Abstract: Patch panels are provided that include a mounting frame and a plurality of MPO-to-MPO couplers that are mounted on the mounting frame. Each MPO-to-MPO coupler includes a first connector port that is accessible from the front side of the patch panel and a second connector port that is accessible from the rear side of the patch panel. The patch panels also include a first set of antennas, where each antenna from the first set of antennas is adjacent the first connector port of a respective one of the MPO-to-MPO couplers and a second set of antennas, where each antenna from the second set of antennas is adjacent the second connector port of a respective one of the MPO-to-MPO couplers.

Abstract: An equipment mounting system for rack-mounted devices, such as patch panels, servers, etc., includes a frame that is configured to support equipment mounted thereto in a plurality of spaced-apart mounting locations. A plurality of RF antennas are secured to the frame in spaced-apart relationship such that each antenna is located at a respective mounting location. Each RF antenna is configured to activate and read information from an RFID tag attached to equipment mounted to the frame at a respective mounting location. A microprocessor is configured to selectively activate each antenna to identify the presence of an RFID tag in close proximity to the RF antenna and to read information from an RFID tag. The microprocessor is configured to receive RFID tag information such as equipment identification information and location information, from each antenna and transmit received RFID tag information to a remote device.

Abstract: Communications patching systems may include one or more patch panels, each of which has plurality of connector ports. A plurality of antennas are provided. Each antenna may be associated with a specific connector port. A radio frequency identification (“RFID”) transceiver and a controller are also provided. A switching circuit is coupled between an output of the RFID transceiver and the plurality of antennas. This switching circuit includes a plurality of switches that are configured to selectively couple one of the plurality of antennas to the output of the RFID transceiver under the control of the controller.

Abstract: A telecommunications patching system includes a patch panel comprising a plurality of connector ports and a plurality of patch cords configured to selectively interconnect pairs of the connector ports. Each patch cord has opposite ends and a respective connector secured to each end that is configured to be removably secured within a connector port. The connectors of a respective patch cord have the same unique identifier associated therewith. A first sensor is located at each connector port and detects when a patch cord connector is inserted within, and removed from, a respective connector port. A second sensor is located at each connector port and reads the identifier of a patch cord connector inserted within a respective connector port. The first and second sensors are in communication with a controller that monitors and logs patch cord interconnections with the connector ports.