Tag Archives: Fiber Patch Panel

1U Rack Mount Fiber Patch Panel Cabling Solution

The world changes continuously, and data network has advanced much faster than anyone can keep up. Technicians are tired of dealing with the messy network, and may feel extreme anxiety about the inability to make an organized and structured cabling environment. Fiber optic enclosures are the glue that can connect cables together for delivering data or voice to multimedia and network services like LAN, WAN and ADSL. FS.COM 1U rack mount fiber patch panel cabling solution is the ideal method for easy cable management, including 1U patch panel, FHU 1U 24 port patch panel, and 1U lacer panel and lacing bar.

Function of Rack Mount Fiber Patch Panel

Rack mount fiber patch panel, as a cabling solution, can manage cables easily and connect the cabling distribution areas. This helps pave a way for a neat optical network approach. Often times, it’s used for connecting and disconnecting equipment. Therefore, a rack mount fiber patch panel is the key component for uptime, speed, performance and so on. In addition, with lots of ports in close proximity of the patch panel, cables here can be routed, labeled and monitored, offering a convenient routing option for IT staff.

cabling system

Cabling Solution Works With Fiber Patch Panels  

It’s no doubt that each successful project needs adequate preparation. So once you decide to set up a structured cabling system, it’s time to get right cabling component. Now, here are cabling solution tools offered by FS.COM for your reference.

1U rack mount fiber enclosure is designed with 1.55 SPCC steel rack and can hold up to 4 fiber adapter panels (FAPs) and MTP cassettes, allowing for 96 fiber cables installation with simple plug-n-play design.

FHU 1U 24 port patch panel serves as standard 1U 19 inches rack with high quality steel adapter. It’s ultra high density but with the correct spacing between the insert parts, for easy deployment. It can connect 96 fiber cables.

1U lacer panel and lacing bar provide multiple choices for your application by being separated into patch panel, d-rings, lacer panel and lacer bar. Together with FHD adapter panels and patch cords, it can make the end-to-end solution.

Installation Steps of 1U Rack Mount Fiber Patch Panel Cabling Solution

After preparing the tools, we should start to install. Cable installation can be a finicky thing. Therefore, to avoid potential network errors and reduce costly mistakes, here are steps for your reference.

  • Install 1U rack mount fiber enclosure. Place the mounting brackets at the desired position on the rack. Insert pre-terminated fiber optic cassettes into the enclosure as shown. Once mounted, fully seat fasteners to secure the cassettes.
  • Install FHU 1U 24 port patch panel. According to the video, first remove the front panel of the rack mount fiber enclosure, then mount FHU 1U adapter panel onto it. Tighten the screws to make sure it has been installed safely. At last, mount the tool on the rack.
  • Install 1U lacer panel and lacing bar. Use screws to fix the tools on the rack, placing the 1U metal lacer panel in front and put the lacer bar at the back. Then place the adapters on the lacer panel.

Finally, plug the fiber cables you need, and use zip ties to fasten the cables. A structured cabling system is completed. If installed properly, one system will last at 10 years and support 2 or 3 generations of fiber equipment.

Conclusion

1U rack mount fiber patch panel cabling solution is easy to install, which can actually manage the cables in an organized way. FS.COM offers a variety of patch panels with good quality to help your network achieve optimum performance. We are always focusing on providing products with superior performance and better services for our customers.

Single Mode Fiber Patch Panel vs Multimode Fiber Patch Panel

Cable management is the obvious factor of using fiber patch panel. For now, the amount of data that needs to be stored especially in data center has greatly increased and continues to grow, thus there are thousands of fiber connections in data centers, and technical staff needs a high-density solution which can properly deal with the different cables that vary form single mode to multimode. Thus single mode and multimode fiber patch panel are introduced to connecting the matched fiber cables. For single mode and multimode fiber optic enclosure, which one is better? Read this article and find the answer.

Importance of Using Single Mode and Multimode Fiber Patch Panel

Single mode fiber cables should be connected to the single mode fiber patch panel, while the same as the multimode one. This is necessary, because, single mode and multimode fiber cables require different transmission media and paths. Single mode cable needs special laser light transmitter while the transmitter of multimode fiber is the inexpensive LED light source. If not, like using single mode enclosure to connect the multimode fiber cables, this may lead to network failure. Therefore, using the right fiber patch panel is critical for network’s stability, maintenance and operation, as well as decreasing the total cost of ownership.

Difference Between Single Mode and Multimode Fiber Patch Panel

Obviously, the two fiber patch panels are used for different fiber cables, as stated in above content. Besides, the connector colors of both fiber patch panels are different. Single mode fiber patch panel usually takes aqua design while the multimode one is blue. Thus a quick look at the fiber patch panel may tell users which fiber cable should be connected to the security device.

Choose Single Mode or Multimode Fiber Patch Panel?

The product 48 Fibers, 24 Ports LC Duplex OS2 Single Mode Adapters, 1U High 19″ Fiber Patch Panel offered by FS.COM is designed for OS2. The connectors are blue. This fiber patch panel uses 1.5mm SPCC material with black coating and can be mounted in a 19″ network rack.

single mode fiber patch panel

Product 48 Fibers, 24 Ports LC Duplex OM3/OM4 Multimode Adapters, 1U High 19″ Fiber Patch Panel serves as standard 1U 19″ rack, ODF and cabinets. The connectors are aqua used for connecting OM3 and OM4 with a design of 1.5mm SPCC.

multimode fiber patch panel

From the above, we know the two fiber patch panel share the same material, size and connector, but for connecting different fiber cables. So choose one just based on your own need. Remember, what suits you is the best.

Conclusion

The main effect of today’s electronic equipment comes from the ability of interconnection, and this can be simplified by using a single mode fiber patch panel or multimode fiber patch panel. Both of them can help technicians improve data center environment through making changes on the patching field instead of cable routing. FS.COM is an international supplier of high quality, cost-effective fiber patch panels.

LC Fiber Patch Panel vs SC Fiber Patch Panel

Any enterprise no matter how its giant scales and gigantic actual strength, it’s almost always smart to install a fiber patch panel in its information technology center. Fiber patch panel, serves as a network’s central location, is often used for connecting and disconnecting electronic devices. Patch panel can handle both copper and fiber networks, for every cable has to go into the central location through the patch panel connector. Having all cables connected to the patch panel can contribute to making cables in an organized and neat way instead of becoming tangled and messy. Based on different port connections, fiber patch panel is usually divided into LC fiber patch panel, SC fiber patch panel, ST fiber patch panel, MTP fiber patch panel and so on. LC and SC types are the most commonly used.

LC Fiber Patch Panel

LC fiber patch panel uses a LC connector which belongs to small form factor(SFF) connector. The name LC comes from its inventor Lucent Technologies, an American multinational telecommunications equipment company. LC fiber patch panel adopts a design of 1.25mm zirconia ferrule that utilizes a retaining tab mechanism. And the LC connector usually uses the duplex configuration with a plastic clip. FS.COM provides 1U high 19″ fiber patch panel with 24 ports and 48 ports. They are designed for connecting different fiber cabling. For example, the product 48 fibers, 24 ports LC duplex OS2 single mode adapters, 1U high 19″ fiber patch panel is designed for backbone-to-backbone and backbone-to-horizontal single fiber cabling.

LC fiber patch panel

SC Fiber Patch Panel

SC fiber patch panel takes the SC connector, which is a snap-in connector. SC connector is developed by NTT, a Japanese telecommunications company, which is widely used for its excellent performance. SC fiber patch panel uses a round 2.5mm ferrule to connect a single fiber. It’s also available in a duplex configuration. It is designed for gigabit ethernet networking and standardized in TIA-568-A. SC fiber patch panel is an ideal choice for data and telecommunication applications. Compared with the LC ones, type of SC fiber patch panel only can accommodate 24 ports. The product 24 fibers, 24 ports SC simplex OS2 single mode adapters, 1U high 19″ fiber patch panel, manufactured by FS.COM, is often used for connecting OS2, OM3 and OM4.

SC fiber patch panel

LC Fiber Patch Panel vs SC Fiber Patch Panel

The two types are developed at different times for different purposes. From the above introduction, the differences between LC and SC fiber patch panel are clear. LC product can be made in 24 or 48 ports while the SC only have 24 ports in 1RU size.
Available in different designs and ports, the two types of patch panels can be customized to fit users’ network’s unique needs. They are designed for achieving data transmission and serve as standard 1U 19” rack. LC and SC fiber patch panel can offer a convenient and flexible routing option for technicians or network engineers. They are both the ideal equipment for better cable management.

Conclusion

LC fiber optic patch panel and SC fiber patch panel are the integrated unit for fiber management. When buying a fiber patch panel, there are many options for one’s choice. So choosing the suitable one for your specific project and need. Regardless of which type is chosen, one thing is for certain that any network can not run well without a properly deployed fiber patch panel.

Fiber Patch Panel Color Code

Data center is regarded as the heart of a company’s information, for the customer’s information, staff’s information and even the research information are stored here. When it gets into trouble, so does the business. Cable management is one of the issues that may affect the data center operation. While managing the cabling in data center, fiber patch panel color code is certainly included.

Overview of Color Code System

Color code is defined as a system that uses various kinds of colors to tell people something. The earliest application of color code is using flags for long distance communication such as flag semaphore communication. As our society and technology advanced, this method has been widely used in many fields, chemistry, telecommunication, and even the military. It became convenient to use different colors as signals for telling apart the confused or similar things. For example, the fiber cables in electronic installations. Color coding can help users easily distinguish whether the fiber optic cables is single mode cables or multimode ones.

However, different countries may use different color code standards. In Sweden, they introduced the S12 color code for micro cables and nano cables while Finland developed the color code called FIN2012. Fortunately, there is a global recognized standard named TIA/EIA-598 color codes.

Introduction of TIA/EIA-598 Color Codes Standard

The standard is developed by Telecommunications Industry Association.  It rules identification schemes for fiber optic cables, fiber units and other fiber equipment. Fiber optic cable is split into several strands. They are the single fibers in a large cabling. And in this way, there will be 24 individual strands. After the process, the strands are usually divided into 12 tubes. Each tube containing 12 strands is given a color. In telecommunication industry, all fibers should use recommended method based on the widely acknowledged standard for their individual details and unique color code.

patch panel color code fiber

Benefit of Using Color Code

Better cable management is the best benefit of fiber patch panel color code. In data center, there are always brunches of cables and facilities. When the configuration of network or cabling needs to be changed for introducing new or more devices, the technicians have to spend large amount of time to deal with the chaotic cables. But now, with the help of fiber patch panel color code, just at a glance, the technicians can easily and quickly tell apart which cable should be unplugged or connected. It’s not only a perfect way to increase efficiency for technology workers who are responsible for installing, troubleshooting and maintaining the network, but also an effective mean of saving staff’s time so that they may go home on time.

Conclusion

Fiber patch panel color code simplifies network management by providing a visual identification of every cable. This cost-effective and easy-to-use method can help users route cables in an easier and more accurate way, reducing network errors and making maintenance easier. FS.COM always remains focused on researching and developing ways for a better network.

Things You Need to Know About Patch Panel

Nowadays how to achieve efficient cable management is an essential aspect of network cable installation. Patch panel, as a crucial element of an interconnected network cabling, is able to realize the connection, allocation, and scheduling of cable links easily. This post will introduce some information about patch panel which can help you get a further understanding of them.

What Is a Patch Panel and How Does It Work?

Patch panels, also called jack fields and patch bays, are network parts held together within telecommunication closets that connect incoming and outgoing local area network (LAN) lines or other communication, electronic and electrical systems. If engineers want to set up a wired network which contains multiple wall ports in various rooms, patch panel can offer a simple, neat and easy-to-manage solution. There are various patch panels based on the number of ports like 12 Ports, 24 Ports, 48 Ports, etc.

patch panel

When patch panels are deployed in network systems, its major function is to bundle multiple network ports together to connect incoming and outgoing lines. For example, when patch panels become part of a LAN (local area network), they can link computers to outside lines. And those lines, in return, allow LANs to connect to wide area networks or other Internet. With patch panels, engineers just need to plug and unplug the corresponding patch cords to arrange circuits, which improve efficiency greatly.

The Importance of Patch Panel

As we all know, patch panels are typically attached to the network racks, mostly above or below the network switches. They consist of ports to quickly connect cables. Available in different sizes and configurations, patch panel can be customized to fit different network requirements. But all patch panels have a similar feature that they are important for networks to configure new equipment or phase out old components.

Patch panels from main links are to collect data and route it to where its destination. They are so critical to a system that if anything goes wrong with them, the entire system may fail. That means that patch panels are very important to the network system.

Furthermore, although there are no physical limits existing for a patch panels’ size, many of them have ports from 24 to 96. And for a larger network, hundreds of ports may be needed, which is another important factor—as the network grows, more ports mean the ability to accommodate ever-expanding demand.

Besides, patch panels also help electricians and network engineers by offering convenient, flexible routing options. Because a patch panel has numerous ports in close proximity, cables can be routed, labeled and monitored easily and efficiently.

Copper or Fiber Patch Panel?

There is no doubt that patch panels are extremely important in cabling systems. And they are one of the few components used in both copper and fiber cabling networks.

copper patch panel vs. fiber patch panel

The copper patch panel is typically made with 8-pin modular ports on one side and 110-insulation displacement connector blocks on the other side. Wires coming into the panel are terminated the insulation displacement connector. On the opposite side, the 8-pin modular connector plugs into the port which corresponds to the terminated wires. With the copper panel, each pair of wires has an independent port. And fiber patch panel needs two ports for a pair of wires, one for the transmitting end and another for the receiving end. Fiber panels tend to be faster to operate than copper ones. Of course, they are also more expensive.

Therefore, when it comes to the copper patch panel, each pair of wires has a port. While fiber patch panel requires two ports, but it is easier to be installed. What’s more, some professionals think there is no real difference in the performance and construction, while others have different opinions. They maintain that the fiber patch panels are better, even though they are more expensive than the copper counterpart. However, no matter what type of patch panels you choose, they must be based on practical situations.

Summary

As the growing demands for more effective cabling, patch panels also get more development. Manufacturers are now trying to produce more convenient patch panels such as front-access panels, which allow users to terminate and manage cables from the front. Getting a further understanding of patch panel can help you choose the suitable patch panel for your networks.