Patent ID: 6462435
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: H01R,H04B,Y10S

Abstract:
A method, useable in a data network which includes communication over at least a first multi-wire cable, between first and second network devices during normal operation of said first and second network devices, the method for distinguishing at least a characteristic-of-interest related to said cable, a first end of said first cable being coupled, during said normal operation, to a connector in said first network device, the method comprising:providing in said multi-wire cable, at least a detectable first electrical characteristic; said first electrical characteristic being indicative that the multi-wire cable is compliant with predetermined criteria; said first electrical characteristic being different than digital information signals carried over the cable which are used for communicating information to at least one of the network devices; wherein said first electrical characteristic is indicative that said cable is compliant with said predetermined criteria when said first electrical characteristic has a substantially non-zero, finite value.