Patent ID: 7095735

Claim:
A connection system for a communication switch comprising a controller and a plurality of shelves providing communication capabilities for said communication switch, said controller being able to communicate with each shelf of said plurality of shelves utilizing a plurality of categories of communication signals, said connection system comprising; a plurality of connections providing signalling links for said plurality of categories of communication signals between said controller and said each shelf of said plurality of shelves, wherein said plurality of connections are bundled together in a single, collective span of cable and each connection of said plurality of connections provides an individual category of said plurality of categories of communication signals independently of the other connections of said plurality of connections; said single, collective span of cable comprises a first end having a connector adapted to provide connections for each connection of said plurality of connections to said controller and a second end having a second connector adapted to provide connections for each connection of said plurality of connections to said each shelf; and said first and second connectors have physical profiles which do not allow said first connector to be connected with said shelf and said second connector with said controller.