Abstract: A building control system is provided that receives information from devices of different subsystems. A trigger causes a zone controller to store the information in a database. The stored data is used to generate customized reports based on sequences or sets of related events. The information from multiple subsystems is consolidated, analyzed, and patterns of behavior are determined. The trigger also causes execution of control actions throughout the building spanning the multiple subsystems, devices, and areas based on the information. An access control subsystem and a non-access control subsystem of the building control system are linked using a common network such that a change in the state of an access control device can affect the state of a non-access control device and a change in the state of a non-access control device can affect the state of an access control device.

Abstract: Cable foil tape having random or pseudo-random patterns or long pattern lengths of discontinuous metallic shapes and a method for manufacturing such patterned foil tape are provided. In some embodiments, a laser ablation system is used to selectively remove regions or paths in a metallic layer of a foil tape to produce random distributions of randomized shapes, or pseudo-random patterns or long pattern lengths of discontinuous shapes in the metal layer. In some embodiments, the foil tape is double-sided, having a metallic layer on each side of the foil tape, and the laser ablation system is capable of ablating nonconductive pathways into the metallic layer on both sides of the foil tape.

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: Alien crosstalk in communication channels is decreased with the use of crosstalk-mitigating materials. Electrical communication cables may be provided with crosstalk-mitigating materials that surround twisted pairs in the cables. According to one embodiment, the crosstalk-mitigating material is an electrically resistive material having electrically conductive areas placed thereon. Such a material mitigates the effects of electrical and magnetic fields that would normally lead to alien crosstalk between communication channels.

Abstract: An intelligent network patch field management system and specialized cross-connect cable are provided to help guide, monitor, and report on the process of connecting and disconnecting patch cords plugs in a cross-connect patching environment. The system is also capable of monitoring patch cord connections to detect insertions or removals of patch cords or plugs. The cross-connect cable is provided with LED's in both of the cable plugs. When only one plug of the cross-connect cable is plugged into a port, the LED associated with that plug is switched out of the circuit, while the LED in the unplugged plug remains in the circuit and can still be illuminated by the system.

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 method and apparatus are provided for incorporating guided network cable Move/Add/Change (MAC) work order capability into a power patch panel. MAC work orders may be controlled and monitored using in-band signaling using, e.g., standard RJ-45 patch cords. Cable detection is performed at a port level on a real-time basis. Coordination of guided MAC operations may be performed by the patch panel, independently, or in conjunction with, or under the control of, a remote Network Management System. The patch panel may be in either an interconnect or cross-connect configuration.

Abstract: An active jack, which is a powered device, is installed as the network connection at a workstation which provides the capability to determine the physical location of a destination device, such as a VoIP phone, in real time. Uninterruptible power supplies may be used to provide power to network components, for example during an emergency. Power-and-data deployments are shown for powering network components and destination devices.

Abstract: A device for providing transient voltage suppression on a Power over Ethernet system is provided. The device includes a transient voltage suppression module. The transient voltage suppression module includes a circuit module, which includes a circuit board and input and output connectors. One or more transient voltage suppression modules may be mounted to a frame to form a transient voltage suppression patch panel, which, in turn, may be mounted to a rack for use in a telecommunications room. The circuit board combines a frequency-variable impedance connected between conductors in a pair and a voltage-variable impedance connected to the frequency-variable impedance, where the voltage-variable impedance is also connected to a chassis and/or an electrical ground.

Abstract: A building control system is provided that receives information from devices of different subsystems. A trigger causes a zone controller to store the information in a database. The stored data is used to generate customized reports based on sequences or sets of related events. The information from multiple subsystems is consolidated, analyzed, and patterns of behavior are determined. The trigger also causes execution of control actions throughout the building spanning the multiple subsystems, devices, and areas based on the information. An access control subsystem and a non-access control subsystem of the building control system are linked using a common network such that a change in the state of an access control device can affect the state of a non-access control device and a change in the state of a non-access control device can affect the state of an access control device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for decreasing alien crosstalk use enhanced patch cords for introducing additional attenuation. The enhanced patch cords are preferably shielded to reduce alien crosstalk down their lengths and also attenuate signals passing therethrough to a greater extent than standard communication patch cords. The interaction of two enhanced patch cords results in two suppression steps for alien crosstalk and only one suppression step for intended signal passing through a communication cable.

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 communications cable is provided with a matrix tape that attenuates alien crosstalk when cables run near one another. The matrix tape is provided with conductive segments. The conductive segments are preferably provided on two layers of the matrix tape. In one embodiment, the conductive segments are attached to a film with an adhesive. A barrier tape is preferably provided between the cable core and the matrix tape.

Abstract: An intelligent network patch field management system is provided that includes active electronic hardware, firmware, mechanical assemblies, cables, and software that guide, monitor, and report on the process of connecting and disconnecting patch cords plugs in an interconnect or cross-connect patching environment. The system is also capable of monitoring patch cord connections to detect insertions or removals of patch cords or plugs. In addition, the system can map embodiments of patch fields.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a patch cord connection are presented. The insertion of a patch cord into a device jack physically closes a circuit, thereby permitting determination of the patch cord connection. The connection of only one side of a patch cord to a jack is able to be determined. In addition, a particular jack with which a patch cord is connected is able to be determined.

Abstract: An active jack, which is a powered device, is installed as the network connection at a workstation which provides the capability to determine the physical location of a destination device, such as a VOIP phone, in real time. Uninterruptible power supplies may be used to provide power to network components, for example during an emergency. Power-and-data deployments are shown for powering network components and destination devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a patch cord connection are presented. The insertion of a patch cord into a device jack physically closes a circuit, thereby permitting determination of the patch cord connection. The connection of only one side of a patch cord to a jack is able to be determined. In addition, a particular jack with which a patch cord is connected is able to be determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a barrier tape used as part of a communication cable to improve crosstalk attenuation. The barrier tape is provided with one or more barrier layers of discontinuous conductive segments. Conductive segments of one barrier layer are preferably sized and shaped to overlie gaps between conductive segments of another barrier layer.

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 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.