CN1689290A - Intelligent concentrator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device used for multipath signals in a network. The device is provided with a housing, which contains two or more network connection devices and a suitable intelligent electronic circuit used to control and multiplex data, voice circuit signals and the electrical power of multiple devices used to be connected with the connection devices. Multipath transmission allows the communication between different devices and the network and, under certain circumstances, receives network connection-received electrical power. The intelligent electronic circuit is also helpful to the security and management of the network. The main advantages of the disclosed device are that network cables required by the installation of a new network are greatly reduced and the requirement on the installation of new cables used for the improvement of the existing network is almost left out.

Description

smart concentrator

Related U.S. Application

This application claims a commonly owned pending provisional patent application: U.S. Serial No. 60/277,593, filed March 20, 2001, entitled "'INTELLIJACK' PHYSICAL CONCEPTS," and assigned to the assignee of the present invention ; Patent Application U.S. Serial No. 60/277,767, filed March 20, 2001, entitled "AMETHOD FOR MANAGING INTELLIGENT HARDWARE FOR ACCESS TO VOICE ANDDATA NETWORKS," and assigned to the assignee of the present invention; March 20, 2001 Patent application U.S. Serial No. 60/277,451 filed, entitled "A METHOD FOR FILTERING ACCESS TO VOICE AND DATA NETWORKS BY USE OF INTELLIGENTHARDWARE," and assigned to the assignee of the present invention; patent application U.S. Serial No. 60/277,592, "'INTELLIJACK' USAGE," and assigned to the assignee of the present invention and patent application U.S. Serial No. 60/285,419, "INTELLIGENT CONCENTRATOR," filed April 20, 2001, and assigned to the present invention the assignee.

field of invention

The present invention relates to the field of local area network (LAN) technology. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and systems for efficiently multiplexing data, voice, facsimile (FAX), and power lines between a work site and a network.

Background of the invention

Modern local area networks (LANs) are typically implemented by running numerous parallel cables to multiple connections and devices at each workstation. This is the wiring outside of the voice telephone, fax, and equipment power cables. When the LAN infrastructure needs to change, it is often more efficient to leave the existing cables in place and simply run new cables between the switch and router nodes and any new worksite equipment.

Existing, per-subscriber implementations of data multiplexing and firewall technology revolve around the ability to centrally provide head-end data switches or routers or by placing box-level data concentrator switches, whether hardware firewalls, access controllers Also the security device of the hardware encryption device immediately behind the computing device connected to the data LAN, distributes these functions at the end user unit.

Current distribution solutions are inter alia unreliable, inefficiently managed and subject to failures due to occasional removal of power and disconnections. Current solutions require local power that increases installation requirements and reduces system reliability. By-passing any installed firewall, intentionally or negligently, breaches security. In this field, software solutions are difficult to configure and maintain and, once installed, are subject to attack through common hacking techniques. A further disadvantage of software solutions is that the devices to be networked cannot act as the required software.

What is needed, then, is a reliable method of multiplexing voice, data, fax, and power lines in order to reduce installation costs and implement infrastructure change techniques in LANs. In addition, such technical means should provide information on utilization rates and should facilitate management and security of the network.

Summary of the invention

Presented herein is an intelligent local area network connection jack that provides means to reliably multiplex voice, data, fax and power lines to reduce installation costs and infrastructure changes in a LAN. Additionally, connection sockets provide information about usage and facilitate network management and security.

The invention relates to apparatus for multiplexing information in a network. The device has a housing containing two or more network connection devices and suitable intelligent electronic circuitry for controlling and multiplexing data, voice telephony signals and power for a plurality of devices connected to the plurality of connection devices. Multiplexing enables different devices to communicate with the network and, in some cases, receive power over the network connections. Intelligent electronic circuits can also contribute to network security and management. A major advantage of the disclosed invention is that it greatly reduces the need for network cabling for new network installations and virtually eliminates the need to install new cabling for changes to existing networks.

Embodiments of the invention disclose apparatus for multiplexing signals in a network. The device includes a housing, two or more network connection devices connected to the housing, and intelligent electronic circuitry connected to the housing and communicatively connected to the network connection devices, wherein the intelligent electronic circuits are adapted to control the Signal and power multiplexing in network cables.

A brief description of the drawings

The operation of the invention can be best illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 (Prior Art) shows a traditional LAN with servers and work centers.

Figure 2A shows a LAN configured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2B shows a variant of a LAN with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of an exemplary connection of a smart connected device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a possible structure for one embodiment of the invention.

Unless specifically mentioned, the drawings cited in this specification should be considered not to scale.

The best test example of the present invention

Reference will 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 preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included in the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled 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 obscure features of the present invention.

Details are described in the following sections in terms of procedures, logic blocks, processing and other symbolic representations of operations on signals within the electronic circuits. These descriptions and representations are the means commonly used by those skilled in the electronics arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. The procedures, logic blocks, methods, etc. herein are generally viewed as a discrete 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 electronic or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise stored in electronic systems.

There are many conceivable embodiments of the invention. However, by discussing only a few embodiments, the principles of the invention can be best understood. This discussion in no way limits the application of the principles or identifies possible boundaries for the embodiments.

This embodiment of the invention achieves intelligent hardware that is easy to install and reliably provides a point of attachment for accessing voice and data networks. This embodiment is implemented by a tiny piece of hardware installed in a wall or in the interior space of an office cubicle. One surface of this embodiment is intended to be accessible by the end user and, in most instances, is on the outer surface of the workspace.

In one embodiment, several standard communication interfaces, such as RJ45 and status lights, are mounted on an external, user-accessible surface of the embodiment. One intended example is to provide four RJ-45 communication ports. However, alternative implementations may support greater or smaller quantities.

The connection to the central data network (LAN) or voice telephone network (or possibly a dedicated FAX line) in this embodiment is terminated at the connecting device end. These connections may be established by installers and are not intended for access by end users. In most instances the wiring between the unit and the communications infrastructure will terminate in a wall or possibly within an office cubicle setup. Termination of network wiring (voice and data) will provide a reliable electrical and mechanical connection for industry standard communication cables such as CAT3, CAT5 or CAT5E or similar cables. The variants achieved can also similarly accommodate fiber optic cables. It is envisioned that mounting integrity may employ mounting hardware that cannot be removed by the end user without special tools, such as screw and snap assembly techniques.

In addition to terminating data connections, this embodiment of the invention can support digital telephone connections, such as those required by VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology. In a predetermined implementation, an RJ-45 connector or other modular connector may be configured to provide a LAN data connection or a digital telephone connection. End users will be able to plug a data cable or phone into the jack and support either device. The end user will not have to actively configure or program this embodiment to enable either mode of operation.

Support is also provided for independent direct termination of cables to separate subnets. The ability to directly terminate a line to another data or voice line will provide the ability to accommodate the growth of new data and voice technologies that are not compatible with the capabilities of this embodiment of the invention. It is hoped that this flexibility will also support new network topologies.

In addition to this embodiment and client device wired connections back and forth, wireless connections are also possible. Standard communication media such as IR, BlueTooth, 802.11 or other means can be used to communicate with the device.

The embodiment and devices connected to it can be powered from a central power source via network cables. This embodiment can also transfer power to data devices connected to communication sockets on the user-accessible face. The supplied power may be connected in such a way as to isolate the effects of leakage currents due to component failures or short circuits in the connection device or its wires. This isolation prevents faults external to the embodiment from being damaged and will isolate the fault in a manner that allows the embodiment itself and devices connected to the unit to remain operational. Restoration of affected ports will be automatic and occur as soon as the faulty device or wire is moved. This embodiment will achieve this feature through a current limiting foldback circuit. Another implementation could be through self-heating PolySwitch fuses, but current limiting is the best implementation as this allows built-in intelligence to detect conditions and report them to a central management console.

The benefits resulting from physically mounting the device in the manner already described above will increase the functionality, reliability and range of functions that can be performed by this embodiment. The installation of wiring terminations of networks not provided to a protected surface, such as a wall or inside a cabinet, is inherently unreliable and highly prone to mechanical stress, wear and degradation of the connection performance of the associated mechanism. In a protected environment, setting the attachment point will eliminate stress problems due to occasional occurrences. If the user intends to obtain the equipment cable and inadvertently pull on this embodiment either directly or through the connecting cable, mechanical stress will be generated. Mounting hardware insulates the wiring from the stress it will experience.

Another benefit of the physical attributes of this embodiment already described is that the end user does not have direct access to the network infrastructure. This embodiment of the invention will itself serve as an administrative access control point. If the embodiment is built in another way, such as a stand-alone box, it is possible for the end user to bypass the functions performed by the embodiment and gain direct, unmanaged access to the network. Obviously, the principle proposed in the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an increased degree of security by providing access controllable points.

For wireless connections, an antenna or an IR port can be mounted in the surface of the implemented unit itself. The antenna can also be configured to allow it to be on or above a surface. A suite of electronics contained within the housing of this embodiment can provide additional support circuitry to enable wireless connectivity.

Another significant advantage of this embodiment is to provide a degree of directionality, more optimally so as to limit the number of intended or unscheduled devices through which any unit will be able to communicate. By employing directionality and shielding, the occupants of the workspace will be able to reliably communicate with the unit, while making it impossible to interfere and access communications with the first user while another person in an adjacent space is simultaneously using a similar device.

It is foreseen that the unit can be made as a single element. A base unit can contain the ability to terminate cables, and a separate unit containing the IED can be added to the base unit at a later time. The functional split of the unit in this way will allow a wide-ranging arrangement of the network cabling infrastructure in an efficient and cost-effective manner, since currently unoccupied workspace intelligence costs are not incurred. Additional benefits arising from this type of functional division are in the field of field repair and renewal. Suspected faulty units can be quickly replaced and retested. At the same time, newer units with additional capabilities are added where needed, while older modules can still be used in areas where additional capabilities are not required.

It is also foreseeable that modular expansion capabilities can be added to the base unit to allow the functions of the configured unit to be readily adapted to new and changing needs. Expansion modules are connectable to the panel and can receive bus signals and power therefrom. A serial bus such as USB or Ethernet could be suitable for this purpose. The realization that the module adds is not like the situation of the PC machine so that the end user regards the bus expansion connector as a general interface. Doing so avoids the problems that would arise if the end user plugged the cable directly into an industry standard expansion connector in the hope of enabling the functionality provided by the peripheral. Since the on-board intelligence cannot be assumed to have the ability to detect the characteristics of the plugged-in device, this limitation of support capabilities cannot be expected. Nor is it necessarily a means of adding the required software elements or user interfaces to support the level of communication required by the peripheral to the end user.

It is also envisioned that some implementations of this embodiment of the invention are plug-in accessories that can be securely installed on existing data communication jacks. Additional mounting techniques for this embodiment allow the unit to be mounted or plugged into an existing communication jack.

The wall mount unit may provide additional capabilities such as data centralization, security, VOIP support, and the like. However, to achieve similar practical benefits of increased reliability and safety as described for wall mounting, there is a need to incorporate accessories in such a way as to allow quick and easy installation while providing capture mechanism.

The principles of the invention may be further understood by discussing the embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Prior Art Figure 1 illustrates a conventional LAN implemented with a server and three work centers. The work center may consist of workstations 107, network printers 108, laptop computers 101 or other devices and combinations of devices that need to communicate directly with the server to ensure normal operation. In addition, voice telephones 109 using Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology are also available in modern workplaces. Each of these devices requires cabling to the server or its peripheral switch. As mentioned earlier, each of these connections currently requires a separate cable to implement, which can be very expensive, compensating for system integrity and security.

Figure 2A shows a LAN made up of the same apparatus as in Figure 1, where workspace equipment has been connected to the network by an embodiment of the present invention, which may be referred to as an intelligent network portal or intelligent concentrator 200. All the same features and equipment of the previous work center are represented, but using the smart concentrator, only one cable is needed to connect a work area unit to the server. VOIP phones 109 are also used in the array of devices.

As shown in FIG. 2A , it is an implementation scheme of device power connected via a network. This can be used for devices where the power requirements are low enough to make the multiplex power system cost-effective. High power requirements can make the cables oversized without any cost savings.

Figure 2B shows a variation on a LAN with an intelligent concentrator. Here, a further reduction in cable costs is achieved through the use of "cascaded chain" devices of intelligent concentrators. Cascade chaining results in only one cable being connected directly to a server, or its peripheral switching center, to connect multiple work centers.

Figure 3 shows a possible configuration for use in an embodiment of the present invention. Smart concentrator 301 and connector receptacle 304 are shown in side cutaway view, with wireless device 307 shown in several conceivable arrangements. It is foreseeable that wireless communication devices are enabled with a variety of protocols. Infrared and Bluetooth, or some other RF implementation are also possible. The multiplexing of signals to and from the server 104 is likely to be under the control of the in-unit electronics 302 . At the same time those signals and possibly power for certain devices will be carried on the signal cable 100 and connected to the smart concentrator 301 via the unit rear connector 306 .

Shown in FIG. 3 is an accessory device 303 . There is a range of possibilities for the functionality of device 303 . It can be used as an intelligent remote test device, allowing network infrastructure and cables to be tested and evaluated from a central unit without any required action from the workstation. Device 303 can also be used as a safety device, preventing physical connection to the LAN cable without the server being notified that a physical network port has been adjusted.

Figure 4 shows a possible structure of an embodiment of the invention. Here, a smart concentrator 301 with four RJ-45 jacks is shown. There is room for multiple sockets 308 even though there is an embodiment in the form factor of a standard wall mount strip device. These other sockets can enable connections to different networks or telephone systems or a number of other imaginable possibilities. Figure 4 also shows a status indicating light 305 that can be implemented in a possible embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4 is a wireless communication device 307 . The device 307 can be used for a variety of wireless standards for contactless connection to the network. Additionally, infrared or RF protocols, such as Bluetooth, are readily conceivable possible communication standards. Receiver electronics for device 307 may be contained within the body of concentrator 301 , possibly integrated with internal electronics 302 .

In general, this specification discloses the invention, which relates to an arrangement for multiplexing signals in a network. The apparatus has a housing containing two or more network connection devices and suitable intelligent electronic circuitry for controlling multiplexed data, voice telephony signals and power for a plurality of devices connected to the connection devices. Multiplexing enables the various devices to communicate with each other over the network and, in some cases, to receive power over the network connections. Intelligent electronic circuits also contribute to network security and management. A major advantage of the disclosed invention is that it greatly reduces the need for network cabling for new network installations and virtually eliminates the need to install new cabling for modifications to existing networks.

Specific embodiments of the present invention have been described for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to exclude or limit the invention only to the form disclosed. Many obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. These embodiments were chosen and described in order to better explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, so that others skilled in the art can better understand the invention with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Example. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (22)

1. An apparatus for multiplexing signals at a work center in a network, comprising: A work center mountable enclosure; two or more network connection devices coupled to the work center installable enclosure; and electronic circuitry coupled to the work center installable enclosure and communicatively coupled to the network connection devices; wherein: said electronic circuitry is adapted to control multiplexing of said signals in network cables connected to said network connection equipment for multiplexing of signals emanating from said work center locally at said work center and with Multiplexing of network signals destined for the work center. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the network connection device is capable of connecting a data line. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the network connection device is capable of connecting to a voice telephone line. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the network connection device is connectable to a dedicated FAX line. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the network connection device is connectable to and outputs device power. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic circuitry is capable of communicating system information to the network. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic circuitry is further enabled to assist in maintaining network security. 8. A method of connecting equipment to a network at a work center comprising the steps of: a) providing at said work center connectors capable of connecting network devices to devices of a network; b) connecting two or more network devices to said device connector; and c) Multiplexing signal transmission between the network and the network device. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said step of providing a device connector is performed by a modular cable connector. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein said step of multiplexing signals is capable of multiplexing network data signals. 11. The method of claim 8, wherein said step of multiplexing signals is capable of multiplexing voice circuit signals. 12. The method of claim 8, wherein said step of multiplexing signals is performed at said work center. 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the network connection device is connectable to a dedicated FAX line. 14. The method of claim 8, wherein the network connected device is connectable to and delivers power to the device. 15. The method of claim 8, wherein said electronic circuit is capable of transmitting system signals to said network. 16. A system for connecting to a network, comprising: a network with one or more servers and one or more work centers; a cable communicatively connecting said work center and said server in said network; and One or more connecting devices capable of intelligently multiplexing communications between devices in said work center and said network. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the work center comprises a desktop computer. 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the work center includes a printer. 19. The system of claim 16, wherein said work center comprises a VOIP enabled telephone. 20. The system of claim 16, wherein said connection devices are adapted to connect to other connection devices in a cascaded chain. 21. The system of claim 16, wherein the connection device includes circuitry to assist in maintaining security of the network. 22. The system of claim 16, wherein the connection device includes circuitry to assist in managing the infrastructure of the network.

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