What Is the Function of Patch Panel

As we know, patch panel is a passive device with a number of ports. It’s a cable management tool that most frequently used, typically in a data center. However, for some people, they are still confused about the function of patch panel, and post questions on forum such as what is the purpose of patch panel in networking, why not connect end device directly to switch? This article will help you find the answer.

How Patch Panel Works

Patch panels work in different ways due to the two types, fiber patch panel and copper patch panel. Usually, fiber patch panel is designed with ports both on the front and rear sides. Just insert the corresponding fiber cables into the ports, then you can achieve a neat cable management.

fiber patch panel

Figure 1: Fiber patch panel has ports on both sides.

Unlike the fiber patch panel, copper patch panel is divided into feed-through and punch down types. The feed-through panel contains RJ45 ports on two sides, which is convenient for users to plug the cables. And the punch down panel is equipped with Rj45 ports on the front side and punch down terminations and color coding on the rear side. Each set of punch down terminations corresponds to a port on the front side. So you have to terminate all cables into the patch panel first.

copper patch panel

Figure 2: The rear side of copper patch panel.

Main Function of Patch Panel

As a cable management tool, the primary benefit of using patch panel is the improved organization and easier management of your network. But how? As the figure 3 shows, a patch panel is usually installed within a server rack. And you may encounter many or even thousands of fiber optic cables and cable connection. Using a patch panel, you can label the patch panel, so that you know which end device or room the cable run goes to. This will be helpful when you need to make changes on the cables.

Also, we can see that all cables on the server rack have a bend radius (a term used to describe how sharply a cable can safely bend at any given point). If the fibers bent beyond the minimum bend diameters may lead to break, causing network failures. Therefore, using a patch panel, the cables bend radius will be reduced, which can enhance the cables’ long term reliability.

As described above, we have learned the main function of patch panel is to provide a robust, reliable management solution and protect the cables. It doesn’t have any electrical or logical function like the network switch or router. Patch panel is solely a physical connection, which means patch panel can’t replace a switch or a router.

function of patch panel

Figure 3: Cables are connected to the patch panel.

Where to Buy Patch Panel

FS.COM is the reputable source to buy patch panels. The following are some 1U patch panels I’d like to recommend to you.

1U Fiber Patch Panel

FS 1U fiber patch panels are designed with LC and SC ports. In order to meet different customers’ demands, FS has released 24 port patch panel and 48 port patch panel.

FS P/N
FHU-FPP48FLC10GMM
FHU-FPP48FSCSMF
FHU-FPP96FLCHSMF
Adapter Type
LC Duplex
SC Duplex
LC Duplex
Fiber Mode
OM3/OM4
OS2
OS2
Fiber Count
48 fibers
48 fibers
96 fibers
Insertion Loss
≤0.2dB
≤0.2dB
≤0.2dB
Return Loss
≥50dB
≥50dB
≥50dB

These 1U patch panels adopt the same material and design, but for different fibers connections. You can choose one according to your actual need.

1U Copper Patch Panel

FS provides Cat5e and Cat6 patch panels. Both are available in feed-through and punch down types. Here are the best-selling products.

FS P/N
C5EP-U24FT1U
C6P-U24FT1U
Cable Category
Cat5e
Cat6
Termination
Feed Through
Feed Through
Application
Unshielded
Unshielded
Port No.
24
24

The two products are used to connect unshielded copper cables. They share the same design. When you need to buy a copper patch panel, you should know what cables you want to connect, and this is very important.

Blank Keystone Patch Panel

If you need versatility of running different types of networking cable on a project, blank keystone patch panel is suitable for you. With a blank keystone patch panel, you can combine Ethernet cable, fiber cables through one patch panel. The following is a blank keystone patch panel from FS.COM. With no keystone jacks are pre-loaded into it, you can customize it according to your application.

keystone patch panel

Figure 4: Use blank keystone patch panel to make a mixed connection.

Conclusion

From the above, we know the main function of patch panel is to terminate all the cables, and provide a neat, reliable solution for cabling. When you want to buy one, please contact us via sales@fs.com.

Why Use A Patch Panel?

When we set up a network, we are accustomed to buying a patch panel as usual. And people always say they buy patch panels for cable management, as they are asked why use a patch panel. However, are there any other benefits of a patch panel? Yes, of course, here explains why use a patch panel in networking.

why use a patch panel

Figure 1: Patch panels in a rack for managing the fiber and copper cables.

Why Use A Patch Panel?

As shown in the picture above, patch panels are usually attached in the network racks. All the cables from the individual desktop, computer or printer go to the patch panel. Then the patch panel provides a protection and management for the cables, which contributes to ensure the cables’ performance in the whole network. This is the greatest benefit of using a patch panel. Whenever cables change direction, the bend of the cables is likely to change the electrical properties. If one cable bends too far, unfortunately, damages may occur inside where you can’t see it. So patch panels can help to protect the delicate cables.

Besides, using a patch panel improves working efficiency and workflow. How? For example, telecommunication and cable companies always use patch panels in strategic locations in their coverage areas. Therefore, the technicians can connect or disconnect services to the specific places without going to the actual locations just by managing the patch panels.

Finally, using a patch panel also improves the aesthetics of your work area. All cables are in place and accessible represent a well managed workstation, which also shows your professional quality.

Why Not Use A Switch Instead of Patch Panel?

When someone connects the cables, he may wonder why use a patch panel is a requirement and why they aren’t connected to network switches directly. The answer is that patch panel and switch play different roles in the cabling system. Patch panel acts just as a connector which will not make any influences on data transmission, but a network switch connects hardware within a network to enable them to access the Internet, share data etc. In a data center rack, there are many network switches with numbers of ports. Routing cables from one rack to another is a tough job. So you have to use patch panels to manage these cables.

Fiber and Copper Patch Panels Recommendation

Designed for specific cables like Cat5e, Cat6 copper cables and OS2, OM3 fiber cables, patch panels types are different.

Fiber Optic Patch Panel

This type of patch panel takes the simplex, duplex and quad model designs at FS.COM. There are 24 port patch panel and 48 port patch panel available for you to choose. All products are produced strictly in accordance with national standards. The following is a 24 port LC duplex fiber optic patch panel used to connect 48 OS2 single mode fibers. It uses the standardized jack that makes it easy to insert and remove fiber cables, so that to ensure the long-term and stable performance of the fiber cables.

fiber patch panel

Figure 2: 24 Port LC Duplex Fiber Patch Panel

Ethernet Patch Panel

FS.COM offers punch down and feed-through Ethernet patch panel. And the feed-through patch panel falls into unshielded and shielded types to wire the unshielded and shielded Ethernet cables. The following is a 24 port Cat6 unshielded feed-through patch panel. Design with SPCC and ABS plastics materials, the Ethernet patch panel is sturdy and durable that can work in the environment of -25°C to 70°C.

Ethernet patch panel

Figure 3: 24 Port Cat6 Unshielded Feed-Through Patch Panel

Blank Keystone Patch Panel

When you are unable to decide in advance which type of cables will be used to connect your hardware, you can use a blank keystone patch panel. The following is a 48 port blank keystone patch panel that provides flexibility in the type of jacks. As a result, you can make a mixed connection based on your actual demands.

blank keystone patch panelFigure 4: Cables connected on 48 port blank keystone patch panel.

Conclusion

What is the purpose of patch panel in networking, or why use a patch panel? I think now you have a good understanding. Today’s fast changing technology makes more and more electrical and electronic devices connected to each other, so don’t hesitate to use a patch panel to simplify the cabling.

Single-Sided Vertical Cable Manager for 45U Server Rack

Server rack cable management is a finicky thing. In addition to a better organization of the fiber cables and power cords within racks, you have to run them orderly in vertical direction. Vertical cable manager is an important role for cable management, which will hold the cables snugly and safely to ensure the smooth data transmission. Here focus on single-sides vertical cable manager for 45U server rack.

Importance of Vertical Cable Management

The most significant usage of vertical cable management is cable bend radius protection. As we know, cable performance is determined by the physical properties of the cable, and therefore no matter when the cable changes direction, the fiber’s bend radius which has potential to impact cable performance will be generated at any point. To enhance the cables’ long-term reliability and reduce signal attenuation, vertical wire management tools allow convenient cable access with the acceptable bend radius.

Additionally, pulling behavior is inevitable during cable installation, so using a vertical cable management to define the vertical cable routing paths is of great importance, which will be the physical protection of the installed cables.

Overview of Single-sided Vertical Cable Manager for 45U Server Rack

Vertical cable organizer is similar to the horizontal cable category except for the orientation. Just as the name implies, single-sided vertical cable manager is perfect for keeping cables along a single rack or between two bayed racks. Here is a sample from FS.COM.

This 45U equipment is specifically designed to readily manage the challenges proposed by the data center’s high volume and density cabling system. It features contoured front door with easy-open knobs. Made of PVC material, the manager has plastic T-shaped cable fingers only on the front, which is comp

ly with RoHS standard. You can use it to support and manage large bundles of cables on the front rack. Besides, it has smooth oval holes that allow cables to come out wherever they are needed. Creatively, this 45U cable manager is composed by two 22.5U sections. Thus, you can utilize them to combine a 22.5U dual sided vertical cable manager.

vertical cable manager

Figure: Example of Single-sided Vertical Cable Manager

How to Use Single-sided Vertical Cable Manager

The following video gives a brief introduction of this FS vertical cable manager usage.

First, we should install the single-sided vertical cable manager. Adjust the vertical mounting rails and identify the mounting slots, then install finger directly onto the manager backbone. Don’t forget to insert the specially designed keyed brackets into the complete vertical cable manager.

Second, after that, we are ready to mount the manager on a server rack. Place the manager on one side of the rack, then use the screw to fix it. The installation is finished.

Last, manage the cables on the rack to go through the fingers, and the space is enough for both fiber and copper cables. Finally, remember to close the cover to protect the cables from dust.

Conclusion

Vertical cable manager is the perfect way for holding cables, which ensures everything is neatly and safely in place. FS.COM offers both vertical and horizontal cable management products to create the various cable pathways. Want to find a valuable cable management tool, please visit FS.COM.

Assist of Patch Panel—Innovative Horizontal Cable Manager with Brush Strip

The hot-debated topic—cable management, is a critical part when planing a data center. Failure in cable management will expose cable to high fatigue rates, hinder people to identify cables or even bring difficulties when expanding or upgrading equipment. To meet the management needs, tools like patch panel, cable managers, and cable rings are brought in to life. Cable manager, the subject of the article, comes in varied types, among which I’d like to introduce the upgraded one—1U brush strip horizontal cable manager designed for server racks.

Brief Introduction of the Patch Panel Assistant

The patch panel is partly a cable manager, but it also has other functions. With the brush strip horizontal cable manager, the cable management can be perfectly maintained. The new cable manager is made of refined metal and comes in different heights like 1U and 2U. Compared with original 1U plastic single sided horizontal cable manager with finger duct, it is a flat panel greatly saving the steel. The panel is designed to be mounted on any 19in EIA style rack or cabinet and features built-in brush that allows passage of up to 25 cables while blocking airflow.

brush strip cable manager

What Are the Advantages of the New Type of Cable Manager?

Compared with ordinary cable manager with a certain number of ports, the brush strip cable manager can allow for relatively flexible cable management, and the cables that come from or to patch panels is less likely to be rubbed when passing through the brush. What’s more, it can minimize the risk of unnecessary bending or subject cables to heat sources or sharp edges, thus enabling the cables to live longer.

It comes with high-density nylon brush separating and organizing cables that increases overall air flow within your network cabinet while improves the efficiency of your cooling system by covering unused rack space. The sturdy steel structure and black powder coat finish fights presents durability, resists corrosion, and keeps your rack looking smooth and professional.

The Way It Helps With Patch Panel

Using four screws, it can be installed above or below the rack patch panel, and the two can coordinate seamlessly to present neat cabling. Just as the below video shows, brush strip panel is used to allow the passage of patch leads from the rear of the cabinet and then the patch cables are connected to the slots on the patch panel. They are installed within a data rack to neatly draw cables away from equipment. This type of management is typically slotted directly in front of equipment. The slots are masked with ‘brush’ strips which allow cables to pass through while presenting a tidy appearance and avoiding the cables dropping back into the rack.

Conclusion

1U brush strip horizontal cable manager can organize cables while keeping dust and dirt out of the rack. FS.COM produces a wide variety of cable management accessories specially designed for use in various cabinet and enclosure systems. These accessories include everything from vertical and horizontal cable managers, cable rings, and Ethernet patch panel to more easily route cables through the cabinet and preserve signal strength and data transmission. All these devices enable you to identify and track cables easily, while maintaining the freedom to remove or change cables with ease whenever necessary. FS.COM are always here for your suggestions and comments.

Perfect Couple: Fiber Splice Tray and Fiber Enclosure

In the cabinet, we may find many devices and gadgets, such as fiber patch panel, fiber splice tray, fiber enclosure, adapter panel and zip ties which are all little but critical components for cable management. Fiber patch panel, the one we have cued for a lot of times, will give way to fiber splice tray and fiber enclosure, the two subjects that we will introduce today.

Fiber Splice Tray Unveil

As we all know, it is usually unavoidable to match splice fiber optic cables with fiber pigtails in data center, which not only demands lower space requirement but also allows a better network performance compared with other fiber optic termination methods.

Fiber splice tray, very popular in data center and server room, is a plate to store the fiber cables and splices and prevent them from becoming damaged or being misplaced. Splice trays are necessary for holding and protecting individual fusion splices or mechanical splices. One of the important factors of fiber splice tray is the fiber count that it can hold. Most fiber splice tray can hold up to 24 fiber splices. 12-fiber splice trays are the most commonly used fiber splice tray in fiber optic network.

A Closer Look At Fiber Enclosure

It is a box that contains the devices to connect various fiber optic cables. Fiber enclosures can be classified into two configurations, namely rack mount fiber enclosure and wall mount fiber enclosure. And the rack mount fiber enclosure can be further categorized by its height and the design. We have 1U, 2U and 4U choices. The rack mount enclosures come in two flavors. One is the slide-out variety , and the other incorporates a removable lid which requires the user to remove the whole enclosure from the rack to gain internal access.

How The Two Coordinate?

Owning solely a fiber splice tray is far more enough. It should be equipped with a device to provide a safe and easy-to-manage environment for fiber splices. Apart from fiber optic splice closure, fiber distribution box and fiber optic enclosure, we can adopt the fiber enclosure displayed today. Fiber splice tray can be installed in fiber enclosure.

Here takes the example of fiber splice tray used in FHD fiber enclosure of FS.COM as shown in the following picture. It is a 96-fiber enclosure which has four 24-fiber adapter on the front panel. This 1U fiber enclosure can hold up four 24-fiber splice tray to provide the space for 96 fiber optic splices.

fiber splice tray and enclosure

Conclusion

As optical fibers are sensitive to pulling, bending and crushing forces, fiber splice tray and fiber enclosure serve as double protections which are used to provide a safe routing and easy-to-manage environment for the fragile optical fiber splices. Attention! Bare fibers without protection tubes should never be exposed outside of a splice tray. It’s our pleasure to provide you with the best solutions.