Adc Telecommunications, Inc.

Commscope Technologies LLC

Eric Kar-Wing Sit

Robert J Koziy

John C Keller

Gregory C Pfeiffer

Leah E Danzinger

One embodiment is directed to a system that comprises a plurality of ports configured to establish a plurality of physical information connections and a plurality of physical scanning connections using cables. Each information connection is associated with a respective scanning connection. Each scanning connection is separate from the respective information connection associated with that scanning connection. The system is configured to selectively transmit a respective scanning signal from each port over a respective one of the scanning connections. The system is configured to selectively receive a respective scanning signal at each port from a respective one of the scanning connections. Connection information is derived from the scanning signals communicated over the scanning connections. Other embodiments are disclosed.

System and method for electronically identifying connections of a system used to make connections

One embodiment is directed to a cross-connect system. The cross-connect system comprises a plurality of termination points configured to establish a plurality of physical information connections and a plurality of physical scanning connections. Each information connection is associated with a respective scanning connection. Each scanning connection is separate from the respective information connection associated with that scanning connection. The system is configured to selectively transmit a respective scanning signal from each termination point over a respective one of the scanning connections. The system is configured to selectively receive a respective scanning signal at each termination point from a respective one of the scanning connections. Connection information is derived from the scanning signals communicated over the scanning connections.

System and method for electronically identifying connections of a cross-connect system

A system and method for electronically identifying connections established through a cross-connect system provides for identification of all hard-wired and temporary patch connections, and any modifications made to same. Connection identification and status information is acquired in near real-time and stored in a database which is accessible by a user through a graphical user interface (GUI). The TRACE or lamp wires which connect respective pairs of cross-connect circuits are utilized in an unconventional manner so as to form a scanning bus. The information signal paths established through the cross-connect circuits remain undisturbed. A scanning signal is communicated between each pair of cross-connected circuits over the TRACE conductor. In the event a patch cord is used to temporarily redirect a signal connection, the scanning signal is transmitted over the shield or sleeve conductor of the patch cord. The scanning signal provides identification and other information concerning the transmitting circuit.

A system and method for electronically identifying connections established through a cross-connect system provides for the identification of all hard-wired and temporary patch connections, and any modifications made to existing cross-connect circuit connections. Connection identification and status information is acquired in near real-time and stored in a database which is accessible by a user through a graphical user interface (GUI). The TRACE or lamp wires which connect respective pairs of cross-connect circuits are utilized in an unconventional manner so as to form a scanning bus. The information signal paths established through the cross-connect circuits remain undisturbed. A scanning signal is communicated between each pair of cross-connected circuits over the TRACE conductor. In the event a patch cord is used to temporarily redirect a signal connection, the scanning signal is transmitted over the shield or sleeve conductor of the patch cord. The scanning signal provides identification and other information concerning the transmitting circuit. A circuit receiving the scanning signal communicates its identification information and that of the transmitting circuit derived from the scanning signal to a central computer.

Growing community of inventors

Eden Prairie, MN, United States of America

Eric Kar-Wing Sit