Upgradeable telecommunications patch panel and method of upgrading same

A method of upgrading a telecommunications patch panel having jack openings that receive a first structural plug configuration, the method including the steps of:

• a) providing an upgraded cover, the upgraded cover including:
• i) attachment structure that secures the upgraded cover to the telecommunications patch panel while the telecommunications panel remains mounted to a frame;
• ii) upgraded jack openings that receive a second structural plug configuration different than the first structural plug configuration;
• and
• iv) a printed circuit board positioned at a rearward side of the upgraded cover, the printed circuit board including a plurality of contacts, the contacts being arranged to indicate receipt of a second structural plug within the upgraded jack openings;
• and
• b) coupling an interface cable to the printed circuit board of the upgraded cover;
• c) wherein the upgraded cover and the interface cable provide jack-occupancy monitoring capabilities.