AU3530389A - Apparatus and method for mapping the connectivity of communications systems with multiple communications paths - Google Patents

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAPPING THE

CONNECTIVITY OF COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS

WITH MULTIPLE COMMUNICATIONS PATHS

Field Of The Invention

This invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for the efficient generation of a map of the connectivity between two or more sets of points which have established communica¬ tion paths between them. In particular the invention relates to the management of wiring and other communications media commonly used in buildings, office parks and campuses for tele¬ phone, data and video communications.

Description Of Background Art

In many office buildings, when new tenants move in or the communications requirements of existing tenants change, new communications wiring is installed. New wiring is preferred in many cases despite the existence of already installed wiring which could meet the new requirements and despite the significant expense involved in installing new wiring. One reason that new wiring is often installed is that records identifying the termination points of the existing wiring fre¬ quently do not exist or, if such records have been established, their current accuracy is question¬ able.

The task of identifying the termination points at remote building locations with terminals in a central wiring closet and, thus, the communi¬ cation paths between them may be considered as a point mapping problem within a given topology. The general topology for two sets of such points is shown in Figure 1. Communications paths 3 connect the set of points 1 with the set of points 2. Such paths could be, for example, wires, coaxial cables, optical fibers or optical beams. Each set of points 1 and 2 may be physi¬ cally dispersed or partially or completely centralized. In addition, each set of points may be either intermediate or end terminations of the paths 3.

Traditional means for mapping the connectivity between points 1 and 2 when the paths 3 are telephone lines, such as those installed in commercial buildings, have involved a tone generator, a telephone receiver and two technicians. The first technician connects the tone generator to one of the points 1. The second technician sequentially connects and disconnects the telephone receiver to each of the points 2 until the tone generator signal is heard. The second technician then communicates, typically through an auxiliary communications channel such as a hand held radio, that he has acquired the tone and requests that the first technician identify the current physical location (such as a room number) of the tone generator. The second technician then typically labels the particular point 2 at which the tone was heard with the physical location information supplied by the first technician. The first technician then moves to the next point 1 and repeats the process. The labels thereby generated are the equivalent of a map of the connectivity between points 1 and 2. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is characterized by the use of an identifier from one or more sources that are connected, sequentially or concurrently to each of the first points and a device to record the unique code or signal for each point, or even the sequence in ■ which, or time at which, such connections or activations are made. Where sequence or time of connection is the distin¬ guishing characteristic, such an identifier may, but need not have, a uni«gue characteristic for each point and can be an impedance (including a short or an open circuit), a distinctive waveform such as a frequency or amplitude or a modulated or coded analog or digital signal. The apparatus connected at the second points consists of one or more detectors of the identifier and a means to record the particular second point at which the identifier is detected. The apparatus also may record a characteristic of the identifier or the sequence in which, or the time at which, such detection occurs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is an illustration of a communica¬ tions topology to which the present invention applies.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the major components of the invention.

Figure 3 is a flow diagram of the computer program which generates Data Base 3 from Data Bases 1 and 2 and the content of the records of each data base. Figure 4 is an illustration of an implementa¬ tion of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a flow chart of an program that may be used by a hand held computer in connection with the present invention.

Figure 6 is a flow chart of a program that may be used by a microcomputer in connection with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In an improvement to this traditional method, a first apparatus is connected at points 1 and has some detectable characteristic for identifying the physical location of such apparatus. There may be a temporary or permanent, but separate, apparatus for each of points 1, each such apparatus being operative to generate a code or signal uniquely related to such respective point; the unique code signal being correlated in a data base with the respective point. A second apparatus is connected temporarily or permanently to points 2 and detects such characteristic of the first apparatus connected at points 1. It has a structure for identifying the physical location of specific points 2 where the specific characteristic of points 1 are detected. A third apparatus employs a process which correlates information about the physical location of the first apparatus connected to points 1 with the physical locations of the specific connections at points 2 at which the characteristics of the first apparatus at points 1 are detected such that the connectivity between the physical locations of points 1 and points 2 can be determined.

Figure 2 shows the major components of one embodiment of the invention, operative in its intended environment. Code generators (CG., CG,, ••• GC_M) , each of which generates a unique code, are physically located at and connected to communications jacks (J-,, J, "** ^J ) which are typically located in the walls of offices in an office building. Alternatively, in cases where jacks and their associated communication devices have a known and fixed relationship, the code generators could be located in the associated communications devices. Each jack is connected via respective wiring, (W., W-, ••• W..) or com¬ parable installed transmission media (e.g., optical cable) to a central location termination block CT in a wiring closet. As used herein, the term "wiring closet" is intended to refer generally to a central location to which communi¬ cations wires or other transmission media are brought from the communications jacks and may include, for example, switching apparatus such as a private branch exchange (PBX) . Code generator signals typically, but not necessarily, share with the communications information the same wires or transmission media from the code generators to the central location termination block. Clearly, dedicated wiring or other transmission media may be used if desired.

In a further alternative structure, the first apparatus connected at points 1 can comprise sources of different impedances or distinctive waveforms, such as different frequencies or amplitudes or uniquely modulated or coded analog or digital signals.

The second apparatus connected at points 2 of Figure 1 consists of one or more detectors of the unique identifiers employed by the first apparatus connected at points 1. The second apparatus may optionally include a switch or switches which sequentially connect a single detector to each of the points 2 or a.switch or switches which sequen¬ tially connect the outputs of multiple detectors to a single data storage device. A further variation is the use of a switch or switches which sequentially connect multiple data storage devices to a single storage device.

Referring again to Figure 2, a sequential switch and code storage device 4 also is located in the wiring closet. The sequential switch and code storage device 4 is typically connected by a standard connector to the dedicated or shared wiring at the terminations in the wiring closet.

Finally, there is a third apparatus to record the particular points 2 at which a particular unique identifier was detected. A microcomputer 6, or its functional equivalent, may be located in the wiring closet or some other convenient loca¬ tion. Cabling 9, connects the microcomputer through its serial port to the sequential switch and code storage device 4 in order to facilitate the exchange of control signals and code informa¬ tion. In addition, the microcomputer 6 stores certain data bases and an applications program to process the data bases.

One method for practicing the invention may comprise three basic steps. Step 1 is to record in a first intermediate data base the relationship between unique identifiers and physical locations at point 1. For example, if the unique identifier is frequency and if room number 525 is a particu¬ lar location of points 1 where apparatus which generates a frequency of 10 KHz has been connected, then this and each other such relation¬ ship are recorded.

Step 2 of the method consists of recording in a second intermediate data base the relationships between the unique identifiers detected at points 2 and the particular points 2 at which they were detected. For example, points 2 could be terminal blocks of an intermediate distribution frame for telephone wiring in a commercial building. If, as in the previous example, the unique identifier at points 1 is frequency and if 10 KHz was detected at pin pair 5-6 of terminal block A, then this information is recorded together with the particu¬ lar frequencies detected at each other particular pin pair.

Step 3 of the method consists of correlating the information recorded in step 1 with the information recorded in step 2 such that the connectivity between the specific physical loca¬ tions of points 1 and the specific physical locations of points 2 is generated as a third mapping data base. Using the previous example, the unique identifier frequency of 10 KHz is a common element of step 1 and step 2. Step 3 produces the result that room 525 is connected to pin pair 5-6 of terminal block A. This result is one element of the desired map of the connectivity between points 1 and 2.

Figure 3 shows the content of typical records in Data Bases 1, 2 and 3. Also shown is a flow diagram of the computer program which is used to generate Data Base 3 from Data Base 1 and Data Base 2.

Data Base 1 is typically formed manually when the code generators are initially installed and connected and, typically is manually keyed into the microcomputer (step 201). Data Base 1 con¬ tains a correlation of remote location, identified in a conventional manner, such as by office number, wall or bulkhead designator or coordinate, with the unique code from a respective code generator at that location. Data Base 2 is formed when codes are read into the microcomputer from the sequential switch and code storage device (step 202). Data Base 2 contains a correlation of terminal identifiers, with the unique code read from that terminal. The identification of lines terminating at the central location may be by numbers or letters keyed to labels physically attached to the terminal for each line and readily identifiable by maintenance personnel.

The program used to generate Data Base 3 starts (step 200) with the loading of the first record of Data Base 1 (step 203) and the first record of Data Base 2 (step 204). The program then compares the two records to see if they have the same code (step 205). If not (step 211), the program sequentially examines the other records of Data Base 2 until it finds the one which does have the same code (step 212). It then writes a record (step 213) in Data Base 3 (214) which notes the corresponding physical location of code generator for the matched code and the identification of the communications line termination at the central location on which the code is present (step 206).

The program next determines if the current record of Data Based 1 is the last record (step 216). If not (step 218), the next record of Data Base 1 is loaded (step 203) and the process is repeated until all records of Data Base 1 have been examined (step 217), at which time the process is complete (step 219).

Data Base 3 is the result desired from the use of the invention. It is the equivalent of a map which relates the identified dispersed loca¬ tions of installed communications jacks or connec¬ tions to the specific connections at a central location, such as a wiring closet.

Since the above first embodiment employs unique identifiers at each first location 1, the cost of implementing the system may be undesirably high, depending on the number of remote points being mapped. Moreover, the method of the first embodiment contemplates the creation of a first data base relating the unique identifier to each particular point 1 and a second data base relating the unique identifier to a particular point 2. Accordingly, it is an object of the second embodi¬ ment invention to implement a mapping method and apparatus with only a single unique identifier apparatus for plural first locations and to implement a mapping method and apparatus without generating a first intermediate data base that relates each unique identifier to a particular point 1, or even a second intermediate data base.

The method of the second embodiment of the present invention is comprised of three basic steps.

Step 1 is to record the relationship between the unique signal or code generated for each specific first point 1 by a common generator operative to output a plurality of unique signals or codes. Alternatively, the sequence in which or time at which a single signal or code identifier is connected to or activated at specific first points 1 together with the associated physical locations of such specific first points is recorded. For example, the identifier (in this instance, non-unique) could be the carrier frequency of a modem at the first points 1. If room 525 is the second connection of this identi¬ fier, then the sequence number 2 would be recorded as associated with this room number. Optionally, the time of such connection — e.g., 10:21 AM, could be recorded.

Step 2 of the process consists of a similar recording of the unique signal or code at the specific second points 2 and the specific physical locations of such specific second points 2. Alternatively, the second step can comprise the recording of the relationship between the sequence in which, or the time at which connection or activation of the identifier at first points 1 is detected at a specific second point 2 and the specific physical locations of such specific second point 2. For example, if the second instance of detecting the carrier frequency from the modem at points 1 at second points 2 is at pin pair 5-6 of terminal block A of an intermediate distribution frame, then such relationship is recorded. A similar recording is made for each other such detection. Optionally, the time of such detection, e.g., 10:21 AM for the particular pin pair 5-6, could be recorded, as would a similar relationship between time of detection and the identity of other pin pairs.

Step 3 of the process consists of correlating the information recorded in step 1 with the information recorded in step 2 such that the connectivity between specific first points 1 and specific second points 2 is generated. Continuing the previous example, either by noting the common code or signal, the common sequence number 2 or the common time 10:21 AM, step 3 produces the result that room 525 is connected to pin pair 5-6 of terminal block A. Again, this is one element of the desired map of the connectivity between points 1 and 2.

The second preferred embodiment of the invention for application to mapping telephone wiring in commercial buildings is the configu- ration shown in Figure 4. The first points 1 can, in this case, be dispersed telephone jacks that are connected to the second points 2, which can be pin pairs on terminal blocks in a distribution frame. The communications paths 3 will typically be twisted pair wires. A hand held computer 4, which can be a PSION Organizer XP manufactured by PSION Limited of London, England, is connected to a communications adapter 7, which can be PSION Comms Link also manufactured by PSION Limited. The communications adapter 7 is connected to a standard portable modem 8 such as a Migent Pocket Modem, manufactured by Migent, Inc. of Incline Village, Nevada. The modem transmits a carrier at a first frequency fl. A standard telephone line cord 9 with an industry standard RJ11 jack 10 can be used to sequentially connect to the telephone jacks 1. At the distribution frame, one or more multi-pin connectors 18 such as a TAP-50 manufactured by Siemon Company of Watertown, Connecticut are connected to a sequential switch 11 which can be an electro-mechanical stepping switch or its electronic equivalent. The number of inputs to the sequential switch can be arbitrarily large although 100 will typically be adequate. The position of the sequential switch 11 is controlled by signals received at its control port 17 over cable 16 from the serial port 15 of the microcomputer 14. The output of the sequential switch 11 is connected to the internal modem 13 of a standard microcomputer 14 by a cable 12. The modem receives the carrier signal transmitted at frequency fl and transmits a carrier at a second frequency f2. Since f2 is different from fl, their concurrent transmission on a line in different directions is permitted. This two frequency handshake can be used by the computers to establish that a connection currently exists.

Figure 5 shows a flow chart of a computer program used in the hand held computer 4. First, the telephone at the first point or location 1 is temporarily disconnected and the jack 10 connected in its place by an operator. At Step 19, a program is initiated at a START position. After initiation of the program at Step 19, the carrier at frequency fl is continuously transmitted from the connection point 1 by modem 8 and a check is made in Step 20 for the presence of a carrier signal at frequency f2 from the microcomputer's modem 13. If such signal is not detected (Step 24), the check is repeated until such signal is detected (Step 22). Upon such detection, the hand held computer could provide a "READY" signal to the operator. At this point the computer 4 is set to operate in a manner that will result in the recording of an identifier of a first point or location 1, such as a room number. The computers 4 and 14 could be programmed to employ any of three different data recording methods. For convenience all three are shown in Figures 5 and 6, however it will be recognized by one of ordi¬ nary skill in the art that the system can be programmed to use any one or more of these methods. If more than one is programmed, the operator would need to choose one of the methods and would select the appropriate algorithms at the hand held unit 4 and the central unit 14. In the first method, whose operative path A is followed after a connection between the central and remote computers is established (Step 22), algorithm I is utilized (Step 25). The computer 4 may be programmed to request entry of the local identifier by the operator, via a keyboard or other manual switch, and to automatically record the time or sequence in which the identifier is entered into the memory of computer 4. The jack or room number together with the sequence (which is one for the first point or location 1) or the time of entry is recorded in the memory of hand held computer 4. The time or sequence subroutine is simple and need not be detailed. Upon subse¬ quent input of a RESET command to the keyboard, the program is set to be repeated at the next jack. This process is then repeated (Step 30) at all remaining first points or locations 1. The result in the memory of computer 4 is a first data base of room number and corresponding sequence or time information. The use of this data base is discussed subsequently in connection with Figure 6, algorithm I.

In the second method, whose operative path B is followed after a connection is established at Step 22, algorithm II is utilized (Step 26). The computer 4 may be programmed to request the recording of the local identifier by the operator. Each room or, preferably, each jack in the build¬ ing can be assigned a particular alpha/numeric code. That code can be transmitted by an operator when he or she is present at the particular jack. The code can be read by the operator and, using the modem 8 of hand held computer 4, transmitted to the central computer 14. Alternatively, the code can be a bar-type code which is scanned by a light pen attached to the hand held computer. The identifier need not be recorded locally in a first intermediate data base, but would be transmitted to the central computer 14, which operates on the received identifier in accordance with a corres¬ ponding algorithm II, as described with respect to Figure 6. The transmission of the identifier may occur automatically, based on a delay following entry of the identifier into computer 4, or by a computer prompt to the operator requesting entry of a "SEND" command. The central computer may acknowledge receipt of the identifier by a return signal or receipt may be assumed. In either event, following transmission of the identifier, the operator moves to the next location (Step 20).

In the third method, identified by operative path C, algorithm III is utilized (Step 27). The computer 4 may be programmed to request the recording of the local identifier by the operator. That identifier would be stored in the memory of computer 4. The computer 4 is then set to await reception of a sequential switch identifier sent from the central computer 14. The computer 14 would be operative to identify the particular position of switch 11 connected to central termi¬ nals 2 as the switch cycles through each position. Clearly, under this arrangement, each terminal 2 would have transmitted across the line to which it is connected, only one unique identifier compris¬ ing the switch 11 position. The hand held computer 4 would record the received switch position and correlate that information with the terminal 1 identifier entered by the operator. Upon reception of the switch identifier, the hand held computer may signal the operator to proceed to the next terminal 1 (Step 30).

Figure 6 shows a flow chart of the computer program used in the microcomputer 14. This program operates concurrently with the program of Figure 5. Typically, a single operator will connect the computer 14 to the terminal block and initiate program operation prior to departing with the hand held computer for a survey of the tele¬ phone jacks at locations served by that terminal block, e.g. on a single floor of a building. After attachment to connector 18, the program is activated in step 40. As previously noted, modem 13 will transmit a carrier at frequency f2 toward points 1 each time switch 11 reaches a new point 2_ In Step 42 the program begins to check at the first of second points 2 for the presence of a carrier signal at frequency fl transmitted from the modem 8 attached to hand-held computer 4. If such signal is not present (Step 46), the stepping switch 11 is advanced (Step 48) to the next point 2 and Step 42 is repeated. This advance-one- step-and-check process is repeated (including starting over again) until the carrier signal fl is detected (Step 44). At this point, one of three different algorithms, corresponding to the three data recording methods previously described with respect to the remote unit in accordance with Figure 5, is implemented.

In the first method, which follows operative path A' after a connection between the central and computers is confirmed (Step 44), algorithm I is utilized (Step 49). Upon detection of the carrier at frequency fl, the position of the stepping switch 11 is recorded in computer 14 memory during Step 49 together with the sequence or time of such detection. This process is then repeated in Step 52 until signals from all first points 1 have been detected and a second data base is formed in computer 14.

The results of the programs I described are two sets of data or data bases. One set, created by the program I of Figure 5, relates first points or locations 1 to unique sequence numbers or unique points in time. The second set of data, created by the program II of Figure 6, relates stepping switch positions - which have known relationships to specific second points 2 - to similar unique sequence numbers or unique points in time. Since unique sequence numbers or unique points in time are common to both sets of data, it follows that correlation of the two sets provides the desired set of relationships which describe the connectivity between points 1 and points 2.

While the second preferred embodiment has been described in terms of a common identifier based on time or sequence of activities, this same approach is applicable to the use of a signal source, having a variable signal or code output, that is connectable to each of the first points 1.

In the second method of the invention, whose operative path B' is followed after a connection is established at Step 44, algorithm II is utilized (Step 50). The computer 14 may be programmed to record in memory the particular switch position (pin pair) at which the connection is established and the terminal 1 identifier that was transmitted over the carrier fl. Thus, a ready correlation of central pin pair and unique jack identifier is automatically created. This correlation may be stored in computer 14 memory and read out on command as a connection map.

In the third method, identified by operative path C, algorithm III is utilized (Step 51). The computer 14 may be programmed to transmit via carrier f2 a signal identifying the particular switch position (pin pair) at which the connection was established. The pin pair identifier is received by the hand held computer 4 and stored on its memory along with the jack identifier entered by the operator. Thus, a ready correlation of pin pair and unique jack identifier is automatically and directly created, without any intermediate data base. This correlation may be stored in computer 4 memory and read out on command as a connection map.

It would be within the skill of the routineer to modify the present invention in any of a number of ways to create data bases at either or both of the first and second locations. The data bases may be identical at each location, as where a computer at the first location stores and tran¬ smits the first location identifier, the computer at the second location stores the received first location identifier and the receiving second location identifier, and the second location computer transmits the second location identifier for reception and storage by the first location computer.

Further modifications to the system would involve the transmission of the identifier infor¬ mation by a separate path, e.g. radio link, without using the fixed connection between points 1 and 2.

In another modification, the existence of a connection need not be established and the point 1 identifier need not be transmitted for a fixed period of time sufficient for the switch at the second location to cycle completely through all of points 2. At the second location, a storage device at each of points 2 could retain the transmitted identifier for subsequent correlation.

These and other modifications could be implemented by one of ordinary skill in the art having read this present disclosure.

Claims (23)

I CLAIM:

1. A method of correlating the respective locations of a plurality of first terminals comprising communications jacks, connections and devices installed at first locations, each of said first terminals being connected by a communica¬ tions medium to respective second terminals at a second location, comprising the steps of: generating a signal at each first terminal, transmitting said signal from its respective first terminal to a second terminal, recording first information correlating said signal transmission and the location of each terminal, detecting said transmitted signal at a respective second terminal, identifying said detected signal with second information correlating said signal detection and the location of said second terminals, comparing said first information obtained in said recording step and said second information obtained in said identifying step to create a third information which correlates the physical location -of each first terminal to the physical location of a corresponding second terminal, thereby providing a map of the communications medium which connects said first and second terminals.

2. The method of Claim 1 wherein said signal is unique to each first terminal.

3. The method of Claim 1 wherein said signal is transmitted sequentially from respective first terminals, said recording step correlates the sequence of transmission and the location of said first terminals and said identifying step comprises identifying the sequence in which said second terminals receive said detected signal.

4. The method of Claim 3 wherein said transmission sequence is recorded as a function of time of the day.

5. The method of Claim 1 wherein said generating step comprises generating from a common source a unique signal at each first location.

6. A method of identifying the physical locations of each of a plurality of first communi¬ cations points, each of said points being identi¬ fied by a respective first identifier and being connected to a respective one of a plurality of second communications points, each of said second points being identified by a respective second identifier and being connected to a first point by a respective one of a plurality of communications links, comprising: storing a first data base identifying the location of each of said first communications points with a respective first identifier; transmitting from each of said first communi¬ cations points said respective first identifier; receiving at a respective one of said second communications points said respective first identifier; correlating the location of said first point in said first.data base and the identity of said second communications points to which it is connected by one of said communication links.

7. The method of Claim 4 wherein said first identifier is an encoded alpha/numeric informa¬ tion.

8. A method of identifying from at least one location the physical locations of each of a plurality of first communications points, each of said first points being identified by a first unique identifier, each of said first points being connected by a respective communications path to a respective one of a plurality of second communica¬ tions points, each of said second points being identified by a second unique identifier, comprising: establishing the existence of a connection between a first communications point and a second communications point by a respective communica¬ tions path; transmitting from said first communications point to said respective second communications point a signal comprising said first unique identifier; detecting at said second communications point said transmitted first unique identifier; correlating said detected first unique identifier with the second unique identifier corresponding to said second point at which said first unique identifier was detected; generating a data base having a correlation of each of said second unique identifiers with said first unique identifiers.

9. The method of Claim 8 wherein said first points comprise physically dispersed terminals and said second points comprise commonly located terminals or said first points comprise commonly located terminals and said second points comprise physical dispersed terminals.

10. The method of Claim 8 further including the step of storing said detected first identifier for subsequent correlation with said second identifier.

11. In a telecommunications system having first communications terminals at a plurality of first locations, second communications terminals at one or more second locations and communications media connecting a respective pair of first and second terminals, said system further comprising: first location means connectable in a first sequence to each of said first terminals and operative to generate a signal at each first terminal for transmission via said communications media to said respective second terminal and to identify each said first terminal with said first sequence; second location means connectable to said second communications terminals and operative to record a second sequence in which said signal is received and the physical location of each second terminal on which said signal is received; and means for correlating the first sequence in which said signal generator means is connected to said first terminals and the second sequence in which said transmitted signal output is received at said second communication terminals; whereby each of said second communication terminals may be identified with the physical location of each first communication terminal to which it is connected.

12. The system of Claim 10 further comprising a first data base means for generating a data base that identifies said first terminals with said first sequence in which said signal generator means is connected thereto and said second location means includes means for receiving said signal at each of said second communication terminals and generating a second data base identifying said second sequence in which each second communications terminal receives said signal.

13. The system of Claim 11 further including a means for correlating said first and second data bases whereby the physical connections of said first and second terminals is obtained.

14. A method of correlating the respective locations of a plurality of first terminals at first locations, each of said first terminals being identifiable by a respective one of a plurality of first unique identifiers and being connected by a communications medium to respective second terminals at second locations, each of said second terminals being identifiable by a respec¬ tive one of a plurality of second unique identi¬ fiers, comprising the steps of: establishing the existence of a connection between a first terminal and a second terminal by said communications medium; generating a unique signal at each first and second location, said signal comprising said first and second unique identifier, respectively; transmitting each said first unique signal from said first location to said second location, detecting said transmitted first unique identifier at said respective second location, and correlating each said detected first unique identifier with said generated second unique identifier, thereby providing a map of the communications medium which connects terminals at said first and second locations.

15. The method of Claim 14 wherein said identifiers are correlated to physical locations of said first and second terminals.

16. Apparatus for correlating the respective locations of a plurality of first terminals, each of said first terminals being identifiable by one of a plurality of first unique identifiers and being connected by a communications medium to respective second terminals at a second location, each of said second terminals being identifiable by one of a plurality of second unique identi¬ fiers, comprising: means for generating a unique signal at each first location, said signal comprising a first unique identifier; means for transmitting each said unique signal from its respective first terminal to a respective second terminal, means for detecting said transmitted first unique identifier at its respective second terminal, and means for correlating each first unique identifier with second information identifying the physical location of each second terminal at which said identifier was detected.

17. The apparatus of Claim 16 wherein said generating means comprises one of a bar code scanner and a keyboard.

18. The apparatus of Claim 16 further comprising at said second location means for generating a map of the connections between said first and second terminals.

19. In a telecommunications system having first communications terminals at a plurality of first locations, second communications terminals at a central least one second location and communications media connecting a respective pair of first and second terminals, said system further comprising: second generator means located at each of said first terminals and operative to generate signals uniquely identifying each of said first communications terminals; transmission means connected between a respective one of said first communication terminals and a respective one of said second communication terminals and operative to transmit the signal output by said signal generator means from said first communication terminals to said second communication terminals; second location means connectable to said second communications terminals and containing a first data base identifying the physical location of each first terminal with said unique code signal for receiving said transmitted signal output at said second communication terminals and for identifying each of said second communication terminals with the physical location of each first communication terminal to which it is connected.

20. The invention of Claim 19 wherein said first communications terminal means comprises a telecommunications device, said device containing said code generator means.

21. The invention of Claim 19 wherein said transmission means comprises one of the group consisting of wire, coax cable, optical fiber and laser beam.

22. The invention of Claim 19 wherein the central location means in integrated with cen¬ tralized switching equipment.

23. In a telecommunication system: a plurality of first communication terminal means located at a plurality of remote locations; a plurality of second communication terminal means located at a central location; transmission means connecting respective pairs of said remote and central communication terminal means; code generator means located proximate a respective one of said remote communication terminals means and operative to generate a code uniquely identifying each of said first communi¬ cations terminals means; central location means connected to said second communication terminal means for identi¬ fying for each of said second communication terminal means the remote location to which it is connected, said central location means comprising: a switch and store means for receiving the unique code transmitted from a first communication terminal means to its respective second communi¬ cation terminal means and identifying said code with said second communication terminal means; and a processor means having a first data base identifying the location of each of said first terminal means with a unique code generated by said code generator means located at said first communication terminal means and operative to use the identification of said unique code at said terminal means by said switch and store means to generate a correlation of each remote location and the corresponding second communications terminal means.