Patent ID: 6064305
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A computer network monitoring means comprising a communications hub, management means and alarm means, whereinthe communications hub comprises a plurality of ports to which network devices may be connected, each port providing electrical connections arranged for the transmission and reception of data, and detection means associated with each of said ports and arranged to be responsive to an alteration in the electrical characteristics presented by at least a pair of said electrical connections, which alteration is indicative, in use, of the removal of a network device from connection to said port,the management means is arranged to receive, in use, indications from network devices connected to said communications hub of whether their removal is to be monitored, andthe alarm means is arranged to provide an indication in the event that said detection means detects the removal of a network device which has indicated to said management means that its removal is to be monitored.