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10 Minutes to Understand the Patch Panels

Views: 146     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2020-12-07      Origin: Site

When connecting a large number of devices to servers, switches, or other network hardware with a large number of cables, it is critical to ensure that all cables are properly managed and everything is properly planned. Because not only to be prepared for today but also to plan for any potential growth in the future, the scalability and flexibility of the cabling infrastructure need to be considered. If you want to set up a wired network that includes multiple wall ports in various locations in your residential or commercial environment, you must use patch panels.

 

An optical patch panel is a passive network hub that bundles multiple ports to connect input and output lines. With the increasing popularity of wireless Internet connections, the use of patch panels can actually maximize the speed of the Internet. Wired networks provide faster, more consistent signal flow for maximum bandwidth capability.



Definition



The patch panel, also called a patch bay, patch field, or jack field, is a mounted hardware assembly. The patch panel is a simple, organized, and easy to manage solution that bundles multiple network ports to connect Incoming and outgoing. It is used to interconnect multiple computers, telecommunications equipment, and external hardware. It contains a number of ports for connecting and managing incoming or outgoing fiber or copper wires. According to the managed cable, it can be divided into a fiber distribution frame and an Ethernet distribution frame. Patch panels can be wired or cross-connected to splicing and terminating cables.

 

The main distribution frame, referred to as MDF, is used to connect subscriber lines, trunk lines, and dedicated lines to the corresponding interface points of the telephone exchange for testing, wiring, and protection of internal equipment. The optical fiber distribution frame is used for end-user lines or trunk lines and can be deployed and connected to them. The distribution frame is the most important component in the management subsystem, and it is the hub that realizes the cross-connection of the vertical trunk line and the horizontal wiring subsystem. Patch panels are usually installed in cabinets or walls. By installing accessories, the distribution frame can meet the needs of UTP, STP, coaxial cable, optical fiber, audio, and video. The commonly used distribution frames in network engineering are twisted pair distribution frames and optical fiber distribution frames. According to the place of use and purpose, it is divided into two categories: main distribution frame and middle distribution frame.


krone patch panel


Working Principle



The patch panel termination works by terminating the cable components and routing the signals to the final destination via jumpers. The patch panel bundles multiple network ports to connect incoming and outgoing lines, including LANs, electronics, electrical systems, and communication in and outlines. Each port is connected via Ethernet or jumper and sends data to the outgoing port location. The patch panel can be set up as part of a local area network (LAN) that connects computers to external lines in a larger area network to access the Internet. When using a krone patch panel, the circuit can be placed by simply plugging in or unplugging the appropriate wiring, creating a flexible connection and greatly improving efficiency.



Advantages of the Patch Panels



Patch panels are one of the few components used in copper and fiber-optic cabling networks. Patch panels are used for wiring installation in almost all corporate network settings. Home distribution frames provide a centralized location to manage home network connections and are an essential component of home network settings. DOWELL INDUSTRY GROUP is a professional patch panel supplier. There are several advantages to using a LC fiber patch panel: 



1. Easy to manage cable


With rack mount patch panels, all cables can be concentrated in one place, making it easy and organized to manage your wired network. Patch panels allow network administrators to easily move, add, or change complex network architectures. In a commercial environment, patch panels are a smart way to quickly move communication lines from the office to another line. By marking a single cable trace in the patch panel, the signal flow can be more clearly and legibly identified, while the

optical patch panels provide a location for all input jacks, simplifying troubleshooting and making it easier to solve technical problems. 



2. Easy to reconfigure


The patch panels provide flexibility. There is no need to reroute or replace the equipment location when changes or failures are required. Because multiple cables are terminated on the rack mount patch panel, when adding or removing certain cables, it does not interfere with network devices such as switches. The ports of the patch panels are usually labeled so that the cable can be easily changed.




3. Reduce equipment wear and tear


Once the user completes the connection on the patch panels, there is no need to plug or unplug the cable directly or frequently from the device. Therefore, the use of optical patch panels help to reduce the wear and tear on network equipment.



4. Simple installation


The cable on the back of the panel corresponds to the location of the permanent jack in the user space, providing easy and accurate network patch panel routing for network novices. They are often used in industries that require a lot of sound equipment because they are well connected to a variety of devices.



Classification



The fiber optic patch panels have different designs. The configuration or number of ports can be customized to suit various network cable requirements.


1. Standard optical patch panels


Standard fiber patch panels are equipped with LC / SC / MTP adapters, which are typically used as intermediate connections between the trunk and patch panel cables.


hdmi patch panel


2. Expandable patch panels


The expandable patch panels are designed for high-density 40G-10G and 100G-25G wiring. As a flexible and scalable solution, it reduces cable bundle weight and improves airflow. The expandable patch panel has a beautiful appearance and makes the data center more attractive.



3. Modular patch panels


There are two types of modular patch panels. One is a rack-mounted modular fiber optic cabinet panel. It accommodates up to 4 cassettes or fiber optic adapter panels for the front and rear installation in horizontal cable management. Another type of modular patch panel is the multimedia adapter panel, which allows users to customize their own adapter panel.



4. Cat5e / Cat6 Ethernet Patch Panels


Cat5e / Cat6 Ethernet patch panels are used for both shielded and unshielded copper cables such as Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a Ethernet cables. The Cat5e / Cat6 Ethernet patch panel features a straight-through and threaded design.



Application



The positioning of the patch panel is a modular device that manages the front-end information points at the central office. The front-end information point cable (category 5 or category 6) enters the equipment room first, enter the patch panel, tie the line to the patch panel module, and then use a jumper (RJ45 interface) to connect the patch panel to the switch. Generally speaking, the patch panel is a management device. For example, if there is no patch panel, the front-end information point is directly connected to the switch. If there is a problem with the cable, it will be re-wired. In addition, the management is also chaotic, and multiple plugging and unplugging may cause damage to the switch port. The existence of rack mount fiber patch panels solves this problem, and better management can be achieved by replacing jumpers.

 

Usage and consumption are mainly configured according to the total number of network points or the number of network points on the floor (and adjacent floors, depending on how the system diagram is designed). Different buildings, different system designs, the distribution frame between the main equipment will be different. For example, if a building has only four floors, the main equipment room is located on the first floor, and the network points on all floors enter the equipment room, then the number of distribution frames is equal to the number of network points/ports of the building (24 Port, 48 ports, etc.), and add a certain margin. If a building has 9 floors and the main equipment room is set on the 4th floor, then in order to avoid excessive cable length, each floor may have a sub-equipment room And exchange equipment. Then the distribution frame between the main equipment is equal to the number of network points on the 4th floor/the number of distribution frame ports (24 ports, 48 ports, etc.).

 

When building a home network, we usually need to handle a lot of cables. Using a home distribution frame to connect cables to a variety of home network devices is an ideal solution. Common types of patch panels for home use are wall-mounted fiber distribution frames and unshielded Cat5e or Cat6 patch panels with 12 or 24 ports, and perforated panels are recommended. All cables and terminals can be easily connected using the front panel patch panel. The front panel is particularly effective in confined spaces. For enterprises, patch panels are usually located in the area where telecommunications equipment is located, and they play a central role in network functions. The rack-mounted shielded Cat6a or Cat7 patch panel with 48 ports is ideal for enterprise networks, and it is best to use a straight-through panel. In addition, the most important point is that do not mix the patch panel of the home network with the patch panel of the corporate network.



Includes



There is no doubt that patch panels are essential for good cable management in network cabling systems. The patch panel is the perfect combination of density and flexibility to properly organize cables and route them seamlessly into network equipment. The patch panels in the DOWELL are easy to mark and manage and have outstanding performance. They work with our cabinets, racks and fiber optic distribution boxes to help you build high-density network cabling systems that are more scalable and adaptable. If you have any needs, please contact us.


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