{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853879","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853879","title":"Systems and methods for identifying interconnections among physical-layer cross-connect switches","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-10-07T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L"],"num_claims":15,"abstract":"Presently disclosed are systems and methods for identifying interconnections among physical-layer cross-connect switches. One embodiment takes the form of a method of discovering external connections among a plurality of interconnected physical-layer cross connects (PLCCs). The method includes maintaining external-link mapping data for the plurality of PLCCs, which each include a plurality of ports. The method further includes determining that a first data sequence that was transmitted outbound via a first port of a first PLCC matches a second data sequence that was received inbound via a second port of the second PLCC, and responsively updating the external-link mapping data to indicate an external connection between the first port of the first PLCC and the second port of the second PLCC."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Systems and Methods for Identifying Interconnections Among Physical-layer Cross-connect Switches patent introduces an innovative solution for automating the discovery and mapping of physical-layer network interconnections. The core innovation lies in the ability to automatically detect and map external connections among physical-layer cross-connects (PLCCs) by analyzing data sequences transmitted and received through their ports. This technology addresses the problem of inefficient and error-prone manual network documentation, which leads to prolonged troubleshooting times and increased operational costs. \n\nThe key technical approach involves maintaining external-link mapping data for the PLCCs and updating this data based on the detection of matching data sequences. When a data sequence transmitted outbound via a port of one PLCC matches a data sequence received inbound via a port of another PLCC, the system updates its mapping data to indicate a connection between those ports. This automated process eliminates the need for manual documentation and reduces the risk of human error. \n\nThe business value of this technology lies in its ability to improve network efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance network security. By providing accurate and up-to-date interconnection information, the system enables network administrators to quickly identify and resolve connectivity issues. This can lead to reduced downtime, improved network performance, and enhanced customer satisfaction. \n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is significant, as it addresses a critical need in a wide range of industries, including data centers, telecommunications networks, and enterprise IT infrastructures. As networks continue to grow in complexity, the demand for automated interconnection management solutions will only increase. The Systems and Methods for Identifying Interconnections Among Physical-layer Cross-connect Switches patent offers a valuable solution for organizations seeking to improve their network management capabilities and reduce operational costs.","layman_explanation":"The Systems and Methods for Identifying Interconnections Among Physical-layer Cross-connect Switches patent addresses a common problem in managing computer networks: keeping track of how all the physical connections are wired together. In large networks, like those used in data centers or by internet service providers, there are thousands of cables and connections. Manually documenting these connections is time-consuming, error-prone, and becomes outdated quickly. This can lead to problems when trying to troubleshoot network issues or make changes to the network configuration. \n\nThis patent offers a solution by automatically discovering and mapping these connections. Instead of relying on manual documentation, the system analyzes the data flowing through the network cables. It looks for patterns and matches in the data streams to identify which cables are connected to which devices. Think of it like tracing a phone call to see who is talking to whom, but for network cables. \n\nThis matters because it makes network management much more efficient and reliable. Network administrators can quickly see how the network is wired, identify potential problems, and make changes without having to manually trace cables or rely on outdated documentation. This can save time, reduce downtime, and improve the overall performance of the network. Imagine trying to fix a plumbing problem in your house without knowing where the pipes go – this system provides a clear map of the pipes in your network. \n\nLooking ahead, this technology could be used to create more intelligent and automated network management systems. It could also be integrated with other network monitoring and security tools to provide a more comprehensive view of the network. As networks become increasingly complex, solutions like this will become essential for managing and maintaining them effectively.","technical_analysis":"The Systems and Methods for Identifying Interconnections Among Physical-layer Cross-connect Switches patent details a system for automatically discovering and mapping interconnections within a network of physical-layer cross-connects (PLCCs). The technical architecture centers around a distributed system where each PLCC is monitored for data sequences transmitted and received through its ports. A central server or a distributed processing unit collects this data and performs analysis to identify matching sequences. \n\nThe implementation hinges on the ability to accurately and efficiently analyze data sequences. This likely involves sophisticated algorithms for pattern recognition and data matching, potentially using hashing or other indexing techniques to speed up the comparison process. The system maintains an external-link mapping database that stores information about the identified interconnections. This database is updated in real-time as new connections are discovered or existing connections are modified. The integration with existing network management systems is crucial for the adoption of this technology. This could involve the use of standard network protocols such as SNMP or APIs for data exchange. \n\nPerformance characteristics are a key consideration in the design of this system. The data sequence analysis must be performed in real-time to ensure that the network map remains accurate and up-to-date. This requires efficient algorithms and optimized data structures. The system must also be scalable to handle large networks with a high density of PLCCs. From a code-level perspective, the implementation likely involves a combination of low-level network programming for data capture and high-level programming languages for data analysis and database management. The system may also use machine learning techniques to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the data sequence analysis. The implications of this technology are significant for network management. By automating the discovery and mapping of network interconnections, this system can reduce the operational burden on network administrators and improve the overall efficiency and reliability of network operations.","business_analysis":"The Systems and Methods for Identifying Interconnections Among Physical-layer Cross-connect Switches patent presents a significant market opportunity within the network management sector. The core value proposition revolves around automating the discovery and mapping of physical network interconnections, a process traditionally handled manually and prone to errors. The market opportunity size is substantial, encompassing data centers, telecommunications providers, large enterprises, and any organization managing complex network infrastructures. These entities face increasing challenges in maintaining accurate and up-to-date network documentation, leading to operational inefficiencies and potential security vulnerabilities. \n\nThe competitive advantages offered by this technology include reduced operational costs, improved network uptime, and enhanced security posture. By automating the interconnection mapping process, organizations can significantly reduce the time and resources required for network troubleshooting and maintenance. This translates to lower labor costs and improved productivity. The revenue potential is multifaceted. The technology can be offered as a standalone software solution, integrated into existing network management platforms, or bundled with hardware offerings. Business models could include subscription-based licensing, perpetual licensing, or usage-based pricing. Strategic positioning involves targeting organizations that prioritize network reliability, security, and operational efficiency. \n\nROI projections are highly favorable, given the potential for significant cost savings and revenue enhancements. By reducing downtime and improving network performance, organizations can realize a substantial return on investment. The long-term strategic implications are profound. This technology can enable organizations to better manage their network resources, optimize network performance, and adapt to changing business needs. It also positions them to leverage emerging technologies such as software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV). The Systems and Methods for Identifying Interconnections Among Physical-layer Cross-connect Switches patent represents a valuable asset for organizations seeking to improve their network management capabilities and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.","faqs":null,"topics":["network mapping automation","physical layer discovery","data center management","network security","network troubleshooting"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Automated Network Mapping - Systems and Methods for Identifying Interconnections Among Physical-layer Cross-connect Switches","description":"Discover how Systems and Methods for Identifying Interconnections Among Physical-layer Cross-connect Switches automates physical network mapping, reducing downtime and improving security.","keywords":["network mapping automation","physical layer discovery","data center management","network security","network troubleshooting","patent","patent US-9853879","PLCC interconnections"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853879","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853879","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Systems and methods for identifying interconnections among physical-layer cross-connect switches\" (US-9853879). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853879","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853879","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853879","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T01:51:47.481Z"}