Access point port security system and locking plug cover apparatus
AssigneeCalix, Inc.
InventorMartin Liam Casey
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Access point network equipment has communication ports that allow communications with other network components. Communications cables coupled to ports can be easily removed and replaced with unauthorized devices that have access to the network creating a security breach. Covers placed over the authorized cable connectors can create a physical barrier preventing unauthorized connections to the access point network equipment. When an authorized cable is removed from a port, a link down event can be detected by tamper detection by tamper detection software running on the access point network equipment. When a link down events is detected the tamper detection software can perform various possible security actions to protect the network.
Claims16
A network security system comprising:
- a cable connector cover assembly having a connector side and a cable side, the cable connector cover assembly comprising:
- an upper connector cover;
- a lower connector cover;
- fasteners for rigidly securing the upper connector cover to the lower connector cover;
- a first cable connector plug partially extending from a first connector port of a network access point equipment;
- a first communications cable coupled to the first cable connector plug;
- a second cable connector plug partially extending from a second connector port of the network access point equipment;
- a second communications cable coupled to the second cable connector plug;
- wherein the cable connector cover assembly surrounds portions of the first cable connector plug extending from the first connector port and the second cable connector plug extending from the second connector port and the first communications cable passes through a first hole in the cable side of the cable connector cover assembly and the second communications cable passes through a second hole in the cable side of the cable connector cover assembly and the first communication cable is compressed between the upper connector cover and the lower connector cover.
A network security system comprising:
- a cable connector cover assembly having a connector side and a cable side, the cable connector cover assembly comprising:
- a port coupling rigidly coupled to a network access point equipment adjacent to a first connection port;
- an upper connector cover;
- a lower connector cover;
- fasteners for rigidly securing the upper connector cover and the lower connector cover to the port coupling;
- a first cable connector plug partially extending from a first connector port of the network access point equipment and through the port coupling;
- a first communications cable coupled to the first cable connector plug;
- wherein the cable connector cover assembly surrounds a portion of the first cable connector plug extending from the first connector port and the first communication cable passes through a first hole in the cable side of the cable connector cover assembly and the first communication cable is compressed between the upper connection cover and the lower connection cover.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.