Patch Panel Refresh

 

A patch panel is an arrangement of ports on one panel, which can be mounted to a rack or wall. Patch panels allow you to bundle and connect multiple ports for incoming and outgoing lines. They’re a great cable management and network solution to centralize telecommunications and data equipment in communications closets, central offices, and data centers.

 

What is the purpose of a patch panel?
A patch panel is a mounted assembly with a set number of ports to connect incoming and outgoing copper and fiber lines. In most data centers a patch panel is installed on a rack in a communications closet to connect racks to one another. On the front face of the panel, patch cables, like ethernet and fiber optic cables, connect to servers and network switches. In the rear of the patch panel, bare wires are punched down to and from other patch panels.

Patch panels are commonly used in Localized Area Networks (LAN) because of how easily you can connect computers to one another, or to outside lines for internet access. To create and arrange circuits you only need to plug or unplug correlating patch cables.  

 

What are the advantages of patch panels?
1) A patch panel provides a simple organization and management solution when dealing with an array of patch cables which can easily become tangled or mismatched. Labeling each run in a patch panel allows for easy identification and troubleshooting down the line.

2) If something were to break, it is easy to change out patch cables without needing to re-run the cables or change equipment location.

3) Copper patch panels have 12, 24, 48, or 96 available ports. This range allows for future scalability and growth. You can easily add new devices to the network without having to run an entirely new cable to both ends. Fiber patch panels commonly come in a 12-port panel, but there are also high-density panels that allow for 48 duplex, or 96 simplex connections.

4) You can buy blank Keystone style patch panels and compatible inserts for custom patch panels. You are then able to mix and match between RJ45, RJ12, fiber, and A/V inserts like HDMI and F-type jacks.

 

If you have any questions about our patch panels or keystone inserts, give our team a call at 636-519-9505.