Tag Archives: 24 port patch panel

Introduction of Patch Panel Types

Patch panel, an unsung hero, is the most important cable management tool of the data center. When you want to connect a vast number of devices to a central server or other network hardware, there must be plenty of various cables, and you have to plan each thing out properly. It’s always smart to use a patch panel to help you manage the cables and keep your server room organized. However, patch panels are available in different ports and applied in various cables, like 24 port or 48 port patch panel, Cat5e or Cat6 patch panel. There are so many patch panel types on the market that make you confused. Usually, patch panels can be used in two systems, fiber and copper cabling systems. Therefore, patch panel types will fall into two main categories, fiber optic patch panel and Ethernet patch panel.

Fiber Optic Patch Panel

Fiber optic patch panel is applied in distributing the single mode and multimode fibers to realize the connection, allocation and scheduling between the weak trunk and level system. Often times, two ports stand together on a panel are prepared to connect a pair of wires. One port acts as the transmitting end while the other is the receiving end. Due to different port designs like SC, LC, FS.COM launched LC patch panel and SC patch panel with 24 ports and 48 ports, and blank patch panel.

LC Fiber Patch Panel

Constructed of light weight, high strength steel with black coating, a 24 port patch panel is robust and designed to be installer-friendly. The design includes integrated cable management features to connect 48 single mode or multimode fibers, and provide proper strain relief for those fibers. Often times, the panel used to connect single mode fibers adopts the blue design, while multimode type takes aqua. The following figure is an example of single mode LC patch panel.

 LC patch panel

Figure 1: 24 Port LC Fiber Patch Panel

SC Fiber Patch Panel

This 24 port SC patch panel is made almost the same size with the LC fiber patch panel but in different port. Designed for OS2 fibers, it uses the blue design.

SC patch panel

Figure 2: 24 Port SC Fiber Patch Panel

Blank Patch Panel

The 1U blank panel fits all 19 inch standard server rack and cabinets. The panel uses metal material which helps ensure superior thermal insulation performance. It’s an ideal tool for improving airflow within the rack by covering the unused spaces.

blank patch panel types

Figure 3: 1U 19″ Rack Blank Panel

Ethernet Patch Panel

Functioned like the fiber optic patch panel, Ethernet patch panel is used to connect specific cables like Cat5e, Cat6 cables, creating a standard-based and flexible copper platform. Designed for shielded and unshielded cables, FS.COM published shielded/unshielded Cat5e patch panel and Cat6 patch panel.

Cat5e Patch Panel

This 24 port shielded Cat5e patch panel enables quick and easy cable patching by plugging Cat5e cables into any of its RJ45 ports. Made from SPCC and ABS plastics material, it can stand up to the conditions where the temperature varies from -25°C to 70°C. Clearly numbering on the front allows for easy identification of cable runs. With the connections of 24 Cat5e cables, this 1U rack mount patch panel will maximize your network performance.

cat5E patch panel

Figure 4: 24 Port Cat5e Patch Panel

Cat6 Patch Panel

This 1U rack mount unshielded Cat6 patch panel is designed with the same process of 24 port Cat5e patch panel. This 24 port patch panel for Cat6 cable is rated up to 1Gbps and meet T568A/T568B standard, which will keep up with the greatest of changes in your network.

cat6 patch panel

Figure 5: 24 Port Cat6 Patch Panel

Conclusion

When you decide to buy one, figure out what cables you need to connect first, then choose the suitable patch panel. FS.COM offers a comprehensive line of patch panel types to support your data center patching needs in current 10G and next generation 40G or 100G applications.

Patch Panel Installation Guide

It’s well known that network technology is changing, but the critical aspect can’t be changed or replaced—patch panel cable management. If the key component is missing, the data transmission will be interrupted and fail to arrive at the destination. Patch panels, as the nerve center of a network system, can ensure the signal to work in ordered and friendly way. But how to install patch panel? And what’s the patch panel installation guide? This article will give you several suggestions.

Types of Patch Panel  

Patch panels are available in copper and fiber cables. And designed with different port types and uses, patch panels from FS.COM are divided into 24 LC fiber port patch panel, 24 port SC fiber patch panel, 48 port LC fiber patch panel and so on, and copper patch panel can fall into 24 port cat6 shielded/unshielded patch panel, 24 port cat5e shield/unshielded patch panel and 24 port blank keystone patch panel. Here, we will take the 48 port LC fiber patch panel as the example to explain the patch panel installation.

48 Port LC Fiber Patch Panel

With the size of 19”×1.73”, this fiber optic patch panel is suitable for installing on the 19 inch server rack. It has duplex LC adapters that allow a two-way data transmission between the connecting devices. The 48 port LC fiber patch panel uses C.R.S powder coating, which is fully in line with national environmental standards, can be placed indoors. High density port design makes it connect 96 OM3 or OM4 fibers at most, which is much more than the 24 port patch panel.

48 Port LC Fiber Patch Panel

Patch Panel Installation Guide

Only follow the right steps can achieve a reliable network. There are two aspects of patch panel installation guide for your reference.

  • Planning. A successful work starts with a good planning. You should figure out the issues, the network speed, distribution location, and cables length. Make sure you know the specification and design of the patch panel installation.

  • Preparation. Preparation work can reduce disconnect time. Prepare the main tools, 1U rack mount fiber enclosure, 48 port LC fiber patch panel and screws. Check the cable length for ensuring the cables that could be long enough to pull. And label the ports to identify different cables, in order to guarantee the technicians to have clear information on what they need to do.

Installation of 48 Port LC Patch Panel in a Server Rack

First, we should install the 48 port LC patch panel in the 1U rack mount fiber optic enclosure. Remove the front panel of 1U rack mount fiber enclosure, then install 48 port LC patch panel and fasten the screw.

Second, fix the equipment in the server rack. And leave some space between the patch panel and other devices, for cables management and future change.

Patch Panel Installation Guide example

Third, try to connect OM3 or OM4 cables to the patch panel in one pull, which helps to protect the bend radius. Comb and bundle the cables, and put them into the patch panel trunking, then cover it with top panels.

Last, don’t forget to clean the work area when you finish the patch panel installation, because the optical fibers are sensitive to dust and dirt. Therefore, try to keep clean when working with fiber optic cables to make them achieve their full performance.

FS.COM offers a vast selection of patch panel installation products and accessories that meet the international standards for supporting your network needs. For more details, please contact us via sales@fs.com.

2x 24-Port Patch Panels or 1x 48-Port Patch Panel?

Patch panel is a passive networking device that bundles multiple ports together. It is a simple and organized solution frequently used in connecting different computers, telecommunications devices, and external hardware to others. Though wireless internet connections is becoming more popular, the use of a patch panel can actually optimize the internet speed especially in data center. Using a patch panel to arrange the circuit, users just need to plug or unplug the proper patch cords. According to the numbers of ports, patch panels can be divided into 12-port patch panel, 24-port patch panel and 48-port patch panel. They are designed in accordance with specific cable type, such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a and Cat7 cables.

What Are Patch Panel Ports?

The port, as a part of patch panel, is the connection point that allows data to enter or leave the panel. Each port is connected via an ethernet or a fiber cable, then sends signal to an outgoing port location. On market, most patch panels are equipped with 24 ports or 48 ports. Selection of different patch panels should be based on one’s actual need. In addition, the port number is limited by the room for placing but not other factors. For example, the requirement of port number must be confirmed when someone designs a LAN network, so as to use the suitable panel size.

24-Port Patch Panel

FS.COM produced the product high quality 24 Ports Cat6 Shielded feed-through patch panel. It is made for optimum performance with black color and materials of SPCC+ABS plastics. The design of high density 19-inch 1RU panel can make it convenient for being mounted in any standard 19-inch rack or cabinet, accommodates top, bottom or side cable entry. Viewed in another aspect, the high density format also can save valuable space in the rack. Here is a video you can see 24-port patch panel clearly.

48-Port Patch Panel

The 48 ports blank keystone/multimedia patch panel, manufactured by FS.COM, is made of SPCC CRS material with advantages of molding in one, sturdy and durable. The design of 48 ports can accommodate all keystone jacks, including RJ45 Ethernet, HDMI audio/video, voice and USB applications. In addition, the high density 19in wide, 1U High, panel design will save valuable space in the rack.

48 port panels

2x 24-Port Patch Panels or 1x 48-Port Patch Panel?

Both 24-port patch panels and 48-port patch panel can serve ethernet networks, fast or gigabit Ethernet networks. However, due to their individual designs and materials, the price varies. This is a big factor when people buy patch panels. At FS.COM, the price discrepancy between 24-port patch panel and 48-port is slight. As a result, buying two 24-port patch panels is definitely more expensive than buying one 48-port product. Besides, the space for installation should be another consideration. Thus, considered in these two ways, chose the 48-port patch panel is better. And we must realize that network is always developing, so why not staying up to date and ahead of the curve by utilizing the benefits of 48-port patch panel rather than trying to keep up with the pace.

Conclusion

The two types patch panels are the cost-effective and easy-to-use cabling solution for modern data center. Choose 2x 24-port patch panels or 1x 48 port should based on your own need. FS.COM is your source for high quality patch panels covering different ports including 12-port, 24-port, and 48-port options.