Patent ID: 6172606
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A computer network arranged to interconnect a plurality of network devices, comprising:a communications hub comprising a plurality of ports to each of which a said network device 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 said electrical connections, which alteration is indicative, in use, of the removal of a network device from connection to the port,management means arranged to receive, in use, indications from users of network devices connected to said communications hub of whether the removal of specific ones of said network devices is to be monitored, andalarm means arranged to provide an indication in the event that said detection means detects the removal of a network device for which the management means has received an indication that its removal should be monitored.