Patent ID: 8164474

Claim:
A connection management system comprising: a plurality of sockets for receiving complementary plugs provided on ends of cables for effecting interconnections between said sockets, each said socket having an input contact and an output contact, the input and output contacts being located internally of each of the sockets; a local controller that controls and monitors individually a logic state of said contacts in each of the sockets, the local controller detecting a change of the logic state when said input and output contacts of a socket are electrically connected by a plug that is inserted into the socket, detection of a change of said logic state being indicative of the presence of a plug therein, and wherein each said cable includes a tracer wire which extends between contacts on the plugs on opposing ends of the cable so as to effect an electrical connection therebetween; and a central controller that monitors the electrical connection between the contacts on the plugs on opposing ends of the cable by the tracer wire.