Tag Archives: ethernet patch panel

Networking Patch Panel Wiki, Types, and Purposes

Networking patch panel has been an indispensable part in daily cabling. Whenever setting up connections for all sorts of devices, like servers and switches, you have to deal with a large number of input and output cables. Under such a circumstance, the patch panel for networking will do help to effectively manage those cumbersome cables. Then, a series of questions about patch panel in networking ensued. In this post, what a networking patch panel is and why it is needed will be answered.

Network Cabling

Figure 1: Network Cabling

What is the Networking Patch Panel

Networking patch panel, a kind of cable organizer, is designed to connect and manage copper or fiber optic cables coming in or out. Usually, in networking patch panel cabling, the panel will be attached to racks or enclosures in wiring closets or on walls. Then, patch cords will be used to connect ports in patch panels to ports in servers or network switches.

Types of Networking Patch Panel

Basically, according to the cables connected, there are two types of networking patch panel: Ethernet patch panel and fiber optic patch panel.

Ethernet Patch Panel

Ethernet patch panel, also called copper patch panel, provides interconnections for Ethernet applications in local area network. There are many types of Ethernet patch panels, among which Cat5e patch cable, Cat6 patch cable, and Cat6a patch cables are commonly used in network cabling. As for ports of the copper patch panel, various options also can be found, such as 24 ports and 48 ports. If you want to buy an Ethernet panel, you still have to consider its designs: shielded or unshielded, flat or angled, punch down or feed-through, and loaded or unloaded. With various options, you can always find a needed type.

24 Ports Blank Keystone Ethernet Patch Panel (Left) and 24 Ports Cat6 Shielded Feed-Through Patch Panel (Right)

Figure 2: 24 Ports Blank Keystone Ethernet Patch Panel (Left) and 24 Ports Cat6 Shielded Feed-Through Patch Panel (Right)

Fiber Optic Patch Panel

Fiber optic patch panel, the other branch of networking patch panel, is designed to organize fiber cables. Similar with Ethernet patch panels, the fiber optic patch panels also are varied in designs, such as adapter types, fiber types and fiber count. Conventionally, fiber optic patch panel is commonly used as rack mount fiber patch panel or wall mount patch panel, which also applied for the Ethernet patch panel.

Blank Fiber Patch Panel (Left) and FHU 1U 48F SC Patch Panel (Right)

Figure 3: Blank Fiber Patch Panel (Left) and FHU 1U 48F SC Patch Panel (Right)

Benefits of Patch Panel in Networking

Knowing what the networking patch panel is just partly solves the concern, what is the purpose of patch panel in networking? Understanding the benefits of network patch panel, the question can be solved. Commonly, there are four major benefits shared by networking patch panels:

First, saving time. With a patch panel in networking, changes and repairs of cables are much easier for IT technicians. They don’t need extract time to clear and identify cables.

Second, space saving. Without messy cabling, you can organize cables in a neat and orderly way. Especially, for high-density cabling, a networking patch panel can help you save a lot of space.

Third, reducing the signal interference. When cables separated in an organized way, it will greatly lower the chance for crosstalk and interference between them. As a result, the networking performance will also be enhanced greatly.

Fourth, cost reducing. With previous benefits, it will definitely bring about cost reduction. You don’t need to spend extra money on repairing, managing and future network expansion.

Summary

After revealing what the patch panel is and why it is used, it’s easy to find the networking patch panel is the best solution to manage cables, no matter in the office or home network. As we mentioned, there are various benefits of networking patch panels. However, if you want to make a full advantage of those benefits, a wise use of patch panels is needed. For detailed information about how to wisely use patch panel manage cables, you can refer to the article: Best Patch Panel Cable Management Techniques.

Wall Mount Patch Panel Basics and User Guide

Patch panel, an indispensable cable managing device, has been divided into wall mount patch panel and rack mount patch panel for different applications. In the previous article, we have explored the rack mount patch panel. Therefore, in this time we will continue to explore the other branch of patch panel: wall mount patch panel.

What Is Wall Mount Patch Panel?

Similar with rack mount patch panel, the wall mount patch panel is also a mounted hardware assembly containing ports to connect and manage the incoming and outgoing fiber or copper cables. The different point is that as its name shows, the wall mount patch panel is a patch panel fixed on the wall instead of in a rack. The patch panel in wall version is regarded as a perfect solution for networking and fiber distribution from the vault or wiring closet to the user’s terminal equipment.

Types of Wall Mount Patch Panel

Conventionally, based on different application environment, the wall mount patch panel is divided into wall mount fiber patch panel and wall mount Ethernet patch panel.

Wall Mount Fiber Patch Panel

For a fiber patch panel in wall mount version, it consists of two parts: the fiber adapter panel and a fiber optic wall mount enclosure. The fiber wall mount enclosure usually collocates with two or four adapter panels. Featured with its flexible and compact design, the patch panel of this type offers a perfect choice for securing and protecting fiber connections in telecommunications closets or other installation areas where wall space is limited.

Wall Mount Fiber Patch Panel

Figure 1: Wall Mount Fiber Patch Panel

Wall Mount Ethernet Patch Panel

When it comes to the wall mount Ethernet patch panel, it also involves in two units: an Ethernet path panel and a wall mount panel bracket. Sharing the same blood with the copper patch panel, the panel of this type is also used in a local area network(LAN) and supports both shielded and unshielded copper cables. In most applications, Cat5e wall mount patch panel and wall mount patch panel Cat6 version are the most favored types.

Cat5e Wall Mount Patch Panel

Figure 2: Cat5e Wall Mount Patch Panel

User Guide for Wall Mount Patch Panel

After knowing some basic information about the wall mount patch panel, here comes another practical question-what should we notice when we buy or use it? Here are two major points:

Size

Here, the size does not only refer to the height, depth, width, and weight of the patch panel, but also the space for the installation of a wall mount patch panel, especially the wall mount fiber patch panel. You need to consider the space for opening and removing the doors of the enclosure.

Loaded or Unloaded

The loaded panel means it’s pre-installed with fiber adapter panels or keystone jacks. Take Cat5e patch panel as an example, it refers to the Ethernet patch panel inside the bracket has been pre-loaded with Cat5e jacks. While the unloaded type is an empty fiber panel or a wall mount keystone patch panel. With unloaded patch panels, users have to install required adapters or keystone jacks before installing the patch panel in the wall.

Conclusion

As a branch of cable management, the wall mount patch panel provides a good solution to optimize your work space by keeping equipment off floors and desks. In order to maximize the benefits of this device, please remember to have a full consideration of all aspects before you use it.