Method and device for detecting the presence of a patch cord connector in a telecommunications patch system using passive detection sensors

1. Field of the Invention A patch cord tracing system for tracing patch cords in a telecommunications patching system. The system includes a plurality of tracing interface modules that attach to the patch panels in a telecommunications closet. On the patch panels in a telecommunications closet are located a plurality of connector ports that receive the terminated ends of patch cords. The tracing interface modules mount to the patch panels and provide a passive sensor that can detect when a patch cord connector has been added to, or removed from, a connector port within the telecommunications closet. Accordingly, by connecting a computer controller to the various passive sensors, the computer can monitor and log all changes to the patch cord interconnections in an automated fashion. In alternate embodiments, the passive sensors can be built into the structure of the patch port assemblies that contain the various connector ports. Such alternate embodiments are for newly manufactured telecommunication patch systems and are not readily adapted to existing systems.