Tag: Ethernet patch panel

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.

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.