Specifically, depending upon the application, the embodiments of the present invention provide control which can be configured by path, protocol and/or function. For example, one or more communication paths can be used to carry multiple applications, or can be used to carry a single application per path.
Port identification circuits 124-138 can be coupled between the respective Bus connections and provided at each port 140-154. A resistor circuit of each ID circuit 124-138 can be used to provide port identification such that each port is distinguishable by each device at either end. Each port can then be coupled to a patch panel or device for administrative control as described in greater detail below. In doing so, the CPU 102 can be used to direct control and communication functions of attached patch panels and devices via the 485 Bus and the 12C Bus. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the CPU 102 can comprise a mini-computer platform for providing the execution of firmware and functions related to the administration of the attached patch panels and devices via the 485 Bus and the 12C Bus.
As shown in
The command module further comprises the processors of
The respective ports are also coupled with the IC 800, which is coupled to the J connector 1200. The IC 1000 is also coupled to the J connector 1200, and is further coupled to a connector, illustrated by way of example as a 9 pin D-Sub connector 322, described in greater detail below.
The command module further comprises J connector 1400 and a connector 500. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the J connectors 1200 and 1400 provide a physical connection between the processor sub-assembly 320 and the motherboard 318 described in greater detail below.
The mother board 318 can comprise a number of the communication buffers and so forth, and the processor sub-assembly 320, described in greater detail below, can comprise a number of suitable processors currently available that can be added to the mother board 318.
As noted above, the asset, PoE and power supply, stack management command module when connected to a panel, such as the PowerTrac panels of
The command module can be connected with the IP network through this Ethernet interface such that all manner of active management is performed. Further, exemplary embodiments of the present invention can perform control, viewing and setup of functions through a Web Interface, and further include log files that record such events.
Embodiments of the present invention provide an expanded capability of a single controller to manage more than 24-48 ports. This expands the capabilities of active electronics to manage and control 24-48 ports in close proximity to those ports. An exemplary stack manager in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can be provided and can be disposed in the same rack, and in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, can manage up to 360 ports or more. Some functionality can reside at the panel, but preferably, the management resides in the controller.
The patch panels for use with exemplary embodiments of the present invention can include those having advanced feature components provided separately or in combination as either modular plug-in units, such as a dual in-line memory (DIMM), or circuits disposed directly on the patch panel circuit board. The advanced feature components can be used to detect devices attached to the patch panel cabling, both for security and to determine the device types with respect to power requirements, and further provide power to attached devices where practical. Power can be provided through techniques similar to those outlined in IEEE802.3af and TIA-568B series, including updates such as TIA568B.1-6 and other developing standards.
The modular features allow such components to be added and removed in any number of combinations to provide a wide range of desired advanced features to the patch panel, even beyond those outlined above. For example, there are several standards and applications that need power application other than IEEE802.3af, such as building automation systems, security systems, VoIP and so on, and the reference to IEEE802.3af above is presented as one example. Also, the modular features allow for still developing standards, such as those associated with the TIA and IEEE. Additionally, separate modules can be used for providing different functions. For example, separate modules can be provided for power application and for asset management functions. The advanced feature components, however, are not restricted to modular units and can also include fixed circuits or circuit components that are disposed directly on the patch panel or patch panel printed circuit board.
Although only a few exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims and their equivalents.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/861,730, filed Nov. 30, 2006. Related subject matter is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/414,548, filed May 1, 2006, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/038,460, filed Jan. 21, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/791,291, filed Mar. 3, 2004, now abandoned. Related subject matter is also disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/791,292, filed Mar. 3, 2004.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60861730 | Nov 2006 | US |
