What Is a Patch Panel and Why Do You Need It?
Updated at Sep 29th 20211 min read
A patch panel serves as a versatile networking tool that efficiently connects and organizes network cables. It enhances the organization of your data center or server room while simplifying future modifications to the cabling setup. This article will explore the definition, types, functions, applications, and common inquiries regarding patch panels.
How Does a Patch Panel Work?
The primary function of a patch panel is to handle physical connections, serving as a tool that simplifies the organization and documentation of cables.Network Patch panels can rearrange circuits and devices easliy by moving patch cords between network devices.
Patch Panel Types: Fiber Optic Patch Panel and Ethernet RJ45 Patch Panel
Generally, there are two kinds of patch panels in the typical data center infrastructure on the basis of the cables they are working with: fiber optic patch panels and Ethernet patch panels. Both of them are available in different designs, configurations or port counts, and can be customized to fit various network cabling requirements.
Fiber Optic Panels
Standard Fiber Optic Patch Panel: the standard fiber optic patch panel can be loaded with LC/SC/MTP® adapters, which are commonly used as the intermediate connection between the backbone and patch cables. To accommodate different adapters, FS FHD® fiber patch panels come with single mode and multimode fiber types with different options and port counts.
Breakout Patch Panel: breakout patch panels are specifically designed for high-density 40G-10G and 100G-25G breakout cabling. As an agile and scalable solution to mitigate cable clusters and improve airflow, breakout patch panels deliver aesthetic appeal and make the data center a more inviting place.
Modular Patch Panel: rack mount modular fiber enclosure panel and multimedia adapter panel are the two common types of modular panels. The former can hold up to 4 FHD® MTP® cassettes or fiber adapter panels, fitting for both front and rear mounting in horizontal cable management. The latter can allow users to customize their own adapter panel in a high density cabling system. As shown in the figure, the keystone jacks or inline couplers can be Cat6a, Cat6, Cat5e, or Cat5. Additionally, the fiber optic adapters may include standard LC duplex, SC simplex, and MTP®/MPO. Users have the flexibility to install different types of ports as needed.
Ethernet Patch Panels
Ethernet patch cables can be classified into different types: Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6a Ethernet patch panel, blank keystone patch panel, 110 punch down Ethernet patch panel, etc. To know more about Ethernet patch panel types and how to choose the best type, check out Types of RJ45 Patch Panels: How to Select the Suitable One？
The most popular Ethernet patch panel nowadays is the Cat6 patch panel, which is welcomed by its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Check Why Do You Need Cat6 Patch Panel to learn more. If you're uncertain about which cable type to use for your hardware connections, a blank keystone patch panel is a reliable option. Based on your actual demands, blank keystone patch panel can assist you to make a mixed connection.
Advantages of Patch Panel
The patch panel is one of the few components used in both copper and fiber cabling networks and almost all business network setups use patch panels for cabling installations. So how can a network patch panel help you? Finding the answers in the following descriptions.
Aesthetic Appeal
No one would deny that organized cabling is always a fantastic visual feast for everyone. We've seen lots of before-and-after pics of cabling with the help of using patch panels and other cable management tools and we've witnessed their magic power to rearrange messy spaghetti in your rack or cabinet. If you are annoyed with such a mess, the best way to reduce cable clutter more effectively is to use a Fiber Patch Panel or Ethernet Patch Panel.
More Flexibility
Patch panels give you flexibility and prevent the need to re-run cables or swap equipment places around if you need to change something or if something breaks. For example, punching down the cable to patch panels can allow mechanical relief to the comparatively expensive switch ports. If the cable from the wall or ceiling were to be plugged right into a switch port, that port could be subject to pulling, pushing, etc. and it does not take much for an RJ-45 plug to lose some connectivity like that - either with the inside of a switch port or with the connection to the cable itself.
Simplified Cable Management
Some businesses use structured cabling for phones or you may have multiple businesses sharing office space. In these circumstances, a patch panel would also multiple different equipment to be easily connected to any outlet. The cables on the back of patch panels correspond to permanent jack locations in the users' space, which can bring easy and accurate patch panel wiring for network newbies. Besides, the ability to label individual cable runs in a patch panel creates a cleaner and more organized way of identifying signal flow, and troubleshooting technical problems becomes an easier chore.
FAQs About Patch Panel
Do Patch Panels Decrease Signal Quality?
Some believe that too many connections between patch panels and switches or other devices may affect the network throughout. Actually, a proper patch panel won't decrease your network speed. Just make sure your patch panel is rated for the cable category you are using and check if you've terminated cables using the right way.
Do I Need a Patch Panel or Just a Switch?
Patch panel and switch do the different things. The main function of patch panel is for the purpose of neat and tidy cable management. While network switch enables the connected device to talk to others via the cables. In some cases, switches can be used as an alternative to patch panels for function such as routing signals to different destinations simultaneously. But such switch devices are usually more expensive than patch panels. It depends on your specific needs to choose from them.
You've mastered the purposes, types, and benefits of a network patch panel. Try using it to make hundreds of wires neat and tidy now!