DE19701603A1 - Component recognition and management system for networks, in particular for optical networks, plug with conductor cable and coupling socket, as well as a method for drawing up a cable-specific network plan - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a component-recognition and management system for optical networks for establishing a network configuration with the following characteristics: a) readers (39, 41, 79, 79') are arranged in the area of every coupling sleeve (23, 24, 35, 35') of a distribution element (38, 38', 38", 61, 67, 68) such as patchbox or patchpanel, and by means of which, once a plug-in connection has been established, a data carrier (26, 32) positioned at a plug (20, 55) plugged into the corresponding coupling sleeve can be read out; b) to each distribution element (38, 38', 38", 61, 67, 68) is assigned an analyzing unit (21, 22) which is coupled via a data bus to the readers (39, 41, 79, 79') at the coupling sleeves of the distribution element, and which, via the readers (39, 41, 79, 79'), can read-out the data carriers (26, 31, 32) of plugs plugged into the corresponding coupling sleeves and assign them to the coupling; c) an analyzing unit (21, 22) consists of a master electronic unit (49, 49', 49", 50, 50', 50") and at least one slave electronic unit (51, 52, 53, 54, 51", 51', 52', 53', 54'), each slave electronic unit being assigned to a group of distribution elements, for example all distribution elements arranged in a distribution box, and one or more slave electronic units being managed by the corresponding master electronic unit (49, 49', 49", 50, 50', 50") so that the local network status can be established and checked from a master electronic unit.

Description

The invention relates to a component recognition and management system for networks, in particular for optical networks, according to the preamble of claim 1 and a connector with conductor cable and matching Coupling bushing according to the preamble of claim 17. The invention further relates to a method for setting up a cable-specific Network plan according to the preamble of claim 20.

When establishing a communication network, a Variety of electronic devices for data transfer with each other coupled. For example, the outputs of a central computer system, CPU, with one distribution cabinet or several distribution cabinets connected to peripheral devices such as printers, terminals via conductor cables or local computers or other distribution cabinets connected will. The individual components of the network set up in this way can are in the same room or building, or up to a few Kilometers apart. Are several peripheral devices far from Central computer removed, so the associated conductor cables are usually first to a local distribution cabinet and from there to the respective one Peripherals led.

The computer system and the peripheral devices point to the data transfer Interfaces with external coupling points for conductor cables into which the Plug of a conductor cable can be inserted. The distribution cabinets have couplings with one or more plugs from Conductor cables can be connected so that a connection between two Conductor cable for data transfer through electrical and / or optical coupling can be manufactured. However, the distribution cabinets themselves are usually passive.

The conductor cables are either electrically conductive cables, such as copper wires, or optical fiber in which the information is in one or more Strands of glass fibers are optically forwarded. optical fiber have a high data transport capacity and are therefore becoming increasingly popular  powerful communication networks. The connection of the Computer system or the peripheral devices with the optical fibers is included an electro-optical interface accomplished, the connection of the Conductor cables with peripheral devices are generally detachable Plug connection is. The coupling of two optical fibers to the Distribution cabinets is a system of a plug and a suitable coupling given, the coupling generally fixed to the distribution cabinet is arranged and detachable or fixed with one or more plugs can be connected.

The conductor cables are built into trunk, jumpers and / or Jumper / trunk cables divided. Jumper cables usually contain one or Multiple conductor wires, as many as needed to control one device and connect peripheral devices to the central computer system with a distribution cabinet or other peripheral devices. Trunk cables are a functional fusion of several jumper cables, contain one A plurality of conductor wires or strands of conductor wires and connect two Distribution cabinets or two patch boxes of a distribution cabinet, together. All are outgoing from couplings of a patch box Conductor wires through a common plug and a common enveloping cable, the other end of the cable with another Patchbox can be connected. At the patch box, the individual Conductor wires distributed on the couplings, to the other side Jumper cables can be connected. Jumper / trunk cables are cables which on one side has a plurality of jumper cables with the corresponding Have plugs on the other side to a common cable are combined with a common trunk connector. They serve z. B. for connecting the central computer system to a distribution cabinet.

Because in a complex network a plurality of peripheral devices and Distribution cabinets with a variety of conductor cables together connected, existing, modified or newly installed Line connections between the components are always logged, to ensure the optimal functioning of the network while making full use of it Ensure performance and maintain its clarity. It must always be ascertainable via which lines, distribution cabinets and A peripheral device is connected to the computing system at  Errors quickly access the components in question can.

The manual logging of all connections is prone to errors because the cables can be mixed up later can no longer be recognized. Especially with systems of ten and more Distribution cabinets, each several hundred in patch boxes has arranged couplings, manual monitoring of all Connections almost impossible. Manual monitoring of incoming Connections between distribution cabinets is partly due to the large spatial distance between the individual distribution cabinets difficult.

DE 195 09 619 A1. a. a device for managing over a plurality of cable connections to one another in terms of network connected distribution cabinets become known, in which a Jumper cable on a plug a detection element, for. B. one mechanical switch, which carries when the plug connection is made a coupling of a distribution cabinet or a patch box interacts, e.g. B. by closing a circuit. Then from the clutch a signal from an evaluation unit, e.g. B. one or more Electronics modules assigned to distribution cabinets, and possibly one central control computer, transmitted. The signal from the control computer assigned to each clutch and in the creation of an occupancy plan of the couplings / distribution cabinets included. You can also use this System trunk cable connections between two distribution cabinets logged and in the creation of a trunk cable connection plan be included by connecting each trunk cable connection point to one Distribution cabinet is assigned a transmitter-receiver unit, which is about kept free conductors of the trunk cable sends a signal from a second transmitter-receiver unit at a coupling point established connector is received. This then sends in Confirmation signal from the first transceiver unit is received, whereby all trunk cable connections are queried to let. However, this system has the costly disadvantage that for each trunk cable connection to be logged two transmitter-receiver Units, d. H. at least one per patch box must be available. Furthermore, trunk wires of the trunk cable must always be used to conduct the  Signals are kept free and are therefore not available for data transfer Available.

Through US 5394503 A u. a. a distribution plate and a Component detection and management system as cable management System became known in which in a conductor cable next to the Glass fibers for data transfer one or more electrical lines be carried along, which serve to control the connection. This electrical lines can be read on the distributor plate, thereby monitoring the connection established at any time, e.g. B. by Sending a signal identifier on the peripheral device through the electrical lines formed control circuit, and ultimately also a visualization of the entire network is possible.

A disadvantage of this prior art is that it is not commercially available Fiber optic cables can be used, but rather an electrical one Line must be carried. The preparation of such a line is very cost-intensive, which makes it particularly large distances between the Components of the network are unlikely to be acceptable to customers.

Furthermore, checking the connection assumes the existence of a Control circuit with appropriate signal feed ahead, so that the Do not check immediately when connecting, e.g. B. one Connector with a coupling of a distribution cabinet, can be done. Free, Line connections not terminated with a peripheral device or Suggestions for shortest or cheapest new line connections cannot be displayed easily.

The invention is therefore based on the object Component recognition and management system for networks, especially for optical networks, where the components of the network can be automatically recognized as completely as possible and the incoming line connections from the central computer system via one or more distribution cabinets to peripheral devices - involved Cables and coupling elements - automatically recognized as completely as possible and be logged. With optical information transmission in commercially available fiber optic cables can be used can. Furthermore, the connection should be checked as soon as the  Communication network may be possible. Paths or suggestions for possible low-effort and cost-saving production of new ones Cable connections between the CPU and peripheral devices should can be displayed.

The problem is solved in a component recognition and management system for networks, in particular for optical networks, of the type mentioned in claim 1, which is characterized by the following features:

• a) a data carrier, which is arranged on the plug of a jumper cable and stored in the characteristics of the cable and the plug, e.g. B. type, Length, line capacity, identification number of the conductor cable, type of connector and / or device at the other end of the cable, measurement data;
• b) a readout unit which reads out the data carrier of a plug is able;
• c) the readout unit is capable, the readout unit the readout unit To transmit data.

Essential for solving the task and for realizing the component recognition and management system are a plug with conductor cable, in particular fiber optic cable, and a suitable coupling socket (or vice versa coupling socket with conductor cable), in particular trunk and / or jumper coupling of a distribution cabinet and / or connecting element of an electronic device, which are characterized by the following features:

• a) A data carrier, in particular a PROM or an EPROM or a Magnetic stripe or a barcode or a flat memory chip, which on Plug is arranged and in the characteristics of the conductor cable and Plug are stored, for. B. Type, length of line capacity, identification number of the Conductor cable, type of connector and / or device at the other end of the cable, Measurement data;
• b) a reader, which is arranged on the coupling bush and over which when the plug connection of the socket is established with a plug Disk is readable.

Another important contribution to solving the task is also a Procedure for drawing up a cable-specific network plan for a Multiple coupling of one or more distribution cabinets for  Establish a plug connection with a plug of a conductor cable, wherein a data carrier is arranged on the plug, in which the characteristics of the Conductor cables are stored and the one assigned to the coupling Readout unit is read out. The readout unit then transmits the read data of an evaluation unit, each one or several distribution cabinets or one or more each Readout units is assigned, which assigns data to the respective clutch and with this data and with the information about the respective coupling a cable-specific coupling assignment plan for one or more subordinate distribution cabinets.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are in the Subclaims marked.

A component recognition and management system is a Device understood the conductor cables with their plugs for Plug together with various types of coupling bushes, e.g. B. Couplings of distribution cabinets or connecting elements from Peripherals, the distribution cabinets with such couplings themselves and the control and interrogation electronics of a distribution cabinet and / or a system consisting of several distribution cabinets and others Network components includes.

In the device according to the invention, optical fibers are used electrical control lines connected in parallel or to keep free of Conductor wires are omitted from trunk cables. This allows optical Information transfer with optical fibers commercially available Fiber optic cable used to build the communication network be in which only the connector according to the invention with a data carrier are equipped. The individual conductor cables are labeled via a label in the form of an electronic data carrier, preferably on both cable ends is arranged on the plug or plugs and in which all important characteristics of the conductor cable, z. B. type, length, Line capacity, identification number of the conductor cable, type of connector and / or Device at the other end of the cable, measurement data, are stored.

In the basic form of the invention, all jumper cables are first on their Plugs equipped with a data carrier. They are manufactured at  Plug connection with a coupling of a distribution cabinet or Patch box within a distribution cabinet from a readout unit read out and assigned to the coupling, so that data for the installation a cable-specific assignment plan for the couplings Distribution cabinets are available. This data becomes one Evaluation unit transmitted, which also several distribution cabinets can be assigned so that the occupancy plan multiple distribution cabinets includes.

It is advantageous if trunk and jumper / trunk cables are also attached to their Plugs have data carriers, in which also characteristic data of the cable are saved. All couplings of one or more can be made in this way Query distribution cabinets on both sides, d. H. both the jumper connection too a peripheral device as well as the trunk connections between two Distribution cabinets, which ultimately also the assignment of a Connect the trunk wire of a trunk cable to a coupling for jumper cables and thus the line connection over large distances and if necessary, also track across multiple distribution cabinets and can be logged.

The storage unit of the data carrier is preferably a PROM or EPROM or a magnetic stripe or a barcode or a flat memory chip. The information stored in the data carriers of a conductor cable is either identical - e.g. B. length, identification number and measurement data of the cable - or specifically different, such as B. marking the cable end and / or of the device to be connected. The disk is written before the Cable is implemented in the network, so that later also over large An assignment of the two cable ends to one another is possible. Of the Data carriers can be easily attached to the plug in the form of a chip or barcode be applied, making conventional fiber optic cable with connector as the basis for the construction of a component recognition and Management system can be used. For application, e.g. B. Stick on, the data carrier offers the flat top or bottom of the Connector. Has the disk a thickness that matches the accuracy of commercially available plugs and coupling sockets impaired if he is simply glued on, it is advantageous to plug the connector with a recess to provide, in which the disk is inserted, for. B. is glued.  

The disk is preferably automatically when you insert one Plug in a coupling or on input on the evaluation unit or on central control computer or automatically in regular time Intervals read out. For example, when inserting a plug a mechanical switch will close an electrical circuit, causing the reading of the data carrier is initiated. This also means free ones Couplings can be displayed. The plug connections made between Coupling and plug can be with the respective identification numbers on one Display directly on the distribution cabinet or on the central control computer are displayed. Also changes in the local configuration of the Distribution cabinets can be used there, also in connection with a warning signal are displayed.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a readout unit for Reading out the data carriers each assigned to a distribution cabinet. At The plug-in connection produced with a plug reads the read-out unit whose data carrier via a reader, e.g. B. an address chip, automatically and transmits the read data as well as the identification of the clutch in known way using data bus techniques of the evaluation unit. The The evaluation unit can also query the status of a clutch or react to a loose connection. The readout unit can be part of the evaluation unit itself.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the Evaluation units with each other and with the central control computer by means of a ring line or directly to the central control computer Data transfer coupled, so that from the central control computer cable-specific assignment plan of several distribution cabinets and one a cable-specific plan of all incoming connections can be drawn up. The Component recognition and management system according to the invention can therefore operate in two modes: be in a "local" mode only the clutches of a given evaluation unit or several distribution cabinets evaluated, so that a local Allocation plan and possibly a local connection plan can be drawn up and can be called up directly at the evaluation unit; be in a "global" mode the data of several evaluation units on the central control computer into one global occupancy and connection plan combined. Then there are those shortest or easiest connections between the  CPU with a new one to be connected located at a given location Peripheral device can be displayed and planned.

An evaluation unit preferably consists of master electronics and a plurality of subordinate slave electronics, each slave Electronics is assigned to a distribution cabinet and at least one Readout unit contains or is coupled to at least one readout unit.

This has the advantage that components that are otherwise for everyone Distribution cabinet would be needed for several distribution cabinets in common be used. It lends itself, for example, to spatially lying together Distribution cabinets also administratively with master electronics summarize and only on the master electronics characteristics, such as Distance to the central computer system (CPU), location, number of couplings etc., to save and make available to the central control computer. Local administrative tasks can then also be carried out locally. The master electronics are preferably with one another and with the central control computer coupled to a ring line to the Keep wiring effort as low as possible.

The central control computer is programmed so that it receives the incoming Data automatically processed to an occupancy plan and the user can represent this. The allocation plan of the couplings is at Changes updated automatically. It is also a manual one Enter incoming line connections, especially with Peripherals, to supplement the automatically drawn up network plan possible.

Furthermore, the component recognition and Management system can be supplemented so that a readout unit or in the connecting element of the central computing system and / or the peripheral terminal is arranged and with a plug connection reads the data carrier with a plug and the evaluation unit or transmitted to the central control computer, so that a cable-specific Allocation plan of these connecting elements can be drawn up. Together with the cable-specific information about the assignment of the couplings the distribution cabinets can thus be computer controlled a plan of the entire network and manage the entire network. To is necessary, also the readout units of the peripheral devices and the CPU  to couple with the central control computer, e.g. B. also with a Loop.

It is also advantageous to have a reader with a readout unit in one Integrate handheld device or on a control coupling on a Distribution cabinet or to be arranged on a master electronics. The key data of a plug can then simply be plugged into the handheld device or be read into the control coupling, e.g. B. if the user Want to query measurement data. Preferably, that on the handheld device or on the Control coupling read out information also from the master electronics and in "global" mode - transmitted to the central control computer and instead of a manual entry of the missing data to complete the Network plan can be used.

The process according to the invention is carried out as follows: Readout unit reads the data carrier of a plug that is in one with it connected coupling is inserted, preferably directly from Insert the plug, which is indicated by a control signal can be, or at regular intervals or after manual Entry of a read command. The control signal when the Plug can e.g. B. be given in that the plug at Inserted into the coupling actuated a mechanical switch.

The read-out unit then transmits the read-out to an evaluation unit Data. Possibly these are already with the information about the respective Provide coupling, or the evaluation unit makes the assignment of the data to the clutch. The evaluation unit can also determine whether a Clutch is engaged or not. The evaluation unit provides with you transmitted data a cable-specific coupling assignment plan of all Couplings from which information was transmitted to her. The data via a coupling or over the entire accessible can on one Display on the distribution cabinet can be shown so that authorized persons Determine couplings at any time and, if necessary, information can get via an inserted cable.

An advantageous extension of the method provides that several Readout units transmit their data to a central control computer. The Readout units are with the central control computer and  optionally also coupled with each other, e.g. B. with a ring line. Of the The central control computer then provides a cable-specific occupancy plan of all couplings, one with a readout unit and one with the central one Control computer is assigned to the associated evaluation unit. From these Data, he can also create a cable-specific route plan of the Network. To also couplings or connecting elements, to which no readout unit is assigned can be read out preferably the characteristics of inserted plugs together with the ID of the coupling or the connecting element entered manually, or the data carrier is on a handheld device or a control coupling read this data from the evaluation unit and / or the central Control computer transmitted and this information with the manually entered identifier of the coupling or the connecting element added. In this way, a complete network plan can be drawn up, even if not all Couplings and / or connecting elements with readout units in Connect.

An example of the invention is shown in the drawing and then described. Show

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a component detection and management system and the network to be managed

Fig. 2 shows a jumper plug in a corresponding coupling

Fig. 3 shows a patch box with a trunk and a jumper cable

In Fig. 1, a component detection and management system is shown schematically and the network to be managed. Several distribution cabinets 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 are connected to one another with the trunk cables 15 , 16 , 17 , with a central computer system 1 by means of the trunk jumper cables 18 , 19 and by means of a jumper cable 10 and with peripheral devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 by means of the Jumper cables 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 coupled, with the aim of creating a large number of continuous line connections from the central computer system to the peripheral devices. Since peripheral devices are often far away from the computer system, e.g. B. in another room or in another building, several individual line wires or jumper cables to increase clarity when leaving the computer system 1 are first combined to form a trunk jumper cable 18 , 19 - or a trunk cable goes off and on a distribution cabinet 51 , 52 out. From there, jumper line connections 11 , 12 either go directly to the peripheral devices 6 , 7 , provided that they are in close proximity, or trunk cables are routed to more distant distribution cabinets 4 , 5 , where peripheral devices can then be connected. The conductor cables 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 are plugged with their plugs into corresponding couplings in the distribution cabinet, which are used to provide a contact suitable for data transfer between two or more conductor cables or two conductor wires each to manufacture. The couplings 23 , 23 'for jumper cables are arranged in patch boxes 38 , 38 ', a patch box generally being able to connect a trunk cable to a plurality of jumper cables. Not all couplings 23 , 23 'of a patch box 38 , 38 ' have to be occupied; it can e.g. B. as with free couplings of the patch box 38 'provided a connection to the computer system, but not claimed. Also connections of jumper with jumper cable 10 , 11 or trunk with trunk cable, e.g. B. 16 and 17 , can be made on the distribution cabinet.

The computer system 1 , the peripheral devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , the conductor cables 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 and the distribution cabinets 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 form a network that is only indicated schematically in the drawing. Actual networks have up to a few hundred distribution cabinets with a maximum of 500-600 couplings and the corresponding line connections. The invention is intended to serve the existing line connections and the possibility of expanding the network - z. B. by connecting additional peripherals - to recognize and manage.

The component recognition and management system according to the invention consists in this example that on the one hand on all plugs Conductor cables are arranged in which specific information is saved via the respective cable. Furthermore, the distribution cabinets designed in such a way that this data is read out and transferred from a higher-level Electronics can be evaluated. So a cable-specific Occupancy plan one or more distribution cabinets and, if applicable, a Draw up a network plan and manage the network.

The data carrier of a plug inserted into a coupling 23 , 23 'is read out by a readout unit 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 via readout lines 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , only a few of which are shown as examples. A readout unit is assigned to each distribution cabinet. Data bus techniques are used to assign the data to the respective coupling of the distribution cabinet. The read-out unit forwards the data to an evaluation unit 21 , 22 , which here is assigned to two distribution cabinets together. In principle, however, there can also be more or just one.

In an evaluation unit, in a "local" mode, an assignment plan for the couplings of the subordinate distribution cabinets can be drawn up. He is e.g. B. on a local display. Individual data carriers can also be read out and the information displayed. If several distribution cabinets are assigned to an evaluation unit, a local map of the connections within this subunit of the overall network can also be drawn up. The evaluation unit is also coupled to a central control computer 25 for monitoring the network. The information from an evaluation unit can also be evaluated and / or displayed on this and, if necessary, combined in a "global" mode with the information from other evaluation units and used to manage the overall network. To save lines, the evaluation units 22 , 21 are coupled to one another and to the control computer 25 by means of a ring line 37 .

The evaluation unit 21 , 22 is divided into two levels: a plurality of master electronics 49 , 50 are subordinate to each, here two, slave electronics 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , each of which is assigned to a distribution cabinet 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 and evaluate the information from a reader 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 or pass it on to the master electronics. The master electronics are coupled to one another and to the control computer 25 by means of a ring line 37 .

A further development of this system is to equip the connecting elements 58 , 59 of the computer system 1 and the peripheral devices 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 with readout and evaluation units and to connect them to the ring line to the control computer 25 . This means that the lines leading to the periphery can also be automatically included in the network plan.

In Fig. 2, a jumper plug 20 is shown in a corresponding coupling 24 which, for. B. is attached to a distribution cabinet and is optionally within a patch box. The plug connection and thus the electrical or optical contact between the line wires 62 , 62 'with the line wires 63 , 63 ' of a further conductor cable is almost established, recognizable by the gap between the line wires 62 and 63 or 62 'and 63 ' by further pushing the plug 20 into the coupling 24 is closed.

On the connector 20 , a data carrier 26 is arranged in which characteristic data of the conductor cable are stored, for. B. Type, length of line capacity, identification number of the conductor cable, type of connector and / or device at the other end of the cable, measurement data. A data carrier is likewise attached to the plug or the plugs of the other cable end, in which either the same information relating to the cable or specifically different information relating to the plug is stored. The data carriers are usually written to before the cable is installed in the network if both ends can be easily spatially merged.

A reader 39 is arranged on the coupling 24 and is capable of reading out the data carrier if the plug connection between the coupling and the plug has been established. The reader can e.g. B. read out the data carrier by direct electrical contact. The data are transmitted via a readout line 46 of the read-out unit and queried by the read-out unit via the line 46 at a given time. Inductive coupling and data transmission between the reader and the data carrier is also possible, but very costly.

The plug 20 closes, e.g. B. by means of a mechanical switch, a signal circuit 60 or causes a control signal to be emitted via the signal line 60 to the read-out unit if the plug is fully pushed into the coupling. If the control signal reaches the assigned read-out and / or evaluation unit, it will then read out the data carrier. In this way, information about the status of the network is updated immediately in the event of changes. Furthermore, all data carriers can be read out automatically or by manual command.

Fig. 3 shows a patch box 61 with a trunk and a jumper cable 33 and 34, the conductor wires 57 and 57 enter 'by connecting the connectors 55 and 56 to the clutches 35 and 36, a connection for data transfer. The other line wires of the trunk cable are distributed within the patch box to the other couplings 35 'for jumper plugs and can also be connected there with line wires of further jumper cables. A majority of such patch boxes are usually housed in a distribution cabinet. Patch boxes with trunk cables on both sides or jumper cables on both sides are also possible.

A reader 40 , 41 is arranged on each coupling of the patch box 61 with read lines 48 and 47 leading to the read and evaluation unit. The readers of the free jumper couplings 35 'and the corresponding read lines are not shown. A data carrier 31 or 32 is attached to both the trunk connector 56 and the jumper connector 55 and can be read out with a trunk or jumper coupling 36 or 35 when the plug connection has been made.

Reference list

1

central computer system, CPU

2,

3rd

,

4th

,

5

Distribution cabinet

6,

7

,

8th

,

9

Peripheral

10,

11

,

12th

,

13

,

14

,

34

Jumper cable

15,

16

,

17th

,

33

Trunk cable

18,

19th

Trunk jumper cables

20,

55

Plug (jumper)

56

Connector (trunk)

21,

22

Evaluation unit

23,

24th

,

35

,

35

',

36

clutch

25th

central control computer

26,

31

,

32

Disk

27,

28

,

29

,

30th

Readout unit

37

Loop

38,

61

Patchbox

39,

40

,

41

reader

42,

43

,

44

,

45

,

46

,

47

,

48

Readout lines

49,

50

Master electronics

51,

52

,

53

,

54

Slave electronics

57,

57

',

62

,

62

',

63

,

63

'' Cable cores

58,

59

Fastener

60

Control signal line

Claims (24)

1. Component recognition and management system for networks, in particular optical networks, a central computing system, CPU, ( 1 ) directly or via one or more distribution cabinets ( 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) with peripheral devices ( 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ) , such as local computers, terminals, printers or the like, - as well as, if appropriate, these among themselves - by conductor cables, such as jumpers ( 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 34 ), trunk ( 15 , 16 , 17 , 33 ) or trunk jumper cables ( 18 , 19 ), connected in a network, a distribution cabinet ( 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) each having a plurality of couplings, optionally arranged in patch boxes, for producing a detachable plug connection with a plug ( 20 , 55 , 56 ) of a conductor cable ( 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 33 , 34 ) and the plug of a jumper cable ( 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 34 ) manufactured connector interacts with the coupling ( 23 , 24 , 35 , 36 ) from which a signal is transmitted to an evaluation unit ( 21 , 22 ), assigned to the respective coupling ( 23 , 24 , 35 , 36 ) and included in the creation of an assignment plan for the couplings of one or more distribution cabinets ( 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ), The evaluation unit ( 21 , 22 ) is also able to transmit this data to a central control computer ( 25 ), characterized by the following features:

• a) a data carrier ( 26 , 32 ) which is arranged on the plug ( 20 , 55 ) of a jumper cable ( 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 34 ) and is stored in the characteristics of the cable and the plug, for. B. Type, length of line capacity, identification number of the conductor cable, type of connector and / or device at the other end of the cable, measurement data;
• b) a readout unit ( 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ) which is able to read out the data carrier ( 26 , 31 , 32 ) of a plug;
• c) the read-out unit ( 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ) is able to transmit the read-out data to the evaluation unit ( 21 , 22 ).

2. Component recognition and management system according to claim 1, characterized in that trunk ( 15 , 16 , 17 , 33 ) and / or trunk jumper cables ( 18 , 19 ) have a data carrier ( 31 ) on at least one plug ( 56 ), are stored in the characteristics of the cable and the plug, e.g. B. Type, length of line capacity, identification number of the conductor cable, type of connector and / or device at the other end of the cable, measurement data. 3. Component recognition and management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the data carrier ( 26 , 31 , 32 ) when establishing a plug connection or upon input to the evaluation unit ( 21 , 22 ) or on the central control computer ( 25 ) or automatically in is read out at regular intervals. 4. Component recognition and management system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a readout unit ( 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ) is assigned to a plurality of couplings ( 23 , 24 , 35 , 36 ) together, for. B. the couplings of a patch box ( 38 ) or the couplings of a distribution cabinet ( 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ). 5. component detection and management system according to claim 4, characterized in that on the couplings ( 23 , 24 , 35 , 36 ) a reader ( 39 , 40 , 41 ), z. B. an address chip is arranged, via which the read-out unit can read out the data carrier ( 26 , 31 , 32 ) by means of data bus techniques and can be assigned to the respective coupling. 6. Component recognition and management system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the readout unit ( 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ) is part of the evaluation unit ( 21 , 22 ). 7. Component recognition and management system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the evaluation units ( 21 , 22 ) are coupled to one another and to the central control computer ( 25 ) by means of a ring line or directly to the central control computer for data transfer, so that From the central control computer, a cable-specific assignment plan of several distribution cabinets ( 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) and a cable-specific plan of the conductor cable connections established can be drawn up. 8. component recognition and management system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an evaluation unit ( 21 , 22 ) from a master electronics ( 49 , 59 ) and a plurality of subordinate slave electronics ( 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ), each slave electronics is assigned to a distribution cabinet ( 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) and contains at least one readout unit or is coupled to at least one readout unit, so that the evaluation unit, in particular the master electronics, has a cable-specific one Allocation plan of the couplings ( 23 , 24 , 35 , 36 ) of one or more distribution cabinets ( 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ), which are subordinate to the master electronics, can be drawn up. 9. Component recognition and management system according to claim 8, characterized in that a plurality of master electronics are connected in series with one another and with the central control computer by means of a ring line, so that from the central control computer ( 25 ) a cable-specific assignment plan of several distribution cabinets ( 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ), which can also be subordinate to different master electronics, and a cable-specific wiring diagram can be drawn up. 10. Component detection and management system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that in each case on all plugs ( 20 , 55 , 56 ) of a conductor cable ( 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 33 , 34 ) data carriers ( 26 , 31 , 32 ) are arranged and either carry identical or partly specifically different information. 11. Component recognition and management system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a read-out unit is arranged on or in a connecting element ( 58 , 59 ) of the central computer system ( 1 ) and / or a peripheral terminal and with a plug connection established Plug ( 20 , 55 , 56 ) reads its data carrier and transmits it to the central control computer, e.g. B. over a ring line ( 37 ), so that a cable-specific assignment plan of these connecting elements and a cable-specific line course plan can be drawn up. 12. Component recognition and management system according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the central control computer ( 25 ) from the information, where which conductor cable ( 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 33 , 34 ) is connected, a cable routing plan between the distribution cabinets and possibly the computer system ( 1 ) and / or the peripheral devices ( 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ) or their couplings ( 23 , 24 , 35 , 36 ) and connecting elements ( 58 , 59 ) is able to establish. 13. Component recognition and management system according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a reader ( 39 , 40 , 41 ) with a read-out unit is integrated in a hand-held device which transmits the read data to the evaluation unit ( 21 , 22 ) and / or the central control computer is able to transmit. 14. Component recognition and management system according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a reader ( 39 , 40 , 41 ) on a distribution cabinet ( 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) or on an evaluation unit ( 21 , 22 ) is provided , so that the data carrier of a plug ( 20 , 55 , 56 ) can be read out for checking and the data on the evaluation unit, for. B. can be output on a display or on the central control computer ( 1 ). 15. Component recognition and management system according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that couplings ( 23 , 24 , 35 , 36 ) and / or connecting elements ( 58 , 59 ), to which no reading device is assigned, can be included in the preparation of the cable routing plan by entering the identifier of the coupling or the connecting element and, if applicable, the characteristic data of an inserted conductor cable as a whole manually on an input device or the hand-held device the data carrier of the plug ( 20 , 55 , 56 ) before inserting it into such a connecting element or such a coupling reads and transmitted to the evaluation unit ( 21 , 22 ) or the central control computer ( 1 ), this information then being supplemented manually with the identifier of the coupling and / or the connecting element. 16. Component recognition and management system according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the data carrier is a PROM or an EPROM or a magnetic strip or is a barcode or a flat memory chip. 17. Plug with conductor cable, in particular fiber optic cable, and suitable coupling socket (or vice versa coupling socket with conductor cable), in particular trunk and / or jumper coupling of a distribution cabinet and / or connecting element of an electronic device, characterized by:

• a) a data carrier ( 26 , 32 ), in particular a PROM or an EPROM or a magnetic strip or a barcode or a flat memory chip, which is arranged on the plug ( 20 , 55 ) and is stored in the characteristic data of the conductor cable and the plug, for. B. Type, length of line capacity, identification number of the conductor cable, type of connector and / or device at the other end of the cable, measurement data;
• b) a reader ( 39 , 40 , 41 ) which is arranged on the coupling socket and by means of which the data carrier on the plug can be read out when the socket is connected with a plug.

18. Plug and coupling socket according to claim 17, characterized featured, that the disk is glued to the top or bottom of the connector. 19. Plug and coupling socket according to claim 18, characterized featured, that the disk in a recess on the top or bottom of the Plug is inserted so that the plug fits snugly into the Coupling socket inserts. 20. Procedure for drawing up a cable-specific network plan Multiple coupling of one or more distribution cabinets for Establishing a plug connection with a plug of a conductor cable, characterized, that a data carrier is arranged on the plug, in the characteristics of Conductor cables are stored and the one assigned to the coupling Readout unit is read out, the readout unit reads out the data transmitted to an evaluation unit, the evaluation unit in each case one  or more distribution cabinets or one or more each Readout units is assigned, which assigns data to the respective clutch and with this data and with the information about the respective coupling a cable-specific coupling assignment plan for one or more subordinate distribution cabinets. 21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that several evaluation units with a central control computer and optionally also coupled to each other, e.g. B. with a ring line, the evaluation units read the data to the central control computer transmit and the central control computer a cable-specific Allocation plan of all couplings, one with a readout unit and one with the is connected to the central control computer connected evaluation unit, sets up. 22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that the central control computer from the data transmitted to it Cable-specific connection diagram of the line connections between the Sets up couplings of one or more distribution cabinets. 23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that that the data carrier when inserting the plug in the coupling or in at regular intervals or after manual entry of a Readout command is read and the occupancy plan and if necessary the connection plan is updated. 24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that couplings or connecting elements of a central computer system and / or a peripheral device to which no readout unit is assigned, as well as the plugs of conductor cables inserted into them Network plan can be included by the characteristics of the conductor cable and the identifier of the coupling or the connecting element manually is entered, e.g. B. on the nearest evaluation unit or on central control computer, or the data carrier of the plug, provided available, read out with a handheld device or on a control coupling, this data of the evaluation unit or the central control computer transmitted and added manually with the identification of the clutch.