EP0880746A1

EP0880746A1 - Computer network cross-connection system

Info

Publication number: EP0880746A1
Application number: EP97905186A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fabrice Monin
Original assignee: Ari Application Realisation Informatique (sarl)
Current assignee: Ari Application Realisation Informatique (sarl)
Priority date: 1996-02-09
Filing date: 1997-02-10
Publication date: 1998-12-02
Also published as: CA2245906A1; WO1997029431A1; FR2744868B1; JP2001502104A; FR2744868A1

Abstract

A computer network cross-connection system wherein bundles (C1-C5) containing a plurality of cross-connection cords (C) in a single flexible sheath (G) are used to connect the various active module elements (concentrators, hubs) to the distributors. The system is useful for interconnecting computer networks.

Description

COMPUTER BREWING SYSTEM

The invention relates to a computer patching system and more particularly to an interconnection and cabling system, applicable in the field of communication. The generalization of computer techniques and multimedia, especially in the industrial world, has led for several years to design communication networks. We see developing different communication networks allowing different stations (PC) to communicate with each other and to communicate with a central body (server) or with other networks.

Some networks are even subject to standardization. Associated with these networks, protocols are developed. This is how the ETHERNET protocol was standardized by the IEEE.

This protocol allows communication between stations regardless of the network architecture. It ensures the transfer of information frames between stations. These frames are associated with the identities of the transmitting station and the receiving station. The network can include different intelligent elements and each of these elements is capable of recognizing in a frame if this frame is intended for it.

Different versions of such systems are available. They are characterized by their transmission rate and by their transmission medium. This is how the "10 BASE 5" version is characterized by a transmission at 10 megabits / second on a coaxial bus. The "1 BASE 5" version is characterized by a transmission at 1 megabit / second on twisted pairs. The "10 BASE T" version is at 10 megabits / second on twisted pairs. Interconnection is done using O 97/29431 PC17FR97 / 00261

electronic circuits and wiring distributors. The circuits are in the new techniques of the hubs (from English: hubs, centers of connection) which can have a more or less intelligent function according to the importance of the hub and the importance of the network.

As shown in Figure 1, a network may include a set of stations (Pl.l, ..., Pl.n) connected to a first distributor RI. This distributor includes a first HUB1.1 hub allowing the Pl.l to Pl.n stations to be connected to each other or to connect them to a second HUB1.2 hub.

A second set of stations P2.1 to P2.n is connected to a second distributor R2 configured similarly to the distributor RI. HUB1.2 is connected to HUB2.2 to allow communication between stations Pl.l to Pl.n and stations P2.1 to P2.n.

Each hub has inputs and outputs called ports. The role of a hub is to regenerate and resynchronize signals received on each port to transmit them on all the other ports of the hub whatever the address of the recipient. The hub detects the simultaneous emission of information which can be a source of collision and fault. Each hub has a determined number of ports (for example eight or twelve) and can be used using standardized connectors, such as RJ45 connectors which have 8 contacts (with or without earth), including 2 contacts provided for the 'emission and 2 contacts for reception. Other connectors can be used such as the RJ21 sockets with 50 contacts and allowing 12 connections (10 BASE T).

The hubs can have a supervision and maintenance function and can have supervision diodes. We now find commercially stackable cascading hubs manufactured by manufacturers such as BAY-Network or 3COM which allows organizational flexibility and its extension. The installation and commissioning of a hub presents no major difficulty for the installer. Indeed, it does not require any hardware configuration, nor software configuration of particular wiring. In addition, the hubs do not require air conditioning. Their operation at room temperature is possible. The power consumption is low and there is very little heating.

On the other hand, connecting to the hub and wiring the distributors remains an expensive operation and sometimes a source of error due to the large number of cabling to be carried out in certain installations.

In addition, wiring modifications, during moves for example, are cumbersome operations which are becoming more and more important due to the increase in computer equipment.

The object of the invention is to simplify the patching operations in computer networks.

The invention therefore relates to a patching system for a computer network according to which distribution-distribution assemblies which include distribution points for access to the network intended to be connected to the exit points of active elements of concentrator or hub type. , this system comprising patching beams formed by several cords enclosed in a sheath, each bundle making it possible to link all the output ports of an active element to the corresponding access points of the various distribution assemblies. Other features and advantages of the invention will appear clearly in the description which follows and which is given by way of nonlimiting example with reference to the appended figures which represent:

- Figure 1, an example of simplified connection of stations already described above;

- Figure 2, an example of organization of computer station wiring in an industrial building; - Figure 3, an example of connection between distributors and active elements (HUB) according to the invention;

- Figure 4, an example of patch bundles according to the invention; - Figures 5a to 5e, different examples of patch bundles according to the invention.

Referring to Figure 2, we will first describe an example of wiring in an industrial building. This wiring comprises a horizontal distribution according to which the stations Pl.l to Pl.n of the first stage are connected to a stage distributor RE1 and those of stage n are connected to a distributor REn. The distributors are wired vertically to central organs such as:

- local computer network,

- central computer,

- video cabinet,

- automatic branch exchange. Each floor distributor has, on the user station side, MD1 distribution modules to which these stations are connected, and on the vertical distribution side of the MR1 resource modules. FIG. 3 represents an example of connection organization to which the invention is applicable.

The user stations can be connected to patch panels PB contained in an AD distribution cabinet.

From the distribution cabinet, they are connected by cables such as Cl and C2, either to a chassis containing CH multi-port hub cards, or to multi-port hub boxes. The user stations can also be connected to a distributor such as a RE stage distributor, as has been described in relation to FIG. 2. This distributor then comprises distribution modules MD on the user station side and modules network side MR resource. MD distribution modules are connected by C5 cables to MR resource modules. C4 cables connect MR resource modules to hubs and C3 cables connect MD distribution modules to other hubs.

As we can see, because of the number of connections, all these connections require a large number of wires, and experience shows that it is difficult and relatively long and tedious to recognize oneself in a wiring and to identify the use of each cable. However, this is necessary during commissioning where it is important to check the quality of the wiring and to carry out tests in order to avoid as many subsequent surprises as possible.

It is fundamental for maintenance to have a clear situation to be able to intervene easily and quickly. During maintenance, we are required to either reinstall the equipment at a other floor of the building, ie extensions of network access points in a room and this must be done quickly without inconvenience to users.

According to the invention, it is possible to replace, add or move the electronic cards forming the hub or the chassis cards without having to disconnect the patching assembly and without disturbing the users unlike the current state of the art. Advantageously, the invention relates to an organization of the wiring which makes it possible to codify the various cables and connecting wires of a computer installation. According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the different patch cords, that is to say the different twisted multi-strand conductors, shielded or not, connected to the different ports of the multi-port hub card CH, are combined in a single cable Cl to be distributed over the various connectors of the patch panel PB of the distribution cabinet AD.

Thus, according to the invention, the cable C1 illustrated in FIG. 4 (called bundle) comprises several patch cords C enclosed in a flexible sheath G which will advantageously be a plastic sheath. In the same way, the wires connected to the different ports of each hub are combined in the same cable C2, C3 or C4 so that their connection is distributed to the different wiring distribution members. This is how the ports of a hub are distributed by the cabling assembly C2 to the connectors of the various distribution boards PB of the distribution cabinet AD. The ports of another hub are distributed by the cabling assembly C3 on MD distribution modules.

The ports of the upper hub in Figure 3 are distributed over a set of MR modules. Finally, resource modules MR are connected to distribution modules MD by a set of cables C5.

This beam system also makes it possible to mix all the ports of an active element (hub, controller, concentrator, etc.) towards the access points of the network via the pre-wiring distributors.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bundle according to the invention on which various types of connectors have been illustrated, illustrating the connectors available on the market and capable of being connected at the end of the bundle cords. The C conductors (patch cords) can be multi-strand (with several pairs of twisted wires), shielded or not.

The number of conductors can be variable. Each patch cord is numbered, for example by providing numbered rings, a different color being associated with each number.

The wiring assembly or bundles is not identified as such at these two ends, but it is expected that the different ends of the cords of the same bundle include sleeves MAI to MAn and MA'l to MA'n d '' the same color that characterizes and identifies the beam. A patch cord is thus identified at these two ends by the color of the sleeves (belonging to a bundle) and by the number of its numbered and preferably colored ring. Advantageously, the bundle is produced by a so-called casing technique or by an extrusion technique. This allows not to have to pass the cords through the sheath, but rather to bring the plastic around the cords. These techniques are easier to implement and less expensive than other existing techniques.

Figures 5a to 5e show different configurations of beams.

FIG. 5a represents the bundle corresponding to the wiring assembly C1 of FIG. 3. It comprises at the end connectable to the ports of the hub card, CH connectors of the same type, preferably arranged in a comb, and therefore providing for Sufficient patch cord lengths at one end of the bundle, the cords will for example be glued to form the comb. This configuration facilitates installation on the chassis ports, favors the location and change of electronic cards. The other end has ends of cords of almost the same length, and has connectors which can be of different types depending on the members to which they are connected. FIG. 5b relates to the bundle C2 of FIG. 3. It has at these two ends cords substantially of the same length and allows star connections. On the connection side to the hub, the connectors are of the same type (RJ45). On the distribution cabinet side, the connectors are also preferably of the same type (RJ45 for example).

Figure 5c concerns the beam C3. It has a star design at both ends and has connectors adapted to the hub (RJ45) at one end and connectors for distribution module at the other end.

Figure 5d concerns the beam C4. Like the previous C2 and C3 bundles, it is of star design on the side of the hub and has one or more connector modules at the other end.

Finally, FIG. 5e relates to the bundle C5, represented by a star shape at its ends, but it has connectors for patch modules on both sides.

In practice, a bundle can contain from 4 to 48 numbered patch cords. Each cord may be single-stranded or multi-stranded, shielded or not.

The patch cords are assembled in the sheath G by a conventional casing or extrusion technique. In the case of extrusion, the material forming the sheath is also distributed in the separation spaces of the beads.

Claims

1. Patching system for a computer network according to which distribution-distribution assemblies comprise distribution points for access to the network intended to be connected to exit points of active elements of concentrator or hub type, characterized in that '' it includes patch beams (C1-C5) formed by several cords (C) enclosed in a sheath (G), each bundle making it possible to ensure the connection of all the output ports of an active element (HUB) to corresponding access points of the different distribution sets (PB, RE).

2. A stirring system according to claim 1, characterized in that the sheath (G) is a flexible sheath, of the plastic sheath type.

3. Patching system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each beam includes an identification pattern (MA'n, MAn) for locating the beam.

4. Patching system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that each cord of each bundle comprises an identification pattern (B) for locating the cord.

5. A stirring system according to claim 3, characterized in that the identification pattern is placed at the two ends of each cord of the bundle.

6. Brewing system according to claim 5, characterized in that the identification pattern of the bundle (MA'n-MAn) is produced by a colored sleeve placed at the end of each bundle cord.

7. Patching system according to claim 4, characterized in that the identification pattern of each cord of the bundle is produced by a ring (B) of different color for each cord.

8. Brewing system according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the ends of each cord have a ring bearing the same number and a sleeve of the same color, the cords of a bundle having sleeves all of the same color.

9. stirring system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises active elements (hub) and stirring elements, a bundle having one of its ends connected to a single active element so that the bundle distribute the port connections of this active element on one or more patch elements.

10. Patching system according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the cords allow at one end of the bundle star connections and / or comb-shaped connections.

he. Patch system according to claim 10, characterized in that the comb-shaped connection ends are used for connections on the access points of multi-port hub cards, this form being obtained by bonding the cables.