For the patch panel systems example, the method relies upon a distributed architecture that could be modularly scalable and will reduce, if not eliminate, the necessity for a centralized signal processor and sophisticated cabling between patch panels and the centralized sign processor. Each patch panel could determine port-level connectivity independently. Polling delays and polling-related overhead processing could additionally be lowered, if not eliminated, by supporting real-time monitoring of port connectivity at the port degree. The terms “remote port” and “local port” are relative terms.
four is a block degree diagram of an exemplary patch panel configuration. four, patch panel 400 features a panel controller module 402 that communicates with a plurality of port controller modules 404. [newline]Further, the patch panel controller module 402 might assist communication with one other patch panel and/or a network administration system via daisy-chain network connection ports 420 and 420, as described above. In addition, the patch panel could obtain electrical power from an influence supply or one other patch panel and will switch power to another patch panel via daisy-chain energy connection ports 418 and 418, as described above. For example, in one exemplary embodiment the patch panel patch cord connection monitoring process may be written utilizing the C++ programming language, nonetheless, the present invention just isn't restricted to being implemented in any particular programming language. server spare parts and knowledge sets could additionally be saved in any amount or types of file, information or database constructions. The Network Management System processes associated with the patch panel patch wire connection monitoring course of could be applied by any quantity of gadgets and/or any amount of private or different type of computers or processing systems (e.g., IBM-compatible, Apple, Macintosh, laptop, palm pilot, microprocessor, etc.).
Patch cords 112(a-g) used to establish connectivity between two patch panel ports 104 may include a plurality of network conductors that assist network information connections and extra out-of-band conductors that support out-of-band signal connections used by patch panel bank one hundred to observe the connectivity standing of the patch cords. For instance, an exemplary RJ-45 style cable terminator may embrace 8 information conductors usually related to an RJ-45 cable terminator and an additional out-of-band conductor. The method of declare 2, further comprising updating a port-level information retailer to show that stated considered one of stated first patch panel ports is disconnected, if mentioned presently saved port status signifies that mentioned one of said first patch panel ports is related to another port. As described above, different port controller module 604 configurations may embody a port processor module 606 with capabilities that range from nominal functions to sophisticated features. As such, the hardware/software modules required to implement port controller module 604 could range from comparatively easy modules with relatively slight storage and processing capabilities to relatively complex modules with comparatively important storage and processing capabilities.
Upon receipt, at step S712, of configuration data from the panel controller, each port controller might store the configuration parameters and may provoke, at step 714, port connectivity monitoring in accordance with the obtained control parameters, as described above. 5, panel processor module 510 might include additional functionality or modules for use in controlling the habits and operation of the patch panel. Such extra modules might retailer and/or replace within knowledge storage module 508 managed objects associated with the extra features performed.
Until a patch cord that supports the out-of-band communication channel is connected between two patch panel ports, neither port will receive an out-of-band message. However, upon connection of two patch panel ports with a patch wire that supports an out-of-band communication channel (e.g., a patch twine with a ninth wire) every patch panel port may receive the outbound message broadcast by the patch panel port with which it has established connectivity. The patch panel port controller associated with each of the respective ports might then generate, in real time, an update message to its respective patch panel controller.
Upon figuring out, based upon the monitored out-of-band messages, that a change in port stage connectivity has occurred, port processor module 606 could retailer the updated standing information in data storage module 612 and ship an update message to the panel controller module, as described above with respect to FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary patch panel controller module 502. 5, panel controller module 502 could include a panel processor module 510 in communication with a data storage module 508, a network interface module 506 and a plurality of port controller modules 504.
Further, elimination of the need for a centralized sign processor could take away a single level of failure with respect to the flexibility to observe a set of patch panels and may remove or remove multiple different potential points of failure by way of simplified cabling. Further, not like usb adapter polling approach described above with respect to FIG. 1, the patch panel structure helps the monitoring and the reporting of modifications in patch panel port-level connectivity on a real-time basis, regardless of the number of patch panels included within the community.