Port Types
This page describes how to manage port types in Pathfinder.
Select the Manage Port Types option from the catalog section.
The Pathfinder local database comes preloaded with a large collection of supported ports. You can edit the list by adding more information to the already existing ports, by creating new ports or by deleting existing ports. You can also import more ports from the online catalog. Ports currently in use cannot be deleted or edited.
Manage Port Types
Using the respective icons you can add new port types, delete exiting port types and import port types from the online catalog (1). To edit an existing port type, double click on it. Right click on a port type and select the action from the context menu to display all component definitions using that port type.
Moreover, Pathfinder helps you to check the precision fit (between two or more ports through a cable), e.g. it will not be possible to connect two RJ45 sockets with a USB cable because the port types are not compatible.
Port types currently in use with any component definitions will appear in italics. In Pathfinder, network paths are drawn from port to port.
Importing pre-defined port types from the online catalog makes your network documentation easier. Please use the online catalog to avoid inconsistencies and data duplication.
In the manage port types dialog window. Right click on a port type from the list and select the show component definitions using this port type option from the context menu.
A new dialog window will open to display all available component definitions in your local catalog for that selected port type.
You can then double click on any of those component definitions to view it in details from within the local catalog.
Edit Port Types
To edit an existing port type, double click on the port type to open it and click on Change (1).
When creating or editing a port type you can fill in the following information:
Name: Assign a name to the port type.
Gender: Assign a gender to the port type. Female (Socket), Male (Plug) or Hermaphrodite.
Pin Count: Assign the number of connection pins in the port.
Width: Assign the width dimension for the port type.
Height: Assign the height dimension for the port type.
Template: Assign an image to the port type from the available list.
Visible: Turn on/off the visibility of port type in drop down menus.
Description: Write a short description of the port type.
Click on Next to move to the next window.
In this window you can define the mapping of the port type.
You can choose which port types (2) the newly created port type can be connected to. The mapping is utilized for patch cables and line cables to ensure only compatible ports are connected.
Click Finish to save your changes.
Editing and creating a port type is done in similar ways. Before creating new port types, please check, if they already exist.
Import Port Types
New port types can be imported from the online catalog.
Select the port types you need and click on Import.
Port types already existing in your local catalog will appear greyed out.
Once the importing is complete, the port type list is updated.
Click on Import to import the selected port types into your local catalog.
Show Related Component Definitions
In the manage port types dialog window. Right click on a port type from the list and select the show component definitions using this port type option from the context menu.
A new dialog window will open to display all available component definitions in your local catalog for that selected port type.
You can then double click on any of those component definitions to view it in details from within the local catalog.