What Is A Patch Panel?
May 13, 2023
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1. What is a patch panel?
A patch panel is a device used for terminating and organizing end-user or backbone cables, allowing for their deployment and connections. It is a crucial component in the cable management subsystem, serving as the hub for interconnecting the vertical backbone and horizontal cabling subsystems. Patch panels are typically installed in server racks or on walls. With the installation of accessories, patch panels can accommodate various cable types, such as UTP, STP, coaxial cables, fiber optics, and audio/video cables. Common types of patch panels used in network engineering include twisted-pair patch panels and fiber optic patch panels. They are classified into two main categories: main distribution frames (MDF) and intermediate distribution frames (IDF), based on their usage and location.
Usage:
The purpose of a patch panel is to modularly manage the front-end information points at the central office. When the front-end information point cables (such as Cat 5 cables or Cat6 cables) enter the equipment room, they are first connected to the patch panel's modules. Then, patch cords (RJ45 connectors) are used to connect the patch panel to the switches.
In general, patch panels serve as management devices. Without patch panels, if the front-end information points were directly connected to the switch, any cable issues would require rewiring. Additionally, it would lead to disorderly management, and repeated plugging and unplugging could damage the switch ports. The presence of patch panels solves these issues by enabling better management through the replacement of patch cords.
The usage and quantity of patch panels primarily depend on the total number of network points or the number of network points on a specific floor (including nearby floors, depending on the system design). Different buildings and system designs will have different patch panel configurations in the main equipment room.
For example, in a four-story building with the main equipment room located on the first floor and all floors having network points connected to that equipment room, the quantity of patch panels would be equal to the total number of network points in the building divided by the number of patch panel ports (24 ports, 48 ports, etc.), plus an additional margin. However, if the building has nine floors with the main equipment room on the fourth floor, separate equipment rooms might be set up on each floor to avoid excessively long cables, with each room having its own switch equipment. In this case, the number of patch panels in the main equipment room would be determined by dividing the number of network points on the fourth floor by the number of patch panel ports (24 ports, 48 ports, etc.).
Patch panels are crucial components in the cable management subsystem, serving as the hub for interconnecting the vertical backbone and horizontal cabling subsystems. They are typically installed in server racks or on walls. By installing accessories, patch panels can meet the requirements of UTP, STP, coaxial cables, fiber optic cables, and audio/video cables. Commonly used patch panels in network engineering include twisted-pair patch panels and fiber optic patch panels.
2. Why use a patch panel?
2.1 From a design perspective:
Network cablinghas a requirement that may not have been noticed by everyone, which is the ability to interchange data and voice points when necessary. In other words, for the same voice point, without changing the wiring, the choice of patch cords determines whether it is used for voice or data. This makes the design process convenient since voice and data points can be treated the same, eliminating the need for separate considerations and allowing the use of unified equipment.
If cost is not a significant consideration, all information points can be connected to an RJ45 patch panel, and then patch cords can be used to determine whether they connect to the switch or a voice patch panel (such as one with 110 blocks or STG and other types of voice modules), without considering the cost. However, this design is rare in practical applications. Most cases still require distinguishing between voice and data, with various methods available.
2.2 From a construction perspective:
In large-scale projects with numerous information points, using patch cords for connections between the switching equipment and the cabling system makes construction management more convenient. It also helps maintain a neat server rack since patch cords are much shorter. It simplifies testing procedures as well.
2.3 Regarding management and maintenance:
Large-scale users are highly concerned about this aspect. Patch panels effectively improve work efficiency and reduce troubleshooting time. They also provide convenient and efficient methods for replacing terminals.
2.4 Advantages of patch panels:
Traditional methods of testing user lines require manual operations. By adopting centralized cabling, existing automated testing systems can be used to test remote user lines, achieving unattended or minimally attended operation.
Computerized operations can be integrated with computer management systems, automating the operations.
Centralized cabling allows for selecting the shortest path for patch cords, typically requiring only 2-3 meters, thus saving a significant amount of cabling. In contrast, traditional methods often require several meters or even dozens of meters for patch cords.
In cases of office relocation, number changes, or cable rearrangement, traditional methods require dismantling a large number of patch cords, which is labor-intensive. Moreover, repeated insertion of patch cords can lead to loose connections in the patch panel. With centralized cabling, these operations can be completed with computerized operations, reducing wear on the patch panel contacts, extending its lifespan, and minimizing obstructions.
Centralized cabling allows patch cords to be connected once, avoiding the confusion caused by multiple irregular patch cord connections in traditional methods, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing and organized appearance of the patch panel.
3 How to Install Patch Panels in Network Cabling
Due to the neglect of patch panels in network cabling, users may not have conducted in-depth research on the installation of patch panels. Therefore, the following example demonstrates how to correctly install patch panels using modular patch panels.
3.1 First, secure the patch panel to the server rack using screws. Then, organize the cables and bundle them to the edge of the patch panel or the vertical rack of the server rack using nylon zip ties.
3.2 Next, choose whether to terminate the network cables from the rear or front based on the positioning of the server rack and convenience of operation.
If terminating from the front, pull the cables into the patch panel holes, ensuring an appropriate length-neither too tight nor too long-and then push the cables into the patch panel holes and lock them in place.
3.3 If terminating from the rear, select an appropriate length for the cables according to the standards of structured cabling. Then, following the numerical order on the back of the modules, insert the network cables into the metal clips.
3.4 When terminating cable pairs, it is crucial to follow the numerical order and color coding.
Use a termination tool to insert the cable pairs into the patch panel modules. After terminating the cable pairs, ensure the cables are neatly bundled and secured to cable fixers, preventing them from hanging loose. Finally, attach or insert labels with uniform codes into the patch panel module panel.
4. Notes on the installation of patch panels in network cabling:
4.1 The correct connection sequence of the patch panel is as follows:
switch - front patch panel - rear patch panel - information outlet - user computer. The front-end cables enter the equipment room and are first connected to the front patch panel. Then, use patch cords to connect the patch panel to the switch
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4.2 Patch panels are standardized devices, and it is important to use a punch-down tool to terminate the network cables according to uniform standards.
In network cabling, the EIA/TIA568A and EIA/TIA568B international standards are commonly used.
4.3 Cable management is an auxiliary device for patch panels.
It effectively reduces cable deformation, improves the stability of network connection points, and avoids network failures caused by loose or deformed cables.
4.4 Configure the patch panels based on the total number of network information points and the distribution of floors.
When calculating the quantity, it is essential to leave a margin to accommodate future network expansion.
4.5 Labels on the patch panel typically indicate cabinet numbers, patch panel numbers, port numbers, and other information.
Therefore, in the same network project, it is important to ensure consistent coding rules. This helps with future use and maintenance, allowing quick identification of the location and corresponding functions of patch panels, switches, and other components.
4.6 After completing the termination work on the patch panels, determine the reserved cable length based on the number of patch panels, rack height, distance, etc.
The length should not be too short to ensure that if there are issues with the terminated modules during network maintenance, the already terminated portions can be cut and re-terminated using the reserved cables located nearby.
4.7 When bundling and organizing the reserved cables in a vertical loop, pay attention to the bending radius according to cabling standards to avoid bending that may affect electrical performance.
In summary, a patch panel is a device used to standardize network cabling, commonly used in network installations (such as LANs), in conjunction with switches, and installed within server racks.
When installing a fiber patch panel, several factors need to be considered. Firstly, it is necessary to consider the leftover length of fiber optic cables to ensure that a fiber-strength film is formed on the patch panel chassis. This prevents the fiber from being pulled out of the patch panel and avoids excessive stress on the cables.
Secondly, protective performance is important. Fiber optic patch panels should provide sufficient protection for connectors to prevent accidental contact.
Lastly, adaptability is crucial. Fiber optic patch panels should allow for the removal of existing connectors and the addition of new connectors or fibers from horizontal or backbone cables.
