WO2002091652A2

WO2002091652A2 - Intelligent concentrator

Info

Publication number: WO2002091652A2
Application number: PCT/US2002/008469
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alan Rubinstein; Gary Wang
Original assignee: 3Com Corporation
Priority date: 2001-03-20
Filing date: 2002-03-19
Publication date: 2002-11-14
Also published as: WO2002091652A3; EP1380140A2; AU2002314722A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for multiplexing signals in a network. The apparatus has a housing which contains two or more network connection devices along with suitable intelligent electronic circuitry for controlling and multiplexing data, voice telephone signals, and power for multiple devices connected to the connection devices. The multiplexing enables the various devices to communicate with the network and, in some cases, to receive power over the network connection. The intelligent electronic circuitry is also capable of aiding in network security and management. A primary advantage of the disclosed invention is an enormous reduction in the network cabling required for a new network installation and a near elimination of the need to install new cabling for modification of an existing network.

Description

INTELLIGENT CONCENTRATOR

RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to the commonly-owned co-

pending provisional patent applications: patent application U.S.

serial number 60/277,593, entitled "'INTELLIJACK' PHYSICAL

CONCEPTS," filed March 20, 2001 , and assigned to the assignee of

the present invention; patent application U.S. serial number

60/277,767, entitled "A METHOD FOR MANAGING INTELLIGENT

HARDWARE FOR ACCESS TO VOICE AND DATA NETWORKS," filed March

20, 2001 , and assigned to the assignee of the present invention;

patent application U.S. serial number 60/277,451 , entitled "A

METHOD FOR FILTERING ACCESS TO VOICE AND DATA NETWORKS BY

USE OF INTELLIGENT HARDWARE," filed March 20, 2001 , and assigned

to the assignee of the present invention; patent application U.S.

serial number 60/277,592, "'INTELLIJACK' USAGE," filed March 20,

2001 , and assigned to the assignee of the present invention; and

patent application U.S. serial number 60/285,419, "INTELLIGENT

CONCENTRATOR," filed April 20, 2001 , and assigned to the assignee

of the present invention. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of Local Area

Networking (LAN). More specifically, the present invention relates

to a device and system for efficiently multiplexing data, voice, FAX

and power lines between the work site and the network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern Local Area Networking (LAN) is generally accomplished

by extensive runs of multiple parallel cables to multiple connections and devices at each work site. This is in addition to voice telephone,

FAX, and device power cabling. When LAN infrastructures require

change, it is generally more efficient to leave existing cables in

place and simply string new cables between switch and router nodes and any new work site devices.

The current state of the art for implementing data

multiplexing and Firewall technology, on a per user basis, is

centered around providing the capability in a centralized head end

data switch or router or by distributing these functions to the end

user's location by placing a box level data concentrator switch and

security equipment, whether hardware firewall, access control or hardware encryption device, next to the computing equipment that is to be connected to a data LAN.

Current distributed solutions are ad hoc, of questionable

reliability, inefficiently managed and subject to failures caused by

accidental removal of power and wire breakage. Current solutions

require local power which adds an installation requirement and

reduces system reliability. Security could be breached through

intentional or inadvertent bypassing of any installed Firewall.

Software solutions are hard to deploy and maintain in the field and once installed are subject to attacks through common hacking

techniques. An additional weakness of software solutions is that

the device that is to be networked may not be able to host the required software.

What is needed, then, is a means of reliably multiplexing voice,

data, FAX and power lines in order to reduce the cost of installation

and infrastructure change in a LAN. Furthermore, such a means should provide information about usage and should facilitate the

management and security of the network. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Presented herein is an intelligent local area network

connection jack that provides a means of reliably multiplexing

voice, data, FAX and power lines in order to reduce the cost of

installation and infrastructure change in a LAN. Furthermore, the

connection jack provides information about usage and facilitates the

management and security of the network.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for multiplexing

signals in a network The apparatus has a housing which contains

two or more network connection devices along with suitable intelligent electronic circuitry for controlling and multiplexing

data, voice telephone signals, and power for multiple devices

connected to the connection devices. The multiplexing enables the

various devices to communicate with the network and, in some

cases, to receive power over the network connection. The

intelligent electronic circuitry is also capable of aiding in network

security and management. A primary advantage of the disclosed

invention is an enormous reduction in the network cabling required

for a new network installation and a near elimination of the need to

install new cabling for modification of an existing network. Embodiments of the present invention disclose an apparatus

for multiplexing signals in a network. The apparatus comprises a

housing, two or more network connection devices coupled with the

housing, and intelligent electronic circuitry, coupled with the

housing and communicatively coupled with network connection

devices; wherein the intelligent electronic circuitry is adapted to

control the multiplexing of signals and power in the network cabling

connected to the network connection devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The operation of this invention can be best visualized by

reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 (Prior art) illustrates a conventional LAN

implemented with a server and work centers.

Figure 2A illustrates a LAN, configured in accordance with one

embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2B illustrates a variation on a LAN equipped with

embodiments of the present invention.

FIGURE 3 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary

connection of an intelligent connection apparatus in accordance with

one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a possible configuration for one

embodiment of the present invention.

The drawings referred to in this description should be

understood as not being drawn to scale except if specifically noted. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Reference would now be made in detail to the preferred

embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in

the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in

conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood

that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover

alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included

within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the

appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description

of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in

order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.

However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that

the present invention may be practiced without these specific

details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures,

components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not

to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

Some portions of the detailed descriptions that follow are presented in terms of procedures, logic blocks, processing, and other

symbolic representations of operations on signals within an

electronic circuit. These descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the electronic arts to most

effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in

the art. A procedure, logic block, process, etc., is here, and

generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or

instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those

requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually,

though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical

or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined,

compared, and otherwise manipulated in an electronic system.

There are many conceivable embodiments of the present invention. However, the concepts underlying the present invention

may be best understood by the discussion of only a few

embodiments. This discussion in no way limits the application of

the concepts nor determines the limit to embodiments possible.

This embodiment of the present invention implements

intelligent hardware that is easy to install and reliably provides an

attachment point for access to Voice & Data Networks. The

embodiment is implemented through miniaturized hardware that

could be installed inside a wall or in an internal space provided for

in an office cubicle. One surface of this embodiment is intended to be accessible by the end user and would in most instances be on an

external surface of a workspace.

In one embodiment, several standard communications jacks,

such as RJ45, as well as status indicator lights, are mounted on the

external, user accessible, surface of the embodiment. One intended

implementation provides for four RJ-45 communication jacks.

However, alternative implementations could support a greater or

lesser number.

Connections to the central data network (LAN) or voice

telephone network (or perhaps dedicated FAX lines) in the present

embodiment would be terminated at the connection apparatus. These

connections would be established by an installer and would not be

intended to be accessible by the end user. In most instances, the

wiring between the unit and the communications infrastructure

would terminate inside the wall or possibly office cubicle fixture.

Termination of the network wiring (voice or data) would provide for

both a reliable electrical and mechanical connection for industry

standard communications cabling such as CAT3, CAT5 or CAT5E or

similar cabling. A variation of the implementation could also

similarly accommodate fiber-optic cabling. It is envisioned that the

integrity of the installation may utilize mounting hardware such as screws or snap fit techniques that could not removed by an end user

without specialized tools.

In addition to terminating data connections, this embodiment

of the present invention could support digital telephone connections,

such as those entailed by VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)

technology. In the intended implementation, an RJ-45 connector or

other modular connector could be configured to provide either a LAN

data connection or a digital telephone connection. The end user

would be able to insert a data cable or a telephone into the jack and

either device would be supported. The end user would not have to

actively configure or program this embodiment to enable either

mode of operation.

Support for a separate direct termination of a cable to a

separate sub-net could also be provided. The ability to directly

terminate a line to another data or voice line would provide for the

ability to accommodate growth for new data and voice technologies

that may not be compatible with the capabilities of this embodiment

of the present invention. Such flexibility may be desirable to

support new network topologies as well. In addition to wired connections to and from this embodiment

and the client devices, wireless connectivity could also be viable.

Standard communication media such as IR, BlueTooth, 802.11 or

other means could be utilized to communicate with the device.

Power for this embodiment as well as devices connected to it

could be provided from a central source over the network cabling.

This embodiment would also be able to forward power to data

devices that are connected to the communications jacks that are on the user accessible surface. The power that is provided could be

connected in a manner that would isolate the effect of electrical

faults due to component failures or shorts in the connected device or

the wires to it. Such isolation could prevent a failure that is

external to this embodiment from damaging it and would isolate the

failure in a way that would allow this embodiment itself and

devices that are connected to the unit to remain operational.

Recovery of the effected port would be automatic and could occur as

soon as the failed device or wire is removed. This embodiment

would implement this feature with current limiting fold back

circuitry. An alternative implementation could be through self-

healing "Poly Switch" fuses but current limiting is the preferred implementation since it would allow the embedded intelligence to

sense the condition and report it to a central management console.

The benefits that accrue from the physical mounting of the

device in the manner already described would add significantly to

the functionality, reliability and the range of functions that could be

performed by this embodiment. Installations that do not provide for

the termination of the wiring to the network internal to a protected surface such as a wall or a cubicle are inherently unreliable and are

subject to a degrading of connections from mechanical stress,

abrasion and related mechanisms. The placement of attachment

points in a protected environment would eliminate problems from

accidental stresses that could occur. Mechanical stress could occur

if a user were to snare a device cable and inadvertently pulled on the

embodiment, either directly or through the attached cable. The

mounting hardware would isolate the forces to which the wiring is

subjected.

Another benefit of the physical attributes of this embodiment

that has been described is that the end user does not have direct

access to the network infrastructure. This embodiment of the present invention itself could serve as a managed access control

point. If this embodiment was established in another manner such as a stand alone box, the end user might be able to circumvent the

functions performed by this embodiment and could gain direct,

unmanaged, access to the network. It is apparent that concepts

presented in this embodiment of the present invention provide an

added degree of security by presenting a controlled point of access.

For wireless connectivity, an antenna or an IR port could be

built into the face of the implemented unit itself. The antenna could

also be constructed to allow it to be implemented on or above the

surface. The electronics suite contained within the housing in this embodiment could provide the additional supporting circuitry to

implement a wireless connection.

Another significant advantage offered by this embodiment is

the provision of a degree of directionality that could be optimized to

limit the number of devices, both intended and unintended, with

which any unit would be able to communicate. By employing

directionality and shielding, the occupant of a workspace would be

able to reliably communicate with the unit while another person in

an adjacent space using similar equipment would be less likely to

interfere with or even gain access to the first user's

communication. It is envisioned that the unit could be produced as separate

elements. The base unit would contain the capability to terminate

the cabling while a separate unit containing the intelligent

electronics could be added to the base unit at a later time. The

functional split of the unit in this manner would allow for wide

deployment of network wiring infrastructure in a cost effective

manner since the cost of the intelligence would not be borne for

work areas that might not currently be occupied. Other benefits that

derive from this type of functional partitioning is in the area of

field service and upgrades. A unit that was suspected to have failed

could quickly be replaced and retested. Also, newer units with added

capabilities could be added where needed and older modules could

still be used in areas where the added capabilities were not needed.

It is also envisioned that a modular expansion capability could

be added onto the base unit to enable the functions of the deployed

units to be readily adopted to new and varying needs. The expansion

module would mate onto the faceplate and would obtain bus signal

and power from it. Serial buses such as USB or Ethernet could be

suitable for this purpose. The implementation of a modular add-on

could be implemented in a fashion so the end user would not view

the bus expansion connector as a general purpose interface as would be the case with a PC. This would be done to avoid problems that

could arise if end users inserted cables directly into industry

standard expansion connectors, expecting to enable the functions provided by a peripheral device. This limiting of supported

capabilities is anticipated since the on-board intelligence could not

be assumed to have the capability to detect the characteristics of

the inserted device. There also would not necessarily be an easy

means to add the required software elements nor a user interface to

support the level of communications with an end user that some

peripheral require.

It is also envisioned that some implementations of this

embodiment of the present invention might be as plug-in add-ons

that could securely mount over existing data communications jacks.

An alternative mounting technique for this embodiment would be to

allow the unit to mount over and plug into the existing

communication jacks.

The wall mounted units could provide for additional

capabilities such as data concentration, security, VOIP support, etc.

However, to achieve the real benefits of the added reliability and security similar to what was described for in wall mounting the

attachment needs to be implemented in a manner that enables for a quick and easy installation while providing for a capture mechanism

that is not releasable by the end user.

A further understanding of the concepts presented in this

discussion of this embodiment of the present invention may be had

by reference to the attached Figures.

Prior art Figure 1 illustrates a conventional LAN implemented

with a server and three work centers. A work center might be

populated with a workstation 107, a network printer 108, a laptop

101 or other devices and combinations of devices that require direct

communication with the server in order to function properly.

Additionally, a voice telephone, 109, using Voice Over Internet

Protocol (VOIP) technology might be in the modern workplace. Each

of these devices requires a cable connection to the server or to its

peripheral switching mechanisms. As discussed earlier, each of

these connections currently requires a separate cable run which can

be very expensive and can compromise system integrity and security.

Figure 2A illustrates a LAN, configured with the same

equipment as in Figure 1, where the work area equipment has been

connected to the network via embodiments of the present invention,

which can be called smart network portals or intelligent concentrators, 200. All of the same functions and devices of the

previous work centers are represented but, using intelligent

concentrators, a single cable is all that is required to connect the

work area equipment suite with the server. VOIP telephone 109 is

implemented as well in the equipment array.

Also illustrated in Figure 2A is one implementation of device

power over the network connection. This could be implemented for

devices whose power requirements were low enough to make such a

multiplexed power supply system cost effective. A high power

requirement could drive the cable sizes too large to make any cost

savings be attainable.

Figure 2B illustrates a variation on the LAN equipped with

intelligent concentrators. Here, a further reduction in cabling cost

is gained by the use of a "daisy-chained" arrangement of intelligent

concentrators. A daisy-chain would result in only one cable being

connected directly to the server, or to its peripheral switching

center, to connect a plurality of work centers.

Figure 3 illustrates a possible configuration for an embodiment of the present invention. Intelligent concentrator 301 is shown in side cutaway view, with connector jacks 304 and wireless device 307 shown in one of several conceivable arrangements. Wireless communication device 307 is envisioned as being enabled in a variety of protocols. Infrared and Bluetooth, or some other RF implementation, are possibilities. Multiplexing of signals to and from server 104 would very likely be under the control of in-unit electronics 302. Again, those signals and possible power for some devices, would travel over single cable 100 and connect to intelligent concentrator 301 via back-of-unit connector 306.

Also shown in Figure 3 is add-on device 303. A range of possibilities exists for the functions of device 303. It could be implemented as an intelligent remote testing device, allowing the network infrastructure and cabling to be tested and evaluated from a central location, without any action being required at the work site. Device 303 might also be implemented as a security device, preventing physical attachment to the LAN cabling without a notification being sent to the server that the physical network port has been compromised.

Figure 4 illustrates a possible configuration for an embodiment of the present invention. Intelligent concentrator 301 is shown here with four RJ-45 jacks, 304. There is space, even if an embodiment takes the form factor of a standard wall plate device, for more jacks, 308. These other jacks could enable a parallel connection to a different network or to a telephone system or to a number of other envisioned possibilities. Figure 4 also shows status indicator light 305 which could be implemented in a possible embodiment.

Also shown in Figure 4 is wireless communication device 307. Device 307 could be implemented in any number of wireless standards for non contact connection to the network. Again, infrared or an RF protocol, such as Bluetooth, are possible communication standards that come to mind. The necessary transceiver electronics for device 307 are likely to be contained in the body of concentrator 301 , possibly integral with internal electronics 302.

As a summary; this description has disclosed the present invention relates to an apparatus for multiplexing signals in a network. The apparatus has a housing which contains two or more network connection devices along with suitable intelligent electronic circuitry for controlling and multiplexing data, voice telephone signals, and power for multiple devices connected to the connection devices. The multiplexing enables the various devices to communicate with the network and, in some cases, to receive power over the network connection. The intelligent electronic circuitry is also capable of aiding in network security and management. A primary advantage of the disclosed invention is an enormous reduction in the network cabling required for a new network installation and a near elimination of the need to install new cabling for modification of an existing network.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. An apparatus for multiplexing signals at a work center in a

network, comprising:

a work center mountable housing;

two or more network connection devices coupled with

said work center mountable housing; and,

electronic circuitry, coupled with said work center

mountable housing and communicatively coupled with said

network connection devices; wherein: said electronic circuitry is enabled to control the multiplexing of

said signals in network cabling connected to said network

connection devices, such that multiplexing of signals emanating

from said work center and demultiplexing of network signals

intended for said work center are accomplished locally at said work center.

2. An apparatus as described in Claim 1 wherein said network

connection devices are capable of connecting data lines.

3. An apparatus as described in Claim 1 wherein said network

connection devices are capable of connecting voice telephone lines.

4. An apparatus as described in Claim 1 wherein said network

connection devices are capable of connecting dedicated FAX lines.

5. An apparatus as described in Claim 1 wherein said network

connection devices are capable of connecting to and delivering

device power.

6. An apparatus as described in Claim 1 wherein said electronic

circuitry is capable of communicating system information to said

network.

7. An apparatus as described in Claim 1 wherein said electronic

circuitry is further enabled to assist maintenance of network

security.

8. A method for connecting devices to a network at a work

center, comprising the steps of:

a) providing a device connector at said work center capable

of connecting network devices to a network;

b) connecting two or more network devices to said device

connector; and,

c) multiplexing signals between said network and said

network devices.

9. The method described in Claim 8, wherein said step of

providing a device connector is accomplished with a modular cable

connector.

10. The method described in Claim 8, wherein said step of

multiplexing signals is capable of multiplexing network data

signals.

11. The method described in Claim 8, wherein said step of

multiplexing signals is capable of multiplexing voice telephone

signals.

12. The method described in Claim 8, wherein said step of multiplexing signals is accomplished at said work center.

13. The method described in Claim 8, wherein said network

connection devices are capable of connecting dedicated FAX lines.

14. The method described in Claim 8, wherein said network

connection devices are capable of connecting to and delivering

device power.

15. The method described in Claim 8, wherein said electronic

circuitry is capable of communicating system information to said

network.

16. A system for connecting a network, comprising:

a network comprising one or more servers and one or

more work centers; cabling communicatively connecting said work centers

and said servers in said network; and,

one or more connecting devices enabled to intelligently

multiplex communication between a plurality of devices in

said work centers and said network.

17. The system described in Claim 16, wherein said work centers

comprise desktop computers.

18. The system described in Claim 16, wherein said work centers

comprise printers.

19. The system described in Claim 16, wherein said work centers

comprise VOIP enabled telephones.

20. The system described in Claim 16, wherein said connecting

devices are enabled to connect to other connecting devices in a

daisy-chain fashion.

21. The system described in Claim 16, wherein said connecting

devices comprise circuitry enabled to assist in maintaining the

security of said network.

22. The system described in Claim 16, wherein said connecting devices comprise circuitry enabled to assist in managing the

infrastructure of said network.