HK1090231A - Network connection sensing assembly - Google Patents

Description

Network connection detection assembly

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to sensor systems and more particularly to an assembly that detects electrical connections in a network.

Background

To better operate large electronic networks, sensor systems have been developed to monitor the connections between components in the network. The sensor system is typically incorporated into an interconnect module on a network and connected to the interconnect module. The interconnect module allows a connection between two network components to be made through a patch cord that is connected to another network resource. The sensor system typically includes a spring-loaded pin on the jack or modular patch cord plug that is depressed and released when making and breaking connections. Although spring loaded pins are frequently used for connection detection, spring pins themselves are not suitable for detecting interconnect module connections due to alignment issues and space limitations.

Typically, the network is configured with a plurality of locations corresponding to connection points at which connections to the network may be made. These locations are convenient locations for installation of the interconnect module. As a result, monitoring of the network also tends to be done at these connection points. However, as the size of the network increases, or as more distant sites are added to the network, monitoring of the network becomes increasingly difficult. This is particularly the case for rapidly expanding and changing data networks.

At a given site, almost all cabling originates in a wiring closet, which is the central distribution point for the vast majority of network resources at the site. Cabling is made from the wiring closet to the network components, and as networks grow or change, changes in cabling are often required. In a wiring closet, cable terminations are typically made using terminal blocks, commonly known as "punch down" boards, or other forms of wiring devices. Network monitoring may be convenient if the physical connection to the network can be monitored in a wiring closet. However, conventional sensor detection structures are incompatible with the wire crimping terminal blocks that are typically used in wiring closets.

There is a need for a sensing assembly that can be used to sense network connections made at patch panels in a wiring closet.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a network sensing assembly is provided that includes an interface for receiving a plurality of patch cords and a sensor element positioned proximate to the interface. When the patch cord is connected to the interface, a plurality of contacts establish an electrical connection with the sensor element. At least one conductive element is connected to one of the patch cords and the sensor element. The conductive element is configured to connect one or more of the plurality of contacts when one of the patch cords is connected to the interface.

Optionally, the detection assembly comprisesLabel holderComprising said sensor element and a conductive element extending on one side of at least one of the patch cords. In addition, the sensing assembly includes an interface extending along the support, and the sensor element is received in a holder having opposite sides. A plurality of contacts are disposed in the holder along each side. In another aspect, the detection assembly includes an interface having first and second rows of patch cord receptacles, and the sensor element extends between the first and second rows. The sensor element is configured to establish an electrical connection with each patch cord connected to the first and second rows of jacks through a plurality of contacts.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a network sensing assembly is provided for a rack having a connection interface adapted to receive a plurality of patch cords. The assembly comprises: a holder configured to removably mate with a bracket, a sensor element in the holder, and a plurality of contacts extending from the holder to mate with patch cords connected to the interface. The assembly also includes at least one conductive element connected to one of the patch cords and the sensor element. The conductive element is configured to connect one or more of the plurality of contacts when one of the patch cords is connected to the interface.

Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a patch panel used in a wiring closet;

FIG. 2 illustrates an end view of a network connection detection assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an end view of a patch panel connected to the sensing assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective bottom view of a network connection detection assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a sensing assembly according to one embodiment of the invention mounted on a patch panel;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a network having a monitoring system;

figure 7 illustrates a sensing assembly according to another embodiment of the invention mounted on a patch panel.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a wiring board or "punch-out" board 10 commonly used in wiring closets. The wiring block 10 is modular and many are found in typical wiring closets. The patch panel includes feet 12 that are used to connect the patch panel 10 to a wall. The patch panel 10 also includes a lacing strip 14 having rows of cable slots 16 for connecting signal wires (not shown). The patch panel 10 also includes one or more cross-connect panels 18 and a label holder 20. When signal line connections to the wiring block 10 are made, the cross-connect block 18 is connected to the wiring block 10. The cross-connect panel 18 defines a connection interface 17 proximate an upper portion 19 of the patch panel 10. Connections to the wiring block 10 are made through the use of patch cord plug connectors 22, also referred to simply as patch cord plugs or patch cords. The patch panel 10 is used in voice and data communications and the device has connection characteristics that determine the number of signal wire pairs traversed by the connector 22. A standard patch panel 10 includes two rows of cable slots 16, each row accommodating 25 pairs of signal wires. The patch cord plug connectors 22 are manufactured in varying sizes corresponding to the number of signal wire pairs in the connecting cable. The patch cord plugs 22 are connected to the wiring block 10 by pressing the plugs 22 down on the connection interfaces 17 at the cross-connect panel 18.

The label holder 20 is generally a transparent plastic piece that snaps onto the upper portion 19 of the wiring block 10 near the connection interface 17. The label holder 20 covers a label (not shown in fig. 1) that is provided to facilitate a technician recording information associated with a connection made on a particular patch panel 10. The label holder extends along the length of the patch panel 10 between the rows of cable slots 16.

FIG. 2 shows an end view of a network connection detection assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the invention. The assembly 30 is configured to fit within an existing space in the label holder 20 (shown in fig. 1). The assembly 30 includes a sensor element 32 having a plurality of flexible contacts 34 extending from the sensor element 32 and around the label holder 20. The flexible contacts 34 are configured to make electrical connection with conductive elements 36 of the patch cord plug 22 when the patch cord plug 22 is connected to the wiring block 10. In one embodiment, the flexible contacts 34 are U-shaped. As shown in fig. 2, space is reserved in the label holder 20 for indicia 40, if desired.

Figure 3 shows a sensing assembly 30 mounted on a wiring block 10. The sensing assemblies 30 are positioned between the rows of cable slots 16 at the upper portion 19 of the patch panel 10. With the positioning, when the patch cord plug 22 is connected to the wiring block 10, the flexible contacts 34 of the sensor elements 32 are in close proximity to the patch cord plug 22, which facilitates detection of the patch cord plug connection. Although the sensor element 32 is once again positioned in the label holder 20, it should be noted that any form of clip or holder may be used to position the sensor element 32 in the vicinity of the patch cord plug connection interface 17. In addition, the flexible contact 34 is not limited to the U-shape. Rather, the contacts 34 may take any shape so that portions of the contacts may be placed in position to detect connection or disconnection of a patch cord plug 22 to the wiring block 10.

Fig. 4 is a bottom view of sensing assembly 30 showing sensing assembly 30 in greater detail. The sensor element 32 is removably inserted in the label holder 20. The sensing element 32 includes a plurality of flexible contacts 34 along a side edge 35. The positioning and number of flexible contacts 34 on sensor element 32 reflects the type of connection that is desired for mounting sensing assembly 30 on wiring block 10 (shown in FIG. 1). It should be noted that the sensor element 32 includes contacts 34 along each side. The sensor element 32 is fitted with a flexible contact 34 for each connection that is desired to be made on the wiring block 10. Thus, the number of contacts 34 on a given sensor element 32 varies from one patch panel 10 to another. In addition, since each patch panel 10 includes two rows of cable slots 16, each sensor element 32 includes two rows of contacts 34. The wiring configuration between the two rows may be different so that the arrangement of contacts 34 on one side of a given sensor element 32 may be different from the arrangement of contacts 34 on the other side of the sensor element 32.

In one embodiment, the sensor element 32 is a printed circuit board. Additionally, the sensor element 32 may be a flex circuit. The sensor element may have a variety of configurations to suit the needs of the user. The sensor elements may accommodate a mix of plug configurations and, in addition, when a patch cord plug 22 is connected to the wiring block 10, the connection may be monitored to give an indication of the type of connection made. The structure can be changed simply by changing the sensor element circuit.

The signal wires terminate in pairs at the wiring block 10 (shown in fig. 1), and therefore connections at the wiring block 10 must be made with respect to the signal wire pairs. The patch panel 10 is substantially standardized and typically includes one or more rows of cable troughs 16 (shown in figure 1). If all connections on the wiring block 10 are single pair connections, each side of the sensor element 32 should include one flexible contact 34 corresponding to each wiring pair in order to sense all connections to the wiring block 10. The sensor element 32 includes a single trace (not shown) for each contact 34. The single trace of contact 34 extends along sensor element 32, terminating at an input/output (IO) at one or both ends of sensor element 32.

Referring again to fig. 2, when a connection is made at the wiring block 10, the conductive elements 36 on the patch cord plug 22 make electrical connection with the flexible contacts 34. The conductive element 36 is connected to a separate cable 38, sometimes referred to as an "extra cable," which is part of a network connection monitoring system (not shown). The conductive element 36 may be a metal strip or the like connected to the patch cord plug 22 or a portion of the plug itself. When contact is made between the flexible contact 34 and the conductive element 36, the network connection monitoring system receives an indication of a pathway through the IO connector 42 of the sensor element 32. In an alternative embodiment, the positions of the conductive element 36 and the flexible contact 34 are reversed, i.e., the conductive element 36 is on the sensor element 32 and the contact 34 is on the patch cord plug 22.

Fig. 5 shows a connection detection assembly 30 that includes a patch cord plug 22 mounted to a wiring block 10. In fig. 5, the patch cord plug 22 includes a conductive element 36 connected to a patch cord plug housing 46. Additionally, the patch cord plug 22 may have a metal or metalized housing, with the housing itself acting as the conductive element. Where the conductive element 36 is embedded in a patch cord plug housing 46, the sensor cable 38 is directly connected to the housing 46.

Although the sensor element 32 has been described as being insertable into a standard label holder 20 of a wiring block 10, it will be appreciated that the label holder 20 may be positioned elsewhere in the assembly. Conversely, for the convenience of the user, reference is made to the alternative use of the label holder 20. It is only necessary that the sensor elements 32 be held to the wiring block 10 in proximity to the patch cord plugs 22. Moreover, it is contemplated that more than one sensor element 32 may be used in practicing the present invention. For example, one sensor element 32 can be used for each row of terminal connections, i.e., for each row of signal line slots 16 on wiring board 10.

In addition, the detection assembly 30 has been described with reference to a patch panel in a wiring closet. It will also be appreciated that the assembly 30 is not limited to use in a wiring closet. Rather, the assembly 30 is intended for use with patch panels at any location.

Fig. 6 shows a network 60 with a connection detection component in block diagram form at reference numeral 64. External data services and communication services are represented by reference numeral 62 and may be obtained from the network 60 by internal distribution of data services represented by reference numeral 76 and communication services represented by reference numeral 78. The local data is generally indicated by reference numeral 63 and may include various resources to which other network devices (not shown) may connect. The connections are made using patch panels 72 with patch cord connectors 74, these patch cord connectors 74 being similar to the patch cord connectors 22, as shown in FIG. 5. The network may also include one or more rack or data panels 73, which may also be equipped with detection assemblies 64 to monitor connections and disconnections from the rack panels 73. Sensor signals from the connection and disconnection are sent to a network analyzer 66 that includes network monitoring software.

In operation, the network monitoring system controls the indications and reminders given and the actions taken corresponding to events occurring on the network. To provide monitoring capability for connections made to the patch panels 72 or the rack panels 73, the sensing assemblies 64 are mounted on the patch panels 72 and the rack panels 73, and each sensor element is connected to a network monitoring system via a sensor element IO connector (shown in fig. 5). The monitoring system then monitors the open and closed circuit conditions that result when a patch cord plug conductive element, such as element 36 (shown in fig. 5), makes or breaks contact with the flexible contacts 34 (fig. 5) on the sensor element 32 (shown in fig. 4).

Figure 7 shows a patch panel 100 having different patch cord plug connectors 122 and 123 connected to the patch panel 100. The patch panel 100 includes a sensing assembly having a sensor element 132, the sensor element 132 underlying the label holder 120 and the contacts 134. The connectors 122 are four pairs of connectors that span four pairs of signal wires on the wiring block 100. The connector 123 is a single pair of connectors that only spans a pair of signal wires on the wiring block 100. Thus, the connectors are connected to different resources on the network. Each connector 122 and 123 includes a conductive tape 136 and an extra cable 138 so that their connections can be monitored.

The actions taken corresponding to the connection activity depend on the complexity of the network monitoring system. For example, the monitoring system may only report that a connection has been made or broken. To a higher extent, with a suitably configured sensor element 132, by detecting the number of cable pairs on a patch cord plug connector 122 or 123, the monitoring system can determine the type of connection being made, or that the connection has changed from one type to another. Furthermore, with an appropriate structure, it is possible to have the ability to allow a network administrator to set a connection scheme without prior planning by simply inserting a given type of connector and having the monitoring system indicate what type of connection has been established.

The embodiments thus described provide a network connection detection assembly suitable for use in a wiring closet environment with network terminations formed using standard wiring blocks. Therefore, the connection detection capability is set at the center position and a large amount of wiring can be realized. In addition, the connection detection assembly is susceptible to modification to existing devices.

While the invention has been described in terms of various implementations, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims (20)

1. A network detection component, comprising:

an interface configured to receive a plurality of patch cords;

a sensor element positioned proximate to the interface;

establishing a plurality of contacts electrically connected with the sensor element when the patch cord is connected to the interface; and

at least one conductive element connected to one of the patch cords and the sensor element, the conductive element configured to connect to one or more of the plurality of contacts when one of the patch cords is connected to the interface.

2. The network sensing assembly of claim 1, further comprising a retainer extending across said interface, said retainer containing said sensor element.

3. The network sensing assembly of claim 1, further comprising a label holder, said label holder including said sensor element.

4. The network sensing assembly of claim 1, wherein said conductive element extends on one side of at least one patch cord.

5. The network sensing assembly of claim 1, wherein said contact extends from said sensor element.

6. The network sensing assembly of claim 1, wherein said contacts are flexible.

7. The network sensing assembly of claim 1, wherein said interface extends along a support.

8. The network sensing assembly of claim 1, further comprising a holder in which said sensor element is contained, said contacts extending from said sensor element in said holder.

9. The network sensing assembly of claim 1 further comprising a holder including opposing sides, said sensor element being contained in said holder, said plurality of contacts being disposed in said holder along each of said opposing sides.

10. The network sensing assembly of claim 1, wherein said plurality of contacts are U-shaped.

11. The network sensing assembly of claim 1, further comprising a retainer coupled to said interface, said retainer including opposing side edges, said contact extending from each of said side edges.

12. The network sensing assembly of claim 1, wherein said interface comprises first and second rows of patch cord receptacles, said sensor element extending between said first and second rows and configured to establish an electrical connection with each of said patch cords connected to said first and second rows through said plurality of contacts.

13. A network sensing assembly for a rack having a connection interface adapted to receive a plurality of patch cords, the assembly comprising:

a holder configured to removably mate with a rack;

a sensor in the holder; and

a plurality of contacts extending from the holder to engage patch cords connected to the interface.

14. The network sensing assembly of claim 13, wherein said holder comprises a label holder, said label holder containing said sensor element.

15. The network sensing assembly of claim 13, further comprising at least one conductive element connected to one of the patch cords and the sensor element, the conductive element configured to connect to one or more of the plurality of contacts when one of the patch cords is connected to the interface.

16. The network sensing assembly of claim 13, wherein the conductive element extends on one side of a patch cord.

17. The network sensing assembly of claim 13, wherein said plurality of contacts extend from said sensor element in said holder.

18. The network sensing assembly of claim 13, wherein said holder includes opposing sides, said plurality of contacts being disposed in said holder along each of said opposing sides.

19. The network sensing assembly of claim 13, wherein said plurality of contacts are U-shaped.

20. The network sensing assembly of claim 13, wherein said sensor element comprises a pair of sensor elements, each said sensor element comprising a contact along one side.