Abstract: An electrostatically steerable actuator includes a gimbaled platform. A central portion of a rear side of the platform extends outward from the platform. A diameter of the central portion is substantially smaller than a corresponding diameter of the platform. An array of electrodes faces the rear side of the platform to provide an adjustable electrostatic field for tilting the platform.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a two-part cable connector. The connector includes two parts that when mate together the outer shape and dimensions of the connector are compatible to an outer shape and dimensions of a cable connector of a known standard. The first connector part terminated at an end of a communication cord and the second connector part detachably connected to the first connector to enable separation of said second part from said first part. The second connector part of the cable connector is insertable into a communication port and comprises an identification number to uniquely identify the communication port.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a communication system that enables transmitting control signals between communication devices connected with a communication cable. The control signals are either to activate a visual indicator associated with the second port or to request a unique identification number and the signals are transmitted without changing the voltage polarity between the control wires. The communication cable may include at one end a connector having a control circuitry, a visual indicator and a unique identification number.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for indoor wireless optical communication. The system may include a central unit and a plurality of user units. A bi-directional optical communication link may be established over a collimated invisible light beam to enable transmission of wireless communications between a remote communication device and a user unit. The central and user units include an optical transmitter. At least one of the user unit and the central unit comprises a visible light source configured to produce a collimated visible light beam to enable alignment of the user unit and the central unit upon establishment of the bi-directional optical communication link.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a modular jack or modular connector mountable on a patch panel and having two openings. A first opening may receive a standard modular plug and a second opening may enable access to the resilient part of the conductive contacts inside the jack by a conductive element. The conductive element may electrically connect the connector to a second connector. The connector may be disconnected from the second connector when a communication plug is inserted into the first opening of the connector.

Abstract: An electrostatically steerable actuator includes a gimbaled platform. A central portion of a rear side of the platform extends outward from the platform. A diameter of the central portion is substantially smaller than a corresponding diameter of the platform. An array of electrodes faces the rear side of the platform to provide an adjustable electrostatic field for tilting the platform.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a modular jack or modular connector mountable on a patch panel and having two openings. A first opening may receive a standard modular plug and a second opening may enable access to the resilient part of the conductive contacts inside the jack by a conductive element. The conductive element may electrically connect the connector to a second connector. The connector may be disconnected from the second connector when a communication plug is inserted into the first opening of the connector.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for indoor wireless optical communication. The system may include a central unit and a plurality of user units. A bi-directional optical communication link may be established over a collimated invisible light beam to enable transmission of wireless communications between a remote communication device and a user unit. The central and user units include an optical transmitter. At least one of the user unit and the central unit comprises a visible light source configured to produce a collimated visible light beam to enable alignment of the user unit and the central unit upon establishment of the bi-directional optical communication link.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a two-part cable connector. The connector includes two parts that when mate together the outer shape and dimensions of the connector are compatible to an outer shape and dimensions of a cable connector of a known standard. The first connector part terminated at an end of a communication cord and the second connector part detachably connected to the first connector to enable separation of said second part from said first part. The second connector part of the cable connector is insertable into a communication port and comprises an identification number to uniquely identify the communication port.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a communication system that enables transmitting control signals between communication devices connected with a communication cable. The control signals are either to activate a visual indicator associated with the second port or to request a unique identification number and the signals are transmitted without changing the voltage polarity between the control wires. The communication cable may include at one end a connector having a control circuitry, a visual indicator and a unique identification number.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present inventions are directed to a system and method for monitoring connectivity between a switch having switch ports and a patch panel having patch panel ports connected by removable cords. The system may include an identification device physically shaped to fit a cavity of the switch port, a communication cord having identification wires to connect the switch port to a patch panel port, a microcontroller mounted on the patch panel to read a unique identification number of the identification device in order to identify a connection between the switch port and the patch panel port and a management station to receive the unique identification from the microcontroller and to store data regarding the connection of the switch port and the patch panel port.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for monitoring connectivity between a switch having switch ports and a patch panel having patch panel ports connected by removable cords. The system may include an identification device physically shaped to fit a cavity of the switch port, a communication cord having identification wires to connect the switch port to a patch panel port, a microcontroller mounted on the patch panel to read a unique identification number of the identification device in order to identify a connection between the switch port and the patch panel port and a management station to receive the unique identification from the microcontroller and to store data regarding the connection of the switch port and the patch panel port.

Abstract: Method and system for acquiring and updating the topology of a modular scanning system, in which patch panels are scanned. The result of the scanning of each panel is forwarded to a memory cell of an expander. The output of each expander is forwarded to a cell of a successive expander, and so forth, until the output of a final expander is forwarded to a master. Each scanning unit forwards unique ID data to an expander, to which said scanning unit is connected. The unique ID data is relayed from the expander to higher level expanders, all of which are connected in series with respect to one another, until reaching a second level expander, from which the ID data is forwarded to the master where it is stored. This process is repeated while the ID data replaced with neighbors' data, for allowing the master to know which scanning unit is connected to which scanning unit. Finally, the topology map is generated in the master from the collection of ID data and neighbors' data stored therein.