WO1998014016A1

WO1998014016A1 - Management device for a plurality of distribution cabinets

Info

Publication number: WO1998014016A1
Application number: PCT/DE1996/001819
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edmond Grässer
Original assignee: Cla-Son Leasing Und Holding Gmbh
Priority date: 1995-03-21
Filing date: 1996-09-26
Publication date: 1998-04-02
Also published as: DE19509619A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device to recognize and manage a plurality of distributor cabinets (1, 2, 3) connected to each other in a network, especially for connection of computers and peripheral input and output devices such as computers (26, 27) or drives (26, 27) or printers (24, 27). Each distribution cabinet (1, 2, 3) accommodates a plurality of patchboxes (9, 10, 16, 17, 28) with detachable plug-and-socket connections (11, 22, 33) for couplings (11) and plugs (22), preferably optical fibers. Patchboxes (9, 10,16, 17, 28) can be connected to each other via plug-and-socket connections by means of cable connections, preferably optical fibers leading to peripheral devices (26, 27). Each distribution cabinet (1, 2, 3) possesses an electronic module (6, 39) and is series or circuit connected by means of cable connections (5). The cable connection (4) of the first or final distribution cabinet (1, 2, 3) leads to an electronic control computer (5) or an electronic control computer (5) is located in the circuit.

Description

DEVICE FOR MANAGING A NUMBER OF DISTRIBUTION CABINETS

Technical field:

The invention relates to a device for automatically detecting and managing a plurality of distribution cabinets connected to one another via cable connections, in particular optical fiber cables, for the connection and information exchange of computer systems and peripheral input and output devices, such as computers or drives or printers, the distribution cabinets each accommodate a plurality of patch boxes arranged side by side and one above the other, in which detachable plug connections of couplings and plugs, preferably optical fiber plug connections, are arranged, according to the preamble of claim 1. Likewise, the invention relates to a method for managing cable connections of a plurality of distribution cabinets according to the Preamble of claim 20.

PRIOR ART: A system for displaying the cable configuration and cable assignment of the patch panels of a distribution cabinet is known, the cable configuration of which can be listed on the screen of a computer and shown as an image. A distribution cabinet contains a large number of plug-in connections (patch panels) arranged side by side and one above the other, which are connected to a scanner unit via additional cables, which are preferably combined to form a ribbon cable, which is connected to a computer via a LAN modem . A software program based on MS Windows runs within the computer, which graphically depicts the individual patch panels and is able to display which patch panels or plug connections have a connection and which is free. Furthermore, each plug-in connection can have a light-emitting diode which is able to emit an optical signal when the contact is made. The plug connections are so-called jacks with a plurality of wire connectors (catalog 1995 of RIT TECHNOLOGIES INC. New Jersey USA). From EP 0642 276, a cable management system with automatic mapping for distribution cabinets has become known, which allows trainings between service lines and user lines. A circuit card is assigned to each service line, which also contains an intersection for a circuit matrix. A circuit card is also assigned to each user line, both circuit cards being connected to one another via a central board. A management computer manages the service and user lines, which can also establish and separate certain connections between the service and user lines. A similar system is contained in EP 0624 043.

Technical task:

The invention has for its object to provide a device of the type mentioned, which makes it possible to update all connections between the individual distribution cabinets and within them, including all peripheral devices, and to retrieve all connections at any time with a large number of interconnected distribution cabinets.

An object of the invention is to provide simple operation of the device via a PC or a host, by optically displaying all connections or at least selected areas thereof. Another object of the invention is to provide a self-identifying system (polling) for trunk cables and for jumper cables on the trunk side. The device should also be able to specify new connections for devices to be newly installed. Furthermore, existing cable and plug connections as well as unused connections of individual or all distribution cabinets should be possible.

Disclosure of the invention and its advantages:

According to the invention, the object is achieved in the following features: a) all distribution cabinets each have an electronic module, which are connected to one another in series or in a circle by means of cable connections, the

Cable connection of the first or last distribution cabinet to an electronic control computer or an electronic control computer in the circuit, b) each electronic module of each distribution cabinet has an identifier, for example a number, and can be controlled and recognized by the control computer via this identifier, c) of each patch box is within each distribution cabinet at least one line, preferably forward and return line, to the electronics module and has an identifier by means of which the patch box can be recognized and, if necessary, displayed from the control computer according to its presence or absence within the electronics module and d) the individual plug connections, couplings or plugs of each patch box within the electronics module of each distribution cabinet can be recognized and, if necessary, displayed as individual slots by the electronics module or from the control computer via cable connections to the electronics module.

One of the cores of the invention is to equip each distribution cabinet with the electronic module, in which the display lines of the distribution cabinet for the individual patch boxes and the connector assignment of the individual plug connections of each patch box are routed and the signals are processed and, if necessary, an indication is given how the individual plug connections of each patch box can already be displayed on the patch box. The following hierarchy is always adhered to: from the control computer to the individual distribution cabinets or to the electronics module of the individual distribution cabinets for recognizing the jumper cable assignment, the identification of the electronics modules is read and recognized; The trunk cables of the individual patch boxes are recognized and read within the individual electronics module of a distribution cabinet. There are as many connection cables with multi-pole cables in each electronics module as there are patch boxes in a distribution cabinet. Each such connection cable has as many poles or individual lines as lines from the patch box to the electronic module including power supply are necessary for the number of plug connections present in the patch box. As soon as the query software has a specific jumper cable assignment, i.e. If a specific patch box has been activated, all plug-in connections or couplings of this patch box can be queried under this identifier or address.

A method according to the invention is characterized in that all distribution cabinets each have an electronic module, which are connected to one another in series or in a circuit by means of cable connections, the cable connection of the first or last distribution cabinet being guided to an electronic control computer or an electronic control computer being located in the circuit , b) an identifier is assigned to each electronic module of each distribution cabinet, for example has a number, and is controlled, scanned and recognized and possibly displayed via this identifier by the control computer, c) from each patch box, at least one line, preferably a forward and return line, is routed to the electronics module within each distribution cabinet and an identifier is assigned or . has an identifier by means of which the patch box is controlled, scanned and recognized and possibly displayed according to its presence or absence within the electronics module and from the control computer, d) the individual plug connections, couplings or plugs of each patch box within the electronics module of each distribution cabinet are controlled, scanned and recognized and possibly displayed via cable connections to the electronic module as individual slots from the electronic module or from the control computer, e) both all distribution cabinets and all patch boxes via the control computer of each distribution cabinet as well as all plug connections of each patch box can be controlled, scanned and recognized by the control computer and, if necessary, displayed.

The invention has a number of advantages in that all connections between the distribution cabinets and within them, including all peripheral devices, can be updated and all connections can be called up or queried for their occupancy. Via a control computer, which is a PC or host, all distribution cabinets (jumper cable assignments) as well as all patch boxes (trunk cable assignments) of each distribution cabinet as well as all plug connections, to peripheral devices, and each patch box can be recognized and queried by the control computer and displayed if necessary. All data are advantageously recorded and stored by means of the control computer, which allows easy management of the cable connections.

All connections or at least selected areas thereof can be displayed optically and optionally also acoustically. For this purpose, a plurality of light-emitting luminous elements, preferably diodes, can be arranged in the front panel of each distribution cabinet, preferably in the front panel of the electronic module, to indicate the status of both the individual patch boxes for their presence or absence within the distribution cabinet, and the individual slots of the plug connections within the individual patch box whether these plug connections are free or considered. The illuminants can be switchable to display at least two different states, for example when using diodes corresponding to the two different states, these can display two different colors and / or additionally blink.

The display of the patch boxes or the trunk cable assignment within the electronics module, for querying by the control computer, can be carried out by two additional conductors of each trunk cable, in particular reserve conductors, which are plugged into each patch box via two additional plug connections. A corresponding multi-pin cable is used to display the individual plug connections, which is preferably a copper cable and which has at least as many conductors for the forward and return line as the patch box has couplings or as many as displays per plug connection or coupling are to be made, and is led to the electronics module, the individual lines of which are plug-in connections and end in display devices, such as optical lamps, diodes, and which can be queried by means of a multiplex circuit from the control computer, such as a PC or from the host.

Brief description of the drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a plurality of interconnected distribution cabinets, which are controlled via a control computer and a cable connection

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged illustration of such a distribution cabinet according to FIG. 1; FIG. 3 shows a patch box as used in the distribution cabinets of FIGS. 1 and 2

Figure 4 is used a connector in the form of coupling, as in the patch boxes of the

Control cabinets of Figures 1 and 2 are arranged in Figure 5, a connection board in plan view within the patch box of Figure 3

6 shows a top view of a plug with permanent magnet for insertion into the coupling according to FIG. 4 FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of a patch box as can be used in the distribution cabinets of FIGS. 1 and 2 FIG. 8 shows a top view of an electronic module as shown in FIG each

Distribution cabinet according to FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 9 is a coupling of connections or a connection board of the patch boxes according to FIGS. 3 or 7 Figure 10 is a view of a front panel of the electrical module, as it can be used in the distribution cabinets of Figures 1 and 2 with lighting elements

11 shows a view of a front panel of a patch box according to FIGS. 3 or 7 with luminous elements for each individual plug connection or coupling

FIG. 12 shows the routing of a trunk cable of a patch box within it and the connection of the trunk cable to the electronics module of the distribution cabinet,

FIG. 13 shows a further interconnection of patch boxes, electronic module and PC by means of a data bus and control lines

Figure 14 shows an example of reading a patch box with 16 jumpers

15 shows a front panel with wiring of an electronic module

FIG. 16 shows a block diagram of an electronic module with the connection of the patch boxes and the front panel; and FIG. 17 shows the timing of the selection according to FIG. 14.

WAYS OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION:

According to FIG. 1, distribution cabinets 1, 2, 3 or more are connected to one another in series via cable connections 4, the cable connection 4 being looped through each distribution cabinet 1, 2, 3; the cable connection 4 leads to a separately arranged control computer 5, which is for example a PC or a host 5 with the possibility of data input. Similarly, the distribution cabinets 1, 2, 3 can be networked in a ring connection. Any peripheral devices 26, 27, such as CPUs or tape storage devices or printers or plotters or the like, are connected to the distribution cabinets 1, 2 and 3.

The configuration of a distribution cabinet 1 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 2. The distribution cabinet 1 is connected via the connecting cable 4 to the control computer 5 and / or further distribution cabinets 2, 3. The distribution cabinet 1 has, preferably in its upper area, an electronic module 6 in which the control intelligence is accommodated and via which the status and occupancy are queried. The electronics module 6 has a front panel, within which a plurality of light indicators 7 are arranged, which can be, for example, light emitting diodes or light bulbs, which are capable of displaying at least two different states or more. For this purpose, each light indicator 7 can be made up of two halves 7 \ 7 ", for example two diodes, or more than two parts, which can emit light in different colors or in different modes, for example emit a steady light or a flashing light, in addition to different colors. A further light indicator 8 serves to indicate the The connection cable 4, via which the control computer 5 is able to access the distribution cabinets 1, 2, 3, is connected from the outside to the electronics module 6.

Below the electronics module, connector boxes 9, 10, 16, 17, so-called patch or distributor boxes, are arranged in a known manner within the distributor cabinet 1, one above the other and next to one another, in which there are a number of detachable plug connections, in the examples shown preferably eight each. Couplings 11 of plug connections are fixedly mounted inside the patch boxes, into which detachably fitting plugs can be inserted and removed. For example, two patch boxes 9, 10, 16, 17 are arranged next to each other in the distribution cabinet 1, within which eight plug connections, consisting of eight couplings 11 and 8 plugs, are arranged. The reference numbers 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20 denote further fields which can accommodate patch boxes or blind fields in a corresponding manner.

Each light indicator 7, which can consist of several parts 7 ', 7 "or individual diodes or light bodies, indicates within the electronics module 6 the presence or absence of a patch box or the corresponding trunk cable; in the example shown in FIG. 2 there are twelve light indicators 7 available for twelve patch boxes or trunk cables of distribution cabinet 1 to be monitored.

Such a patch box 9, 10 of FIG. 2 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 12. Within the trunk cable 54 with individual line fibers 55, which lead to the individual couplings 11, two further or additional free lines 56, 57, namely ST connection AUX, 56, and ST connection COM, 57, via connections 29, 30 of the Patchbox 9, 10 used to query the trunk cable 54 and thus the patchbox 9,10 for their presence by laying the additional free lines 56, 57 of the trunk cable in the patchbox on two plug-in connections 29, 30, two of which are lines , preferably optical waveguide, to electronics module 6 and there lead to a display that is queried by control computer 5 can. These connections 29, 30 of each patch box are thus guided into the electronics module 6 of the respective distribution cabinet 1, 2, 3, are given an identifier, for example a number, and can be queried, identified and displayed within the electronics module, so that the corresponding trunk cable is clearly identified can be. In this way, all trunk cables of a distribution cabinet can be displayed within the electronics module of the distribution cabinet and recognized by the control computer.

Inside the front panel of the patchbox 9, 10, eight couplings 11 of plug-in connections, accessible from the front or pluggable from the front, sit, the lines 55 (FIG. 12), in particular duplex optical fiber cables, are combined in a known manner to form the trunk cable 54, which is that of the patchbox 9, 10 goes off.

To recognize each individual coupling 11 of each patch box, each coupling 11 according to FIG. 4 has a sensor 21, which is, for example, a reed relay 21 or a contact switch or an electronic switching element. The connections

58, 59 of sensor 21, e.g. the connections 58, 59 of the reed relay 21 lead to one

Connection board 24 of each patch box 9, 10, which is shown in Figure 5. On this

Connection board 24, connections 25 of the reed relays 21 are bundled for each coupling 11, each sensor or reed relay 21 being assigned at least one display element, preferably an illuminated display, which is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the respective coupling 11. Each plug connection or

Coupling 11 assigned to such light indicators that are able to display at least two modes, either by means of two different color diodes that are also able to flash or by light bulbs that are able to emit a steady light and / or a flashing light and / or a color change.

All sensor connections 25 of the connection board 24 are led to a, preferably detachable, plug connection 60 on the connection board 24, a multi-core cable, preferably a 25-pin copper cable, which leads to the electronics module 6 of the distribution cabinet 1, 2, 3 is and ends there in a corresponding connector. Each individual cable with a forward and return line is assigned to a slot or plug connection 11 of the corresponding patch box 9, 10 within the electronic module 6. , A plug 22 belonging to the coupling 11 for insertion into the coupling 11 is shown in FIG. 6. The plug 22 also has a sensor 23, for example a permanent magnet 23, which is capable of activating the sensor 21 arranged there when inserted into the corresponding coupling 11. If it is, for example, a reed relay 21, this is closed by the permanent magnet 23, the reed relay causes a current flow and a signal to be sent to the reed relay connection 25 within the connection board 24, this signal via the 25-pin Cable is passed to the electronics module 6 and is available there for query by the control computer.

The general requirements and thus also the requirements for the software are as follows: All cables are provided with an identifier, for example with a number, which number can be freely assigned. In a preferred embodiment, this number can consist of a maximum of eight digits. This number can be queried by the software of the control computer 5, and no connection confirmation can be given without a number. The jumper cables of the individual patch boxes of each distribution cabinet, which are queried via the two additional couplings 29, 30, namely ST connection AUX and ST connection COM, can be checked on one side by means of the control computer 5. The second side, i.e. from a CPU, must be entered manually, for example via the CPU or CU or similar; the software only confirms after manual input, then the corresponding patch box for the control computer 5 is defined. In this way, up to 128 distribution cabinets can be connected and controlled. The distances between distribution cabinets can be up to 3 km, a connection via telephone or optionally via a modem in the electronics module 6 being possible.

During operation, all connections can be continuously updated, so-called polling. All changes to the connections can be displayed, whereby an activity to change a connection is necessary. All changes can be saved within the software of the control computer 5 until they are confirmed and preferably displayed actively on the screen.

FIG. 7 shows a patch box 28 with the two additional connections 29, 30 for the detection of the trunk cable 54 or the patch box 28 that is specific to this patch box Patchbox 28 has a front plate 32, within which couplings 33 are arranged, light-emitting diodes 34, 35 being arranged above each coupling, which, for example, change from red to green and vice versa, or which are capable of changing from a continuous light to a flashing light or both . A 25-pin cable (not shown) leads from the front plate 32 of the patch box 28 via a multi-pin, preferably 25-pin connector, for example a DSUP connector 38, into an electronics module 39, which is shown in FIG. The electronics module 39 has a corresponding number of plug connections 40, preferably with 25 connections each, corresponding to the number of patch boxes with a 25-pin plug connection, for example a DSUP plug connection; The further 25-pin plug connections of the remaining couplings of the further patch boxes of the distribution cabinet are identified by reference arrow 52 (2-12), all plug connections can be queried by means of the control computer 5 and identified by means of an assigned identifier. The reference number 41 is preferably used to indicate an illuminated display which signals the plug-in patch box or trunk cable via the connections ST-COM and / or ST-AUX. Likewise, a plurality of such light displays corresponding to the number of patch boxes are each arranged below the 25-pin DSUP connector 40, these other displays being enclosed within arrow 52. Another light indicator 42 indicates the status of the control computer 5, whether it is connected to the distribution cabinet. Fields 43 and 44 identify switch fields in which, for example, DIP switches are arranged. A light indicator 45 is used for network display.

FIG. 10 shows a top view of an optical display field 46 of the electronic module 39. Luminous elements 48, 49, 50, for example light-emitting diodes, serve to indicate the presence or absence of each patch box above the patch box

Trunk cable; with the reference number 53 an arrow is shown to identify the further illuminated displays, for example the patch boxes 4 to 12. Via a display

47, for example a light display, the control computer 5 can be displayed. The individual connections 41 (ST connection AUX and

ST connection COM) of the individual patch boxes or the trunk cable can be queried whether the respective patch box is inserted or in which distribution cabinet the

Patchbox is located. With new or basic cabling or with a special one

Customer request, all trunk cable connections 41 can be manually entered within the control computer; Likewise, all jumper cable connections manually entered between the distribution cabinets, so that all distribution cabinets on the distribution cabinet side as well as all patch boxes within a distribution cabinet can be queried via the software.

The connections can be entered automatically, whereby the software recognizes new trunk cable connections from - to and manual confirmation is optionally possible. For example, for new installations, detection without manual confirmation is possible by listing all cables. A suggestion for new connections of the trunk and jumper cables can be issued via the software.

The software thus first recognizes the electronic module 6, 39 of a corresponding distribution cabinet and thus the special distribution cabinet. Within a distribution cabinet, the software can recognize and activate all patch boxes via their trunk cables, for example green means confirmed connection and red means free position. Blinking green can mean software selected slot, blinking red, for example, occupied position means no software confirmation.

In a further query step, the software of the control computer 5 can recognize all the couplings 33 of each patch box via the connections of the plug connection 40 and the corresponding connections 38 on the connection board 55 of each patch box 28. According to FIG. 9, the connections 36, consisting of three conductors, for the first coupling are located on the connection board 55, the connections for the other couplings 2 to 8 are identified by the reference arrow 51. In addition to the LED connections 36, in the example shown in FIG. 9 three connections, two sensor connections of each coupling 33, for example relay connections 37 of the couplings 33, are assigned to each coupling 33. These connections can be queried via the multi-pin connection cable between connections 38 and 40. This makes it possible to transmit the state of the individual patch box to the control computer 5, namely how much and which trunk cables are connected, which trunk cable positions are free or occupied, how much and which jumper cables are connected and which jumper cable positions or couplings are free or occupied.

The patch box LEDs are controlled, for example, in such a way that "green" means patch box is installed and recognized by the software, "red" means free space for an additional patch box, green flashing means a software Proposal for a new patch box to be installed, flashing red means that the patch box is installed but has no software confirmation. The control of the jumper cable LED within the electronics module can be carried out in such a way that "green" means that all jumper cables are installed and recognized by the software, "red" means free space for an additional jumper cable, green flashing a software proposal for new software cables to be installed and flashing red that the jumper cable is installed, but there is no software confirmation or the second side of the jumper cable has not been entered.

The wiring of the electronic modules is preferably done within a ring line, but it can also be done via a series connection of all the distribution cabinets 1, 2, 3, in which the cable connections 4 are looped through all the distribution cabinets. Query on a ring line is possible, as with an FDDI network with tokens. The patch boxes and thus the trunk cables and the jumper cables can preferably be connected via a multiplexer query using the control computer 5.

For evaluation, all displays can be displayed on a screen of the control computer 5 and or via a printer. For this purpose, lists of all trunk cables, patch boxes and all jumper cables, as well as only individual distribution cabinets relating to their drink or jumper cables, can be made in lists. Likewise, all free trunk cable positions, missing patch boxes and all free jumper cable positions can be listed. On the device side, all cables connected to a device can be listed; Likewise, all devices can be listed on the device side with mating connection side, that is from the CPU to the periphery, specifically on the query device side. Likewise, all couplings of each patch box and where they are, including the cable route, can be listed and displayed.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show a further monitoring electronics module 61 for each distribution cabinet. The line LWL of an adjacent distribution cabinet always leads into this electronics module 61, just as a line LWL ^{* leads} from the electronics module 61 to the next distribution cabinet or to the PC 62. Within the distribution cabinet, a data bus 63, preferably with control lines, is routed to the electronics module 61, to which all patch boxes are connected and which is looped through all patch boxes 64, 65, 66, ... and which can be terminated at one end with a terminator. In this way, the wiring effort in the distribution cabinet can be minimized. The cables LWL and LWL 'are fiber rings including to the PC.

In this case, the individual distribution cabinet has a multi-line, preferably four-line, display in which the status display of the patch boxes and changes and texts from the PC, text fields, cable numbers, service numbers are shown. Furthermore, the display can be interactive and can be accessed via a keyboard. In general, the patch boxes can have bulbs (diodes), but do not have to. The patch boxes, which can each have 48 or more couplings, are shown on the display via a multiplexer and are connected to one another via the bus. The data bus is preferably an 8-bit bus with a two-wire 8-bit line and a control line, preferably a two-wire line. A protocol is sent from the distribution cabinet to the distribution cabinet. This makes it advantageously possible that the serial numbers of the Pachboxes, trunk cables, jumper cables are now managed and assigned by the PC.

The electronics module 61 consists of a motherboard with a microcomputer module and an adaptation electronics, a front panel with an LCD module with 4 lines of e.g. 40 characters and a keyboard and a back panel with address switches, jumpers and output plugs.

Each patch box is provided with an address and the type of patch box, such as the number of jumpers (at least 8 and a maximum of 48) and with a DIP switch. This means that each individual patch box can be selected and the assignment of the jumpers queried. After addressing a patch box, the jumpers can be read into groups of 8 jumpers, for example. A single patch box remains selected until a new pach box is addressed.

FIG. 14 shows the example of a patch box with 16 jumpers for reading in. First, the patch box is addressed and asked whether it is available. If it is present, the patch box according to FIG. 14 is used. After the data have been read in, the changes in the jumper assignments are determined and stored in a memory of the electronic module 61, for example EEPROM not to lose the changes in the event of a power failure. All patch boxes and jumper assignments, jumper type, status messages and service messages, which can also originate from the PC, can be shown on the display using the keyboard. The electronics can be selected via a jumper so that the cabinet monitoring is not performed by the PC, but by the cabinet electronics.

FIG. 15 shows the front panel of an electronic module 61 with wiring, display 67 and input keyboard 68. FIG. 16 shows an electrical block diagram of an electronic module 61 with the connection of the patch boxes and the front panel. FIG. 17 shows the time sequence of the selection according to FIG. 14.

Industrial applicability:

The object of the invention is suitable for the wiring of a large number of electrical distribution cabinets for medium-sized and for large computer systems and can be used industrially. The particular utility of the invention is that all connections of a plurality of distribution cabinets, which are interconnected by means of fiber optic lines, can be monitored, assigned and changed from a PC.

Claims

Claims:

1.Device for automatically recognizing and managing a plurality of distribution cabinets (1, 2, 3) connected to one another via cable connections (4), in particular optical waveguide cables, for the connection and the exchange of information from computer systems and peripheral input and output devices, such as computers ( 26, 27) or drives (26, 27) or printers (26, 27), the distribution cabinets (1, 2, 3) each having a plurality of connector boxes (9, 10, 16, 17, 28) arranged side by side and one above the other ) (Patch boxes) in which detachable plug connections (11, 22, 33) of couplings (11) and plugs (22), preferably fiber optic plug connections (11, 22, 33), are arranged, and the patch boxes (9, 10 , 16, 17, 28) are connected to one another via the plug connections (11, 22, 33) by means of cable connections, preferably fiber optic cables, which lead to the peripheral devices (26, 27), characterized by the following features: a) all distributors Cabinets (1, 2, 3) each have an electronic module (6, 39) which are connected to one another in series or in a circle by means of cable connections (4), the cable connection (4) of the first or last distribution cabinet (1, 2, 3) is led to an electronic control computer (5) or there is an electronic control computer (5) in the circuit, b) each electronic module (6, 39) of each distribution cabinet (1, 2, 3) has an identifier, for example a number, and can be controlled and recognized by this identifier by the control computer (5), c) of each patch box (9, 10, 16, 17, 28) there is at least one line, preferably an outgoing line, within each distribution cabinet (1, 2, 3). and return line, to the electronics module (6, 39) and has an identifier by means of which the patch box (9, 10, 16, 17, 28) can be identified and recognized by the control computer (5) according to its presence or absence within the electronics module (6) and if necessary, d) the individual plug connections unions (11,22,33), couplings (11) or plugs (22), each patch box (9,10,16,17,28) within the electronics module (6) of each

Distribution cabinets (1, 2, 3) can be recognized as individual slots by the electronic module or control computer (5) via cable connections to the electronic module (6, 39) and can be displayed if necessary.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that via the control computer (5) both all distribution cabinets (1,2,3) and all patch boxes (9,10,16,17,28) of each distribution cabinet (1,2, 3) as well as all plug connections (11, 22, 33) of each patch box (9, 10, 16, 17, 28) can be recognized and queried and possibly displayed by means of the control computer (5), for this purpose from the inputs of each electronic module ( 6) at least a part can be queried electronically or optically, and all the cable connections (4) leading to the various electronic modules (6) of the distribution cabinets (1, 2, 3) have an identifier, for example a number which is stored in the control computer (5) and via which the respective distribution cabinet (1, 2, 3) and above that the respective patch box (9, 10, 16, 17, 28) and above which the individual plug connection (11, 22, 33) can be controlled and recognized by the control computer (5) ,

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the front panel of each distribution cabinet (1,2,3), preferably in the display panel (46) of the electronic module (6,39), a plurality of light-emitting luminous elements (7, 7 \ 7 ", 34,35,48,49,50), preferably diodes, are arranged to indicate the status of both the individual patch boxes (9, 10, 16, 17, 28) for their presence or absence within the distribution cabinet, as well as the individual slots of the plug connections within the individual patch box (9,10,16,17,28).

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the luminous elements (7,7 ', 7 ", 34,35,48,49,50) can be switched over to display two different states, for example corresponding to two different states when using diodes (7,7 ', 7 ", 34,35, 48,49,50) display these two different colors or if necessary execute a flashing mode.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that for displaying the patch boxes (9,10,16,17,28) within the electronic module (6) two additional conductors (29,30), in particular reserve conductors, preferably optical fibers, two additional plug connections serve.

6. The device according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that for displaying the individual plug connections (11, 22, 33) of a patch box (9, 10, 16, 17, 28) a corresponding multipole cable, preferably copper cable, for Electronics module is guided, the individual lines of which end in display devices, such as luminous elements (7,7 ', 7 ", 34,35,48,49,50), in particular diodes.

7. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the slots of the plug connections (11, 22, 33) or each plug connection itself each have an electrical or optical or magnetic sensor (21, 23) for signaling the state of being busy or Not used for a plug connection (11,22,33).

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the sensor (21,23) of each connector (11,22,33) comprises a relay (21), the connection of which is guided in the electronics module (6, 39), which at open or closed plug connection (11,22,33) responds.

9. The device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the sensor consists of a permanent magnet (23) and a relay (21), preferably reed relay (21), wherein the relay (21) within the clutch (11,33) and the permanent magnet (23) is arranged within the plug (22) of the plug connection, or vice versa, and when the plug is inserted, the relay (21) signals the electronics module (6, 39).

10. Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the sensor consists of a microswitch which can be actuated for signaling when the plug is inserted into the coupling or the plug is released from the coupling of the plug connection.

11. The device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the state of the sensor (21,23) on the plug connection (11,22,33) can be indicated, for example by one within the plug connection or the coupling (11,33) the plug-in connector arranged lamp, preferably light emitting diode.

12. The apparatus of claim 7 or 8, characterized in that each patch box (9,10,16,17,28) with a duplex optical fiber cable and a multi-core copper cable for the plug connections with the electronics module (6,39) is connected.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that free slots of a connector within a patch box (9,10,16,17,28) can be indicated by an optical signal, for example by an optical flashing, with a change in the assignment of the connector the optical signaling is connected.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the cable connection (4), preferably fiber optic cable, the electronic modules (6,39) to the control computer (5) is switchable, depending on whether the electronic module (6,39) as a control module or is used as a secondary module.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a multiplexer which the connections of the (trunk) patch boxes (9,10,16,17,28) and or the (jumper) cable connections of the distribution cabinets (1,2 , 3) is able to control one another in a multiplexer query.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that within the control computer (5) occupancy plans of all cables, preferably all trunk and jumper cables and the individual distribution cabinets (1,2,3) are stored in relation to their trunk or jumper cables and lists of free trunk and jumper cable positions as well as on the device side (all cables that are connected to a device) as well as on the device side with mating connector side (CPU to periphery) and on the interrogation device side by listing all plug connections or couplings.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that within the control computer (5) in addition all other connections, such as standard coaxial cable, modem cable, power supply cable, connections for water, in particular connections for fire extinguishing systems, are stored and listed. 5

18. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that within a distribution cabinet to the monitoring electronics module (61), a data bus (63), preferably with control lines, is guided, to which all patch boxes (64,65,66) are connected and the looped through all patch boxes (64, 10 65, 66) and possibly terminated at one end with a terminator, the status of all patch boxes (64, 65, 66) being able to be queried and displayed successively via a multiplexer.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in

15 that the individual distribution cabinet has a multi-line, preferably four-line, display (67), in which the status display of the patch boxes (64, 65, 66) as well as changes and texts from the PC, text fields, cable numbers, service numbers are shown, where appropriate Display is capable of dialog and is accessible via a keyboard (68).

20th

20. Method for the automatic detection and management of a plurality of distribution cabinets connected to one another via cable connections, in particular optical waveguide cables, for the connection and information exchange of computer systems and peripheral input and output devices,

25 such as computers or drives or printers, the distribution cabinets each accommodating a plurality of patch boxes arranged side by side and one above the other, in which detachable plug connections of couplings and plugs, preferably fiber optic plug connections, are arranged, and the patch boxes with one another via the plug connections by means of cable connections, preferably Light-

30 waveguide cables that can be connected and lead from the plug-in connections, preferably fiber optic cables, to the peripheral devices, characterized by the following features: a) all distribution cabinets (1, 2, 3) each have an electronic module (6, 39), which can be connected by means of cable connections ( 4) connected in series or in a circle

35, the cable connection (4) of the first or last distribution cabinet (1,2,3) is led to an electronic control computer (5) or there is an electronic control computer (5) in the circuit, b) an identifier, for example a number, is assigned to each electronic module (6, 39) of each distribution cabinet (1, 2, 3) is controlled, scanned and recognized and possibly displayed via this identifier by the control computer (5) c) of each patch box (9, 10, 16, 17, 28) there is at least one line within each distribution cabinet (1, 2, 3), preferably forward and return line, to the electronics module (6, 39) and an identifier is assigned or has an identifier, via which the patch box (9, 10, 16, 17, 28) corresponds to its presence or absence within the electronics module (39) and controlled, scanned and recognized and possibly displayed from the control computer (5) d) the individual plug connections (11, 22, 33), couplings (11) or plugs (22), each patch box (9, 10 , 16,17,28) within the electronics mo duls (6) of each distribution cabinet (1,2,3) are controlled via cable connections to the electronic module (6,39) as individual slots from the electronic module or from the control computer (5), scanned and recognized and optionally displayed, e) where All control cabinets as well as all patch boxes of each distribution cabinet as well as all plug-in connections of each patch box can be controlled, scanned and recognized and possibly displayed via the control computer by means of the control computer.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that via the control computer (5) both all distribution cabinets (1,2,3) and all patch boxes (9,10,16,17,28) of each distribution cabinet (1,2, 3) and all plug connections (11, 22, 33) of each patch box (9, 10, 16, 17, 28) are recognized, queried and, if necessary, displayed by means of the control computer (5), with the inputs of each electronic module ( 6) at least a part is queried electronically or optically, and all the cables leading to the various electronic modules (6) of the distribution cabinets (1,2,3) are given an identifier (4), for example a number that is stored in the control computer ( 5) is saved and via which the control computer (5) the respective distribution cabinet (1, 2, 3) and above that the respective patch box (9, 10, 16, 17, 28) and above that the individual plug connection (11, 22, 33) controls and recognizes and displays if necessary.