PatchMaker: A Physical Network Patch Manager Tool
Joseph R. Crouthamel, J. M. Roberts, Christopher M. Sanchez, Christopher J. Tengi · 2004
PatchMaker is a network management tool that tracks and stores descriptions of physical network patches in a database. Physical patches are cables that connect switches, patch panels, and room ports. PatchMaker allows administrators to manage switch ports from multiple vendors giving them the ability to enable/disable ports, make VLAN changes, and perform other switch port functions through a common web front-end. Finally, PatchMaker aids in host management by tracing network connections, identifying what kinds of devices are connected to the network, and helping to troubleshoot physical network problems.