Abstract: Systems and methods allow communication between an Ethernet network and non-Ethernet devices. An Ethernet-to-analog adapter allows translation of analog signals for Ethernet communication, and further allows translation of Ethernet signals for analog communication with analog devices. Ethernet-to-analog adapters allow for power management and monitoring of attached analog devices and employ Power over Ethernet (PoE) to supply power to analog devices. A rechargeable battery may be provided to satisfy the peak power requirements of an attached analog device.

Abstract: A communication network device and corresponding patch field system are disclosed. The device includes a port module, ports, and an appliqué attached to a face of the port module. The appliqué includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with conductive pads. A patch cord connects the device with an intelligent patch panel. The patch cord contains at least one system wire. The patch panel is adapted to measure a resistance associated with each port via the system wire. An open circuit indicates that no patch cord is attached to the port, a resistance within a first range indicates that the patch cord is attached only to the port of the intelligent patch panel, and a resistance within a second range less than the first range indicates that the patch cord connects the intelligent patch panel and the device.

Abstract: A cable management rack for routing cables thereon. The rack has a front side and a rear side. The rack includes a frame, first and second frame-mountable components, each of the components having a plurality of ports configured for receiving an end of one of the cables therein, and a frame-mountable pass-through tray disposed on the frame between the first and second components, the pass-through tray for routing the cables between the front side of the rack and the rear side of the rack.

Abstract: The invention is a modular cable termination plug having a conductor divider having an entrant barb and a plurality of divider channels, a load bar having a plurality of through holes and a plurality of slots, and a plurality of contact terminals. Additionally, the invention may include a housing, a strain relief collar and a strain relief boot.

Abstract: A powered communications patch panel is adapted to power network devices connected to the communications patch panel. Power is supplied to the network devices by the powered communications patch panel over the communication cabling. The powered communications patch panel may be provided with a management port to allow remote management of the patch panel via a network connection. Multiple management ports may be provided, allowing patch panels to be connected to one another in a daisy-chain configuration.

Abstract: A communications connector with a flexible printed circuit board is provided. The flexible printed circuit board is electronically and mechanically connected to the plug interface contacts of the jack near the plug/jack interface, in order to provide effective crosstalk compensation. The flexible printed circuit board has fingers at one end allowing it to flex as individual plug interface contacts are depressed when a plug is installed into the jack. The flexible printed circuit board, or a flexible portion of a printed circuit board, is provided with elongated extensions for certain conductors to accommodate the connection of six-contact or eight-contact plugs to the connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the tension settings of cable tie hand tools comprises a base, a gauge, a force transmitting member connected to the gauge and a cable tie hand tool receiving member positioned on the base. In one embodiment the force transmitting member comprises a spring and a first hinged arm. In a second embodiment the force transmitting member comprises a strap section of a cable tie. The cable tie receiving member is adapted to receive and position the cable tie hand tool. The apparatus may be employed with various types of cable tie hand tools.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a faceplate having a backing plate and a stainless steel cover plate. The backing plate includes at least one opening to receive a module and at least one pocket. The pocket includes a mounting snap. The cover plate includes at least one opening to receive the module and at least one pocket opening. The pocket opening includes a tab that extends from the cover plate. When faceplate is assembled, the mounting snap engages the tab to secure the cover plate to the backing plate.

Abstract: Intelligent patch panels support patch cord management in communications networks. Modular patch panels can be connected to one another for the purposes of sharing power and also for the purposes of monitoring patch cord connections and reporting the status of patch cord connections to a network management system. Each port of an intelligent patch panel may be provided with out-of-band contacts to allow for monitoring and reporting of patch cord connectivity information. According to one embodiment, out-of-band contacts send identification information regarding their associated patch panel ports along a ninth wire of a patch cord.

Abstract: A tool and method for using the tool for a push-pull plug with an outer housing that may be moved forwardly and backwardly along a plug housing in order to affect the operation of a latch arm. The tool has a handle, stem, and a clip on the stem on the opposite end as the handle. The clip has a pair of opposing clip arms perpendicular to the stem. The clip arms have clip ridges that face each other. The stem and clip can be made of a flexible material.

Abstract: A dual-sided IDC connector for use in connecting electrical components to field wiring is described. One side of the IDC connector may be factory-wired to an electrical component. A second side of the IDC connector may be field-wired in an end-wiring or a through-wiring configuration. The second side of the IDC connector may have multiple covers to minimize the effort required by a field technician to terminate the field-wiring. The IDC connector may be easily mounted to existing raceways, outlet strips, and junction boxes.

Abstract: The patch panel assembly includes a drawer and a patch panel pivotally mounted to the drawer. The drawer has a pair of sidewalls and a cable tray positioned therebetween. The cable tray has a plurality of slide locks including lock releases that allow the cable tray to move between a closed position and an open position with respect to the sidewalls. The cable tray also has a plurality of retainer clips that allow the patch panel to move between an upright position and a rotated position with respect to the cable tray.

Abstract: A cable support system is disclosed. The cable support system includes a hanger plate securable to a structure, a chaining plate attachable to the hanger plate, and a cable support member attachable to the hanger plate or the chaining plate.

Abstract: An electrical connector with improved crosstalk compensation is disclosed. By including at least one coupling with a different frequency dependency than other couplings in the connector, crosstalk compensation performance is improved over a greater frequency range. The different frequency dependency may, for example, be used to compensate for phase shifts caused by distances between compensation circuitry and the plug/jack interface. Embodiments for decreasing these distances are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring and reporting cable connectivity such as patch panel port-level connectivity on a real-time basis. For patch panel systems, the approach is based upon a distributed architecture that may be modularly scalable and may reduce, if not eliminate, the need for a centralized signal processor and complex cabling between patch panels and the centralized signal processor. Each patch panel may determine port level connectivity independently. Polling delays and polling-related overhead processing may be reduced or eliminated by supporting real-time monitoring of port connectivity at the port level. The approach provides improved real-time reporting of patch panel connectivity with reduced cabling complexity, increased reliability, and decreased maintenance costs. In addition, the approach is compatible with (i.e., may communicate with and be controlled by) a multipurpose network management system (NMS). In addition, a compatible revision system is provided.

Abstract: A system for managing and documenting a local area communications network is provided which deploys power sourcing equipment and powered devices by the use of active electronic modules, having an Ethernet controller and Power over Ethernet forwarding capabilities, as integral, managed components within the cable plant, to enhance management, documentation, security and emergency 911 aspects of the network as well as extending the physical reach of the network.

Abstract: A pivoting strain relief bar assembly that is comprised of a patch panel rotatably coupled to a strain relief bar, where the patch panel and strain relief bar are also coupled to a conventional rack capable of supporting telecommunications or other electronic equipment. Cables that are to be terminated to the patch panel are secured to and supported by the strain relief bar. The strain relief bar is capable of locking in a substantially horizontal position and thus remains fixed while supporting a large number of network cables. The strain relief bar can also be unlocked and rotated, allowing a technician to access the patch panel without having to unnecessarily disconnect cables.

Abstract: A compression connector for crimping and securing a tap wire of various sizes within a range of tap wire sizes to a main line wire. The compression connector has a body portion including a first hook and a first ramp extending from the compression connector body part. The space between the hook and the ramp comprises a first opening for insertion of a main line wire into contact with the hook and ramp prior to crimping. The body portion also includes a second hook and a second ramp forming a second opening defining an entrance to a tap wire port. The body portion defining the second opening includes nest portions adapted to receive and accommodate different sizes of tap wires prior to crimping, and to hold the tap wires in place during crimping. Each nest portion is in communication with the second opening that forms a single entrance to the tap wire port.

Abstract: A cable mount for receiving and carrying cable bundles comprises a shaft and a cable tie receiving member. The shaft comprises a top end portion and a bottom end portion and first and second adjacent projections spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The adjacent projections extend radially from the shaft and are circumferentially displaced about the longitudinal axis relative to one another. The cable tie receiving member comprises a top surface and opposing sidewalls defining a slot to receive a cable tie. The cable tie receiving member is positioned at the top end portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A network cabinet is provided comprising a support frame and a threshold associated with the support flame. A door comprising first and second lateral sides is mounted to the support frame through a hinge pin. The hinge pin is moveable between retracted and extended positions and is positioned closer to the first lateral side of the door than the second lateral side. A bearing surface is also associated with the support frame and is aligned with the hinge pin such that the door is elevated relative to the threshold with the hinge pin in the extended position and in contact with the bearing surface.