Modular Rack Controllers for Patching Systems

A communications patching system, comprising:

• a cabinet having an interior space;
• a door pivotally secured to the cabinet and movable between a closed position closing the cabinet interior space and an open position exposing the cabinet interior space;
• a patch panel rack disposed within the cabinet interior space, the patch panel rack having a front portion and a rear portion;
• one or more patch panels secured to the front portion of the rack;
• and
• a modular rack controller, comprising:
• a base unit that comprises a processor and memory that monitor and log patch cord connectivity in the patching system;
• and
• a display unit secured to the cabinet door, wherein the display unit comprises a user interface, wherein the base unit and display unit are in electrical communication with each other via a cable, and wherein the display unit is configured to display patch cord connectivity information monitored by the base unit for the one or more patch panels.

A communications patching system, comprising:

• a patch panel rack;
• one or more patch panels secured to the rack;
• and
• a rack controller secured to the rack, wherein the rack controller monitors and logs patch cord connectivity for the one or more patch panels, wherein the rack controller comprises a monitor interface module that collects measurement data from one or more environment monitors.

A communications patching system, comprising:

• a cabinet having a locking door;
• a patch panel rack located within the cabinet;
• one or more patch panels secured to the rack;
• and
• a rack controller secured to the rack, wherein the rack controller monitors and logs patch cord connectivity for the one or more patch panels, wherein the rack controller comprises a monitor interface module that collects data from the locking door as to whether the door is locked and/or unlocked, wherein the monitor interface module is configured to send lock and/or unlock commands to the locking door, and wherein the wherein the rack controller monitors and logs who performs patch cord changes when the door is unlocked.