Control unit for displaying a load of a networking cable

Provided is a control unit for displaying a network load sustained on a networking cable. The control unit requests a current network load of the networking cable from a monitoring circuit. The control unit receives the current network load from the monitoring circuit. The control unit instructs a visual indicator to display the current network load of the networking cable.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of computer networking systems, and more particularly to a control unit for displaying a network traffic load sustained on a networking cable.

Monitoring network traffic on a computer system, server, or the like, is an important tool for maintaining a functioning network. In some instances, high traffic loads may cause an adverse effect on the health of the system. For example, a high traffic load may be indicative of a malware outbreak or a hacking attempt. Alternatively, a low traffic load or no traffic load may indicate an issue with a connected server. Monitoring software may be utilized on a connected device to determine the network traffic load, but this software requires a user to have the device with them to determine the load. In some instances, a user may be without a connected device and desire a physical indicator of the traffic sustained on a network or networking cable.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, computer program product, and control unit for displaying a network traffic load of a networking cable. The control unit requests the network traffic load of a networking cable from a monitoring circuit via a microcontroller. The control unit receives the current network traffic load of the networking cable from the monitoring circuit. The control unit instructs a visual indicator to display the network traffic load of the networking cable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of computer networking systems, and more particularly to a control unit for visually displaying a network load sustained on a networking cable. While the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to such applications, various aspects of the disclosure may be appreciated through a discussion of various examples using this context.

Monitoring network traffic of a computing network is an important task for maintaining a functional network. In many instances, a server room administrator is tasked with monitoring and maintaining the network. However, it may be difficult to monitor the network traffic load while the server room administrator is physically in the server room. Further, server rooms typically include multiple servers that are connected to each other via complicated networking cable patterns. In many instances, it is difficult for the server room administrator to determine a path of each networking cable used to connect specific servers of the network. Embodiments of the present disclosure utilize a control unit to determine the network traffic load of a networking cable, whereby a color corresponding to the determined network traffic is displayed along the length of the cable through a visual indicator. Thus, the present disclosure allows a user to visually determine the current network load of networking cable, while further allowing the user to trace the respective cable from end to end.

For illustrative purposes, embodiments of the present disclosure as applied to an Ethernet cable are described in detail herein. In alternative embodiments, the networking cable may be any type of cable, such as a fiber optic cable. In one embodiment, the control unit is operably connected to the Ethernet cable. However, in alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that the control unit may be wirelessly coupled to the Ethernet cable.

Referring now toFIG. 1, shown is a block diagram of a control unit101communicatively coupled to a networking cable102, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The networking cable may be any type of cable, such as an Ethernet cable or Fiber optic cable. The control unit101may be a computer system that may be substantially similar to, or the same as, computer system1101described inFIG. 7. In the illustrative embodiment, the control unit101includes a microcontroller103. In some embodiments, the microcontroller103may include a processor.

The microcontroller103is communicatively coupled to a monitoring circuit104. The monitoring circuit104is configured to monitor the network traffic load sustained on the networking cable102, such that the monitoring circuit104can determine the current network load of the networking cable102. For example, the monitoring circuit104may determine the network load of the networking cable102is a high traffic load, medium traffic load, or a low traffic load. The determined network load may be shown by a visual indicator105by displaying a color that corresponds to the determined network load, such as red for a high traffic load, yellow for a medium traffic load, and blue for a low traffic load. However, it is contemplated that in alternative embodiments, further network load determinations and color patterns may be used.

The visual indicator105is configured to display a color that corresponds to a current network load of the networking cable, as determined by the monitoring circuit. The visual indicator105may be any kind of display unit capable of displaying various colors, such as a Red, Blue and Green Light Emitting Diode (RGB LED). The visual indicator105is operably connected to the microcontroller103, such that it can display a color corresponding to the determined load when prompted by the microcontroller103. In the illustrative embodiment, the visual indicator105is disposed within the networking cable102. However, in alternative embodiments, the visual indicator105may be disposed within the control unit101. In some embodiments, the visual indicator105may include a plastic optical fiber that runs the length of the networking cable102. In this way, the networking cable102may be illuminated along its length with a color corresponding to the determined network load, such that a user can easily determine the current network load by looking at the networking cable102.

In the illustrative embodiment, the control unit101further includes an interface107that is communicatively coupled to the microcontroller103. The interface107may be any type of interface for communicating with the control unit101, such as an input port or a graphical user interface (GUI). For example, a user may communicate with the control unit101by utilizing the interface107to program the microcontroller103to display alternative colors or varying levels of network loads. In alternative embodiments, a user may be able to wirelessly communicate with the control unit101via a communicatively coupled device, such as a mobile device.

In the illustrative embodiment, the control unit101includes an actuator108that is communicatively coupled to the microcontroller103. The actuator108is configured to modify the output of the visual indicator (e.g., to blink/strobe the visual indicator105) when activated. The actuator108may be configured as a button, toggle, or switch that can be selectively activated by a user. For example, a user, such as a server room administrator, may activate the actuator108to blink the visual indicator105disposed along the length of the networking cable102, thereby allowing the user to visually see where the networking cable102begins and ends when hidden within a complex wiring pattern within a server room. In this way, a server room administrator would be able to distinguish one networking cable from another if all the networking cables are equipped with visual indicators, wherein the visual indicators are displaying the same network load color. In some embodiments, the actuator108may cause the visual indicator to switch to a unique color (e.g., a color not associated with a network load) to differentiate the networking cable from other cables that may be displaying their respective network loads.

In the illustrated embodiment, the control unit101further includes a power source109. It is contemplated that in one embodiment the networking cable102is an Ethernet cable, wherein the power source is a Power over Ethernet (PoE) power source, for example, powered using an IEEE 802.3af standard switch. However, in alternative embodiments, such as where the networking cable is another type of cable, such as a fiber optic cable, the power source109may be any type of power source, such as an AC adapter, battery, or solar power source. In this way, utilizing various power source options allows the networking cable to be used for many types of server room implementations. In some embodiments, the networking cable102may be powered using any combination of power sources, such a PoE and an AC adapter.

Referring now toFIG. 2, shown is an example embodiment of an Ethernet cable200with an operably connected control unit101, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrative embodiment, the networking cable102(as referenced inFIG. 1) is exemplified as an Ethernet cable200, wherein the control unit101is operably connected thereto. The Ethernet cable200includes a pair of modified RJ45 connections201disposed at distal ends thereof. The modified RJ45 connections201are configured to allow the monitoring circuit of the control unit101to monitor the network load sustained by the Ethernet cable200.

In the illustrative embodiment, the visual indicator105(as referenced inFIG. 1) is disposed along the length of the Ethernet cable200. The visual indicator105displays a color that is associated with the determined network load of the Ethernet cable200. In this way, a user can easily see and decipher what the current network load of the Ethernet cable200is sustaining simply by looking at the cable. For example, a high network load may be displayed by a red color along the length of the Ethernet cable200. This may be an indication of a hacking attempt, or a network balancing issue. Thus, a user within the server room through visual recognition of the network load for an attached server, can easily remedy the problem by diverting some of the network traffic to an alternative server.

Referring now toFIG. 3, shown is a cross sectional view of the Ethernet cable ofFIG. 2taken along line3-3, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrative embodiment, the visual indicator105(as referenced inFIG. 1andFIG. 2) is disposed beneath a transparent panel301that runs the length of the outer sheath300of the Ethernet cable200. The transparent panel301is configured to allow the color displayed from the visual indicator105to shine through the outer sheath300while providing protection to the twisted pair wires302and visual indicator105disposed within the Ethernet cable200. In alternative embodiments, the transparent panel301may be any size and shape. For example, the transparent panel301may run the entire length of the Ethernet cable and have a width that is a quarter length of the circumference of the outer sheath300. In another embodiment, the entire out sheath300may be transparent, obviating the need for the transparent panel301.

Referring now toFIG. 4, shown is an example circuit diagram400of the control unit401communicatively coupled to an Ethernet cable, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrative embodiment, the control unit401includes a microcontroller403that is communicatively coupled to a monitoring circuit404, wherein the monitoring circuit is configured to monitor the network traffic load of a communicatively coupled Ethernet cable. The monitoring circuit404may be any suitable monitoring circuit, such as an Ethernet to Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) converter. The monitoring circuit404is communicatively coupled to a modified RJ45 connecter402of the Ethernet cable, such that incoming and outgoing data can be monitored. The modified RJ45 connector402allows the control unit401to monitor Ethernet activity, such as the network traffic load sustained by the Ethernet cable. In an alternative embodiment, the control unit401may include a port wherein a standard RJ45 connector may be inserted therein, such that the monitoring circuit404may monitor network traffic sustained on a standard Ethernet cable.

In one embodiment, the control unit401and LED driver of the visual indicator405(as described inFIG. 1,FIG. 2, andFIG. 3) are powered through a switch406using Power over Ethernet (PoE) via a direct current to direct current407power supply. The switch406may be any suitable PoE switch, such as an IEEE 802.3af standard switch. Alternatively, when PoE is unavailable, the control unit401and LED driver of the visual indicator405may be powered through an alternating current (AC) to direct current408power supply via AC power409. The AC power may be generated from any suitable AC power source, such as an AC adapter.

Referring now toFIG. 5, shown is a flow diagram of an example process500for displaying a network load using a visual indicator, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The process500may be performed by processing logic that comprises hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, etc.), software (e.g., instructions run on a processor to perform hardware simulation), firmware, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the process500is a computer-implemented process. The process may be performed by a microcontroller exemplified inFIG. 1.

The process500begins by the microcontroller requesting the current network load details of a networking cable. This is illustrated by step505. The network load details may be determined from a monitoring circuit that is communicatively coupled to the microcontroller. The monitoring circuit is further communicatively coupled to the networking cable, such that it can determine the network load details currently sustained by the networking cable.

Once the monitoring circuit determines the current network load details of the networking cable, the process500continues by the microcontroller receiving the current network load details of the networking cable. This is illustrated by step510.

Once the microcontroller receives the current network details, the process500continues by the microcontroller instructing a visual indicator to display the received network load details. This is illustrated by step515. Once instructed, the visual indicator is configured to illuminate to a color corresponding to the current determined network load. In some embodiments, the color corresponding to the current network load is illuminated along the length of the networking cable to visually show the current network load sustained by the networking cable. The process500continues to repeat steps505-515to constantly update the displayed network load details of the networking cable, such that an accurate network load can be determined at any given time. It is contemplated that the process500can be programmed to repeat at various intervals set by a user during programming. In some embodiments, the process500is triggered by a user (e.g., pressing a button on the control unit, transmitting a command using a mobile device) and repeats for a period of time (e.g., 5 seconds).

Referring now toFIG. 6, shown is a flow diagram of an example process600for instructing a visual indicator to display a color corresponding to the network traffic load of a networking cable, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The process600may be performed by processing logic that comprises hardware (e.g. circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, etc.), software (e.g., instructions run on a processor to perform hardware simulation), firmware, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the process600is a computer-implemented process. The process600may be performed by a microcontroller exemplified inFIG. 1.

Process600further defines step515of process500, by providing details on color determination for a corresponding network load. Process600begins by microcontroller instructing the visual indicator to display the current network load details of the networking cable that were received from the monitoring circuit. This is illustrated in step605. The microcontroller indicates to the visual indicator to display a color corresponding to the current network traffic load sustained by the networking cable. The instruction sent to the visual indicator is determined based on the current network load. This is illustrated in step610. The network load ranges may be predefined by a user through programing the microcontroller. For example, if the current network load falls within a high network load range, the microcontroller will instruct the visual indicator to display a red color. This is illustrated in step615. In this way, the length of the networking cable will be illuminated in red. Alternatively, if the current network load falls within a medium network load range, the microcontroller will instruct the visual indicator to display a yellow color. This is illustrated in step620. If the current network load range is determined to be within a low network load range, the microcontroller will instruct the visual indicator to display blue. This is illustrated in step625. Once instructed to display a color, the visual indicator is configured to illuminate the length of the networking cable. In this way, a user can easily determine the current network load of the networking cable, simple by looking at the color, such that no additional device is needed.

In some embodiments, the control unit may further include an actuator configured to intermittently blink the visual indicator. In this way, if multiple networking cables are utilized each having a visual indicator, it may be necessary to distinguish one networking cable from another if they are all displaying a similar color. Thus, a user may selectively activate the actuator in order to blink the visual indicator of the respective cable, thereby allowing the user to easily locate the cable in a complex cable pattern.

In the illustrative embodiment, the process600continues by the microcontroller receiving a request to blink the visual indicator. This is illustrated in step630. The request is initiated by the communicatively coupled actuator being activated by a user. In response to receiving the request to blink the visual indicator, the microcontroller instructs the visual indicator to blink. This is illustrated in step635. Once instructed, the visual indicator may continue to blink until the actuator is turned off. However, in alternative embodiments, the visual indicator may only blink one or more times, depending on a user defined preference.

Referring now toFIG. 7, shown is a high-level block diagram of an example computer system1101that may be used in implementing one or more of the methods, tools, and modules, and any related functions, described herein (e.g., using one or more processor circuits or computer processors of the computer), in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the major components of the computer system1101may comprise one or more CPUs1102, a memory subsystem1104, a terminal interface1112, a storage interface1116, an I/O (Input/Output) device interface1114, and a network interface1118, all of which may be communicatively coupled, directly or indirectly, for inter-component communication via a memory bus1103, an I/O bus1108, and an I/O bus interface unit1110.

The computer system1101may contain one or more general-purpose programmable central processing units (CPUs)1102A,1102B,1102C, and1102D, herein generically referred to as the CPU1102. In some embodiments, the computer system1101may contain multiple processors typical of a relatively large system; however, in other embodiments the computer system1101may alternatively be a single CPU system. Each CPU1102may execute instructions stored in the memory subsystem1104and may include one or more levels of on-board cache. In some embodiments, a processor can include at least one or more of, a memory controller, and/or storage controller. In some embodiments, the CPU can execute the processes included herein (e.g., process500and600).

Although the memory bus1103is shown inFIG. 7as a single bus structure providing a direct communication path among the CPUs1102, the memory subsystem1104, and the I/O bus interface1110, the memory bus1103may, in some embodiments, include multiple different buses or communication paths, which may be arranged in any of various forms, such as point-to-point links in hierarchical, star or web configurations, multiple hierarchical buses, parallel and redundant paths, or any other appropriate type of configuration. Furthermore, while the I/O bus interface1110and the I/O bus1108are shown as single units, the computer system1101may, in some embodiments, contain multiple I/O bus interface units1110, multiple I/O buses1108, or both. Further, while multiple I/O interface units are shown, which separate the I/O bus1108from various communications paths running to the various I/O devices, in other embodiments some or all of the I/O devices may be connected directly to one or more system I/O buses.

It is noted thatFIG. 7is intended to depict the representative major components of an exemplary computer system1101. In some embodiments, however, individual components may have greater or lesser complexity than as represented inFIG. 7, components other than or in addition to those shown inFIG. 7may be present, and the number, type, and configuration of such components may vary.

One or more programs/utilities1128, each having at least one set of program modules1130may be stored in memory1104. The programs/utilities1128may include a hypervisor (also referred to as a virtual machine monitor), one or more operating systems, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each of the operating systems, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networking environment. Programs1128and/or program modules1130generally perform the functions or methodologies of various embodiments.