US5365515A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Network monitor and test apparatus
Assignee: Arris Technology Inc
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Filing: 1994-04-28
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Granted: 1994-11-15
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Expires: 2014-04-28
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for monitoring and testing a twisted pair, particularly useful for an Ethernet network. First and second DC currents alternated with one another are applied to both ends of the line, asynchronously. By monitoring the potential on the line, a determination is made as to the condition of the line. For example, shorted, crossed, improperly terminated or open conditions can be detected. A visual indication of the condition of the line is provided and additionally, the visual indication provides an indication of the traffic level in the network.
Inventors
- 👤 Martin H. Graham
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 23:34
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04L; H04L43/00; G; G08; G08B; G08B29/00; G08B29/02; G08B29/06; H04L43/50; H04L43/08; H04L43/0805; H04L43/0811
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for monitoring the traffic flow and the condition of an Ethernet network, the method comprising: coupling a direct current meter to the network; providing a circuit for determining whether the network has a predetermined level of functionality, the circuit coupled to the network and the meter; and calibrating the meter such that: the meter indicates a first non-zero reading when there is no current through the meter, the meter indicates a second reading when the network has the predetermined level of functionality and there is no Ethernet signal being transmitted in the network, and the meter indicates a third reading when the network has the predetermined level of functionality and there is a continuous Ethernet signal being transmitted in the network.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for monitoring the traffic flow and the condition of an Ethernet network, the method comprising: coupling a direct current meter to the network; providing a circuit for determining whether the network has a predetermined level of functionality, the circuit coupled to the network and the meter; and calibrating the meter such that: the meter indicates a first non-zero reading when there is no current through the meter, the meter indicates a second reading when the network has the predetermined level of functionality and there is no Ethernet signal being transmitted in the network, and the meter indicates a third reading when the network has the predetermined level of functionality and there is a continuous Ethernet signal being transmitted in the network.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method defined in claim 1 wherein the network is comprised of a twisted pair of lines.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method defined in claim 2 wherein the circuit further determines when the network lines are crossed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method defined in claim 3 wherein the circuit further determines when network is correctly terminated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method defined in claim 4 wherein the meter further indicates a fourth reading and a fifth reading when the circuit determines that the network lines are crossed and the network is not correctly terminated, the meter alternating between the fourth and fifth readings.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method defined in claim 5 wherein the meter further indicates a sixth reading when the circuit determines that the network lines are crossed and the network is correctly terminated.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method defined in claim 6 wherein the meter further indicates a seventh and an eighth reading when the circuit determines that the network lines are not crossed and there is no termination on the network lines, the meter alternating between the seventh and eighth readings.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method defined in claim 1 wherein the second reading further indicates that there is approximately no Ethernet traffic on the network.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method defined in claim 8 wherein the third reading further indicates there is approximately one hundred percent Ethernet traffic on the network.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method defined in claim 9 wherein the third reading is a full scale reading on the meter.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-11-14 | 1998-05-16 | 1998-11-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-11-14 | 2002-05-16 | 2002-11-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-11-14 | 2006-05-16 | 2006-11-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |