Abstract: A device for verifying wiring connections during the assembly of a wire harness. The wire harness comprises a connector having an array of terminals and a plurality wires connected to individual ones of the terminals. The device comprises a transmitter for applying different signals to different terminals for emitting a corresponding electromagnetic signal from a wire connected to that terminal. Each electromagnetic signal has an associated identifying characteristic. A detector is used to receive the electromagnetic signals emitted from the wires connected to terminals, and a processor generates an output which is used to identify the received electromagnetic signals based on their detected identifying characteristics. A method of assembling a wire harness using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to track cluster nodes and provide high availability in a computing system. A computer system includes hosts, a cluster manager, and a cluster database. The cluster database includes entries corresponding to the hosts which identify the physical location of a corresponding host. The cluster manager uses the data to select at least two hosts and assign the selected hosts to a service group for executing an application. The cluster manager selects hosts via an algorithm that determines which hosts are least likely to share a single point of failure. The data includes a hierarchical group of location attributes describing two or more of a host's country, state, city, building, room, enclosure, and radio frequency identifier (RFID). The location-based algorithm identifies a group of selected hosts whose smallest shared location attribute is highest in the hierarchical group. The system updates the data whenever a physical location of a host changes.

Abstract: Methods of executing patching connection changes in a patching field are provided in which an electronic work order is received on a display located at the patching field, the electronic work order specifying the patching connection change. A technician may perform the patching connection change. Then, an electronic message may be sent from the patching field indicating that the patching change has been completed.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating location information of a VoIP subscriber to a public-safety answering point may include receiving an E-911 telephone call from a VoIP telephone. Location information associated with the VoIP telephone stored in a database may be requested. The location information may be received in a signal formatted substantially the same as a signal format for communicating caller identification information. The location information may be displayed at a public-safety answering point. In one embodiment, the location information may be displayed on a video display.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a plug insertion into a plug aperture of a communications connector are provided in which a control signal is transmitted to a control signal input circuit of the connector that includes a reactive coupling element. The control signal is electromagnetically coupled through the control signal input circuit. The electromagnetically coupled control signal is thereafter detected on a first differential pair of conductive paths that are included in the connector. A determination is made that a plug is present in the plug aperture based at least in part on detecting the electromagnetically coupled control signal on the first differential pair of conductive paths.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a plug insertion into a plug aperture of a communications connector are provided in which a control signal is received that is electromagnetically coupled across a plug aperture of the communications connector using a reactive coupling element. A determination may be made that a mating plug (e.g., an RJ-45 plug or a connector on a fiber optic jumper cable) has been inserted into the plug aperture based on this received control signal. Related connectors are also provided.

Abstract: Communications connectors are provided that include a plurality of input ports, a plurality of output ports and a plurality of conductive paths. Each of the conductive paths connects a respective one of the input ports to a respective one of the output ports. The conductive paths are arranged as a plurality of differential pairs of conductive paths that are each configured to carry a differential signal. These connectors further include a control signal input circuit that is configured to capacitively couple a phantom mode control signal onto at least a first and a second of the differential pairs of conductive paths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a ID-programming tool (30) for assigning a unique network entity identity number to a network entity (10). The network entity (10) is adapted to perform said method. The network entity (10) comprises a number of subscriber lines (12) and the network entity is adapted to perform at least one line condition test on said subscriber lines at a predefined occasion. Said subscriber lines are encoded to comprise a unique network entity identity number information by means of the ID-programming tool (30). Further, decoding means (42) is adapted to decode the network entity identity number information resulting from said test to gain said network entity identity number. Said network entity identity number is stored in a storage device (20) on the network entity (10).

Abstract: A localized digital telephone network may automatically contact a centralized server to identify telephone numbers that connect the local network to a public switched telephone network (PSTN). The server may be a remote identification server that receives calls from local networks, and informs the local networks of the telephone numbers being used by the local networks. The server may capture caller-ID information of the incoming calls, and may return the calls with the captured information encoded in caller-ID signals of the return calls. A method for automated detection may include acts in which a local network generates an outgoing call to a server on a communications port, and then detects an incoming call from the server on the communications port. The local network may determine a caller identifier from the incoming call, and may map the caller identifier to the communications port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a ID-programming tool (30) for assigning a unique network entity identity number to a network entity (10). The network entity (10) is adapted to perform said method. The network entity (10) comprises a number of subscriber lines (12) and the network entity is adapted to perform at least one line condition test on said subscriber lines at a predefined occasion. Said subscriber lines are encoded to comprise a unique network entity identity number information by means of the ID-programming tool (30). Further, decoding means (42) is adapted to decode the network entity identity number information resulting from said test to gain said network entity identity number. Said network entity identity number is stored in a storage device (20) on the network entity (10).

Abstract: A marker fixture for attachment to a utility conduit such as a telecommunications cable. The fixture has an extension member with an electronic marker at one end, and is secured at the other end to the cable. The extension member is movable between a retracted position wherein the marker is adjacent an access point and an extended position wherein the marker is distant from the access point. The extension member is preferably biased toward the extended position and releasably secured at the marker end proximate the utility structure. The marker fixtures may be pre-installed on a utility infrastructure. The extension member is loosely secured so that the fixture may be moved around the cable after it has been installed in a trench to lie atop the access point. The low profile and conforming shape of the fixture make it particularly advantageous for pre-installation on flexible cables wound on large reels.

Abstract: A communication system comprises a plurality of transceivers and logic. A first transceiver is configured to communicate via a first subscriber line with a transceiver located at a remote premises. A second transceiver is configured to communicate via a second subscriber line with a transceiver located at the remote premises, and a third transceiver is configured to communicate via a third subscriber line with a transceiver located at the remote premises. The logic is configured to switch communication from the first transceiver to the third transceiver in response to a detection of a communication problem associated with the first subscriber line. The logic is further configured to switch communication from the second transceiver to the third transceiver in response to a detection of a communication problem associated with the second subscriber line.

Abstract: A communications patching system includes first and second patch panels, each having a plurality of connector ports, and a patch cord that is configured to selectively interconnect a connector port in the first patch panel with a connector port in the second patch panel. Each patch panel includes a port identification circuit that is electrically coupled with the connector ports of the respective patch panel. The port identification circuit of each patch panel is configured to transmit a signal to a connector port of the other patch panel over a common mode transmission path of the patch cord. The first and second connector ports connected by the patch cord are identified from the signal path.

Abstract: Calculating, detecting, observing, and validating operating characteristics, conditions, and metrics, especially quality of service metrics, of a system. The quality of service metrics are reported and utilized to manage the service. The various elements of the system for generating the quality of service metrics are integrated, with the same or substantially the same schema and metadata in the databases management systems of the externalized metric configuration data database, and the raw transaction data database. There is extensive code reuse, with the various engines, as the standard requirements methodology engine and thee standardized extensible calculation engine utilizing the same classes or objects, and as appropriate, the same function calls, interfaces, api's, and the like.

Abstract: A group wiring system includes a hub of a server system, a distribution frame including a plurality of wire pair receptacles, a plurality of remote receptacles, a testing device, and a plurality of testing circuits. Each testing circuit is coupled between conductive wires of contacts of an associated wire pair receptacle. Each testing circuit includes a light emitting device and a filtering device. The light emitting device emits light when the testing device applies a testing voltage to the contacts. The testing voltage is a low-frequency voltage signal having a frequency higher than 200 Hz that creates a circuit impedance higher than an impedance of the filtering device when passing through the hub, thereby decaying and filtering the voltage signal and allowing locating test while the server system is on-line. A method for locating wire pairs in a group wiring system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for connecting a tone generator to a plurality of conductors communication line. The apparatus includes an interconnect structure that includes multiple leads each including an electrically conductive portion having a first end and a second end. The multiple leads are commonly electrically attached at the first end and are configured to electrically attach to a tone generator. The multiple leads also include a plurality of electrical connection devices electrically attached to a plurality of corresponding leads at the second end. A plurality of first electrical connection devices are configured to engage a plurality of electrical conductors of a communication line to provide an electrical connection between the tone generator and a plurality of electrical conductors of the communication line. The system includes a tone generator coupled to the interconnect structure.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system is provided for testing a communications line. The method comprises removing a repeater from an access case connected to a telecommunications line, connecting a test adapter to the access case and a test extension apparatus to the test adapter. The method further comprises connecting a plurality of diagnostic equipment devices to the test extension apparatus and testing the communications line with the diagnostics equipment via the test extension apparatus. The apparatus comprises a spool having a plurality of terminals, and a length of wire wound on the spool. The wire includes a plurality of subpairs of wires each of the subpairs of wires having a first end electrically connectable to the communications line, and a second end electrically connected to a corresponding terminal on the spool.

Abstract: A multiplexing apparatus selectively performs cell discard processing in the case of congestion on the basis of a use state of the same connection formed by cells from the side of a switching unit and subscribers without installing UPC units, and the multiplexing apparatus, which is connected to the switching unit and each of the plural subscribers through communication lines.

Abstract: For tracing multi-conductor cable runs from multiple phone/data locations throughout a building or complex to a junction facility where the cables need to be systematically identified and connected to a terminal panel, rapid tracing and identification are accomplished by deploying a large number of special low-cost senders, e.g. a set of forty eight senders, connecting as many senders as required to energize every cable at each location via its standard modular jack. Each sender delivers a unique identification signal, e.g. a spoken number from 1 to 48, energizing a corresponding phone cable and/or data cable. With all of the cables thusly energized simultaneously and distinguishably, a technician working with a proximity probe in the junction facility can rapidly identify and tag and/or connect all the cables in an uninterrupted session, without requiring the usual assistant and intercom link, and with no time wasted probing unenergized cables.

Abstract: The tone generator uses a highly accurate frequency signal to generate an accurate and stable tone signal. A cadence pattern may be used to output the tone signal onto a test cable in an easily distinguishable pattern. The tone signal may be selectively output at an in-band band frequency or an out-band frequency. A corresponding tone probe may be used to detect the tone signal. The tone probe uses a high-Q bandpass filter to reject all but the expected frequency of the tone signal. The signal passing the bandpass filter is proportional to the detected tone signal. The tone probe generates an audio signal unrelated to the frequency of the tone signal. The audio signal is modulated by the signal from the bandpass filter, and then broadcast through a speaker. Accordingly, the tone probe provides an audible sound proportional to the strength of the tone signal, but is unrelated in frequency.

Abstract: A device for tracing electrical cable. The device allows a cable installer or service person not only to identify one wire or cable in a group, but to simultaneously remotely identify as many cables as he desires. The device requires only that the installer connect a test device to each of the cables which he wishes to identify. Additionally, this identification is extremely easy to accomplish, as the “Identifying label” is in the installers own spoken words, and can be heard at the remote end by using existing industry standard test equipment (i.e.: an installer's test set, phone, headset, or amplified probe).

Abstract: A twisted pair status indicator is provided. The twisted pair status indicator may be attached to a twisted pair access terminal to indicate whether the access terminal has available and properly functioning twisted pairs. The twisted pair status indicator may comprise a sliding door that reveals an available indication when the sliding door is moved to one side. When the sliding door is moved to a second side, an unavailable indication is revealed. The indications may be characters, numerals or colors that indicate whether twisted pairs are available. The twisted pair status indicator may also include a lock on the sliding door so that only authorized personnel may make changes to the twisted pair status indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the efficient mapping of connectivity of telecommunications circuits where large numbers of such circuits are terminated at one end in concentrated bulk terminations. The apparatus regenerates multiple speech signals in a bulk termination adapter identifying both the bulk connector and the individual circuits terminating in the connector. A selectable group identity code allows many such units to be employed simultaneously to effect efficient mapping of hundreds of telecommunications circuits in one step even if concentration points occur in disparate locations. Speech reproduction is accomplished through a serial bit stream where the ratio of one bits to zero bits, varying with time, re-establishes a voice frequency signal with the aid of a simple filter circuit.

Abstract: A detector for detecting packet arrival time for packets received by a Home Phoneline Network Alliance (HPNA) receiver. The detector correlates received preamble symbols with stored preamble symbols and generates an estimation of the packet arrival time when the entire transmitted preamble has arrived at the receiver. The estimation of the packet arrival time is defined on a symbol period boundary. The detector includes a complex correlator with a simplified structure based on characteristic of the received HPNA signal.

Abstract: A computer-executable method for diagnosing trouble causes in telephone cable segments when trouble data are available only for entire cables is presented. This method diagnoses problems in the components of processes when the component location of process problems is not known. It gives a statistical relationship between component attributes and process problem rates, to facilitate assessment and improvement of policies about the process. This method may be used for diagnosing systematic problems in segments of telephone cable connections of given central offices.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing a communications line. The apparatus comprises a spool having at least eight terminals, and a length of wire wound on the spool. The wire has at least four subpairs of wires, each of which has opposite ends. A first end of each of the subpairs of wires is electrically connectable to the communications line, and a second end of each of the subpairs of wires is electrically connected to a corresponding terminal on the spool.

Abstract: A test device for assisting in locating a cable efficiently provides both tone and link pulses simultaneously to a cable under test. The link pulses are alternated between transmit and receive pairs on the cable.

Abstract: A group wiring patching device which has built-in light emitting device and filtering device coupled with wire pair receptacle thereof. When a testing voltage is applied to the circuit of the light emitting device, the light emitting device will emit light for assisting wire pair identification. The filtering device can minimize or even eliminate loop back shorting resulted by the circuit of the connected light emitting when communication signals or low voltage signals being applied thereto. Therefore, the group wiring patching device of the present invention will be able to perform ordinary signal transmitting functions without the need to remove the light emitting device after the wire pair identification process is done.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing a communications line. The apparatus comprises a spool having at least eight terminals, and a length of wire wound on the spool. The wire has at least four subpairs of wires, each of which has opposite ends. A first end of each of the subpairs of wires is electrically connectable to the communications line, and a second end of each of the subpairs of wires is electrically connected to a corresponding terminal on the spool.

Abstract: Methods are provided for metrics-related testing of one or more operational support systems (OSSs) of an incumbent provider for compliance with a regulatory scheme, the method performed by an independent testing entity attempting to emulate a competitive provider that would access the OSSs in attempting to compete with the incumbent provider in an open competitive market. Each method includes an active testing phase in which one or more OSSs are tested. Performance of the incumbent provider during active testing is evaluated according to predetermined evaluation criteria. Test results are generated according to the evaluation and a final report is issued. The final report includes the test results and provides a sufficient basis for a regulatory entity administering the regulatory scheme to determine compliance of the incumbent provider with the regulatory scheme.

Abstract: A system and method for ascertaining the status of a telecommunications patching system and communicating that status to a remote location. Each of the patch panels in a telecommunications closet contains connector ports that receive the ends of patch cords. Tracing interface modules mount to the patch panels and provide a sensor for the connector ports. The sensor detects whenever a patch cord is connected to, or removed from, a connector port. A computer controller is connected to the various sensors in each rack to monitor changes to the patch cord interconnections. The computer controllers can be joined together in a network to monitor the status of the connector ports. The data on the network contains the full status of the telecommunications closet. The network can be accessed via a telecommunications network via a modem from a remote computer.

Abstract: The invention provides an interactive means to locate and identify underground utilities. The apparatus is used with a marker associated with an elongate electrical conductor, which may be a cable shield or a trace wire. It includes a remote, portable probe that is used to transmit a RF signal to be received by a transponder associated with the marker. The transponder is powered by a DC potential on the conductor. In preferred embodiments it has the capability of communicating with a terminal unit over the conductor to transmit information and instructions between the probe and the terminal unit.

Abstract: A line locating device and method that is capable of determining the location of a line even when a significant amount of transmitted signal is coupled to neighboring lines. A device according to this invention includes a transmitter that couples a transmitted signal onto a metal line where the transmitted signal is a first signal having a carrier frequency modulated with second signal of a lower frequency. The device also includes a receiver that receives a received signal from the metal line and evaluates the signal in terms of period and polarity to determine an incoming signal or an outgoing signal. The receiver addresses an appropriate signaling unit in response to the incoming signal or the outgoing signal.

Abstract: A computer-executable method for diagnosing trouble causes in telephone cable segments when trouble data are available only for entire cables is presented. This method diagnoses problems in the components of processes when the component location of process problems is not known. It gives a statistical relationship between component attributes and process problem rates, to facilitate assessment and improvement of policies about the process. This method may be used for diagnosing systematic problems in segments of telephone cable connections of given central offices.

Abstract: A system for providing robust and secure communications connections in a telecommunications network is disclosed. The system includes an apparatus supporting functions directed to the establishment of a backup link in the event of a network fault, security, and network connection prioritization. Each of these features are uniquely achieved by utilizing caller identification information associated with the calling party when users are interconnected via private branch exchanges to local area networks. The features of the invention are uniquely achieved by retrieving and utilizing data-link connection identifiers or Internet protocol addresses associated with the accessing user when users are connected to the network via frame relay routers. The apparatus establishes a backup link for rerouting data in a network by establishing a primary network link between a calling party and a called party, by examining call/link setup information at the called party to identify the calling party.

Abstract: A graphics overlay for displaying the location of a traced connector port in a telecommunications patching system. The graphics overlay is the visible portion of a tracing interface module that is viewed by a technician performing a patch cord tracing procedure. The graphics overlay serves three primary functions. The first function is to provide is a visual indication that can inform a technician as to the location of a patch cord in a telecommunications patch system. The second function is to provide a trace button so that a technician can initiate a trace from any patch cord connect port in the patching system. Lastly, the third function is to identify the patch cord at each connector port in the telecommunications patching system. The present invention provides different embodiments of a graphics overlay that all embody the necessary functions yet are uniquely adapted for use in a telecommunications patch cord tracing system.

Abstract: A two-ended, line-driving and receiving/tone signal analysis system performs line connection verification applying a low-distortion, low-amplitude test signal to one end of a cable pair under test and monitoring the response of a remote end wireline pair. Preferably the test signal frequency is on the order of 110 Hz, which avoids domestic and foreign AC power signal frequencies and is spectrally equidistant from their harmonics. It also avoids ringing frequencies for POTS lines, and remains safely below the 350 Hz lower limit of POTS and other telephone line system services. In response to application of the 110 Hz test signal to tip and ring segments of a wireline pair at one end of the cable bundle, the energy of the 110 Hz component, as well as that of two other ‘spectrally nearby’ (slightly higher at 112 Hz and slightly lower at 108 Hz), are measured at a tip and ring pair at the far end of the cable plant.

Abstract: A system having a plurality of patch cords, wherein each of the patch cord is terminated with patch cord connectors. Each of the patch cord connectors, in turn, contains a unique identifier that can be used to distinguish one patch cord from among the many patch cords in a telecommunication patch system. Within the telecommunications closet is at least one rack structure. A plurality of connector ports are disposed on the rack structure. Each of said connector ports is adapted to receive a patch cord connector. Each of the connector ports has a sensor that reads the unique identifier of any of the patch cord connectors as a patch cord connector is either inserted into, or removed from, a connector port. As the identifier on each patch cord connector is read, the overall system can automatically keep track of which specific patch cords are being added and removed from the system.

Abstract: A system and method for locating a specific component of a facility by using differential signaling. The system works in a facility such as a central office having many components, such as line cards. The central office includes several wireless transmitters for transmitting signals inside the office. Attached to each line card is a positioning device, which has a receiver for receiving the transmitted signals, a controller for converting the transmitted signals into location information, and a sender for transmitting the location information. The central office also includes a computer with a device for receiving the transmitted location information. As a result, the computer can provide to a user the location of the component inside the facility.

Abstract: In-service verification/continuity testing apparatus and method for testing the continuity integrity of wiring installed to an in-use operational circuit. The apparatus measures the voltage difference created by injecting two equal but opposite insignificant currents through a test path. A current loop is created by placing an isolated ground, which is referenced to unique detection circuitry provided in the testing apparatus. An accurate voltage differential calculation is accomplished by using a sample and hold circuit in parallel with switching the injected currents. Biasing the detection circuitry using two identical but inverse voltages with a reference to the isolated ground allows the detection circuit to subtract out extraneous currents flowing through the wiring path due to external voltage and current sources.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of identifying wires or circuits uses plugs with light-emitting diodes ("LED's") attached across the plug contacts corresponding to the wiring circuit. All of the jacks in a terminal or patch panel are filled with such plugs prior to testing and are monitored by a first worker. A second worker, in two-way communication with the first worker, applies a test voltage at the remote terminations of the wires, causing the corresponding LED to light, but no others. The lit LED immediately identifies the circuit, which can be labeled, and the process repeated. When testing is complete, all plugs with LED's are removed from the terminal for re-use.

Abstract: A system for locating corresponding ends of a patch cord used to conduct a signal between a first receptacle and a second receptacle. The system includes a cable having a main signal transmission means and a pair of electrically conductive members extending along the length of the cable. A first connector is attached to one end of the cable and a second connector is attached to the other end of the cable. The first and second connectors are adapted to removably mate with the first and second receptacles, respectively. The first connector has a pair of leads associated therewith. Each of the leads is connected to and corresponds to one of the conductive members. An electrical indicator is attached to the first receptacle. The indicator is electrically connected to the pair of leads when the first connector is mated to the first receptacle. A power supply is used to apply current through the conductive members so that upon application of the current, the indicator is activated.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the racks and installation wiring of telephone switch equipment takes the form of a module capable of insertion into the various slots of a particular rack configuration. The module includes a circuit board which terminates in a connector suitable for interconnection with a particular telephone switch system, and which receives a continuity testing subassembly useful in performing the desired testing. To this end, selected contacts (or pins) of the connector are coupled with a light emitting diode (LED) and a biasing circuit for operating the LED responsive to connection of the biasing circuit to ground. Each LED, and the biasing circuit, is provided with a suitable operating voltage which can either be derived from the rack which is being tested or a battery which is resident in the test apparatus.

Abstract: A monitor probe for a communications signalling network, such as an SS7 network, is arranged to determine its own location on the signalling network by watching for a particular type of message which carries the required information in its routing label. The routing label of a message is the part of the message indicating the source and destination points for the message as well as providing link-related information for cases where more than one link connects two signalling points. Whilst the routing label of most messages on an SS7 network does not give a reliable indication of the absolute identity of the link on which the message was monitored, in the case of signalling link test messages, the routing label contains the identity of the two points at the end of the link on which the message was monitored as well as the identity of the link as between that link and any other parallel link; these items of information form an absolute identifier for the link which the message was monitored.

Abstract: A transmission system provides a stand-by line switching facility. The transmission system includes a plurality of working line side processing equipments and a stand-by line side processing equipment to replace one of the working line side processing equipments if a fault occurs therein. The transmission system has a first unit and second unit disposed for each working line side processing equipment. The first unit issues, upon receipt of a line switching command, a single line switching control signal. The second units commonly receive the single line switching control signal and respective line switching is performed between the faulty working line and the stand-by line simultaneously.

Abstract: A monitor probe for a communications signalling network, such as an SS7 network, is arranged to determine its own location on the signalling network by watching for a particular type of message which carries the required information in its routing label. The routing label of a message is the part of the message indicating the source and destination points for the message as well as providing link-related information for cases where more than one link connects two signalling points. Whilst the routing label of most messages on an SS7 network does not give a reliable indication of the absolute identity of the link on which the message was monitored, in the case of signalling link test messages, the routing label contains the identity of the two points at the end of the link on which the message was monitored as well as the identity of the link as between that link and any other parallel link; these items of information form an absolute identifier for the link which the message was monitored.

Abstract: A phase identification system and method identifies the phase of a power signal at a remote location from a three-phase generator. The system has a radio transmitter which transmits a modulated representation of a voltage signal via radio frequency, and a remote field detector which receives and demodulates the transmitted signal to provide a reference signal. The field detector also includes an input probe for detecting the power signal having an unknown phase at the remote location. The field detector includes a phase comparator and a calibration phase corrector for determining the phase difference between the power signal having a known phase and the power signal having an unknown phase, thereby identifying the phase of the unknown signal at the remote location. The invention also includes a method of calibrating the phase identification system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a distribution unit which provides means for tracing patch connections. Each module is electrically connected to a shelf controller through a backplane. The shelf controllers are, in turn, coupled to a host computer. Pressing a button on one module lights an LED on that module and on the module which should be connected thereto based on the data base in the host computer.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to locate buried conductors, specifically a substation grounding grid. The apparatus provides accurate and precise location of a conductor as it is passed across the ground surface. A power unit is provided that includes a signal generator to produce a periodic test current, asymmetric in time, that has at least one odd harmonic and one even harmonic of a fundamental frequency. The periodic test current is passed through the buried conductors. A portable search unit has a substantially vertical axis coil attuned to pick up a signal including the odd harmonic and the even harmonic of the fundamental frequency from the periodic test current, a power source is provided and a signal interpretation processor and indicator provides an indication of phase reversal of the signal utilizing the odd harmonic and the even harmonic when the vertical axis coil passes over at least one of the buried conductors.

Abstract: A communications patching system includes first and second patch panels, each having a plurality of connector ports, and a patch cord that is configured to selectively interconnect a connector port in the first patch panel with a connector port in the second patch panel. Each patch panel includes a port identification circuit that is electrically coupled with the connector ports of the respective patch panel. The port identification circuit of each patch panel is configured to transmit a signal to a connector port of the other patch panel over a common mode transmission path of the patch cord. The first and second connector ports connected by the patch cord are identified from the signal path.