What Are Network Patch Panels?

Patch panels are used as the central point in a network where all the network cables terminate. It is the grand central station of the network. Networks that use these panels (and practically all modern networks use this technology) are think "star-networks" or they use the term "star-topology." This is because if you look at a drawing of your network, all the network nodes (nodes are end-points on the network and contain things like computers and printer) all connect back to the central "hub" and it looks like a big starburst. an additional one term is "spoke-and-wheel" where the "wheel" is your hub and patch panel and the personel cables going out to your nodes (computers and printers) come to be the spokes.

They come in discrete types and configurations from the simple wall-mounted 12-port patch panel block, to explain 96-port (and more!) rack-mounted patch panel. As was mentioned above, patch panels are rated for speed. So if you are running Cat 6 cable, you will need a Cat 6 patch panel.

Cartoon Network

Network panels come in discrete designs and styles. There are patch where the cables plug-in straight (90°), or angled at a 45° angle downwards; there are panels with 110 style punch downs on the back and ones with tool-less punch downs; there are discrete amount of ports on the panels. Check the internet for the vast array of styles available. There are also two different standards for network panels: T568A and T568B mentioned above. Be sure to buy the literal, ones for the installation!

It is best to buy patch panels that are rated for both standards. Since the only contrast between the two standards is the order of the colored pairs, most manufacturers rate their patch panels for both standards. They plainly have both wiring diagrams affixed to their patch panels.

What Are Network Patch Panels?