When you are connecting many devices to a switch, server, or any other networking hardware with various ethernet cables, it is very important to make sure that you are doing this with proper planning. Since you are not only set it up for today, also keep in mind your potential growth for tomorrow. A patch panel is an active device that keeps your data center or server room well organized and makes sure that you can locate faulty cable or move your infrastructure with no problem.
What exactly is a Patch Panel?
A Patch panel, also known by other names such as patch field, patch bay, or jacket field is a mounting assembly with various numbers of ports to connect and manage the incoming and outgoing Ethernet or fiber cables. You can find these panels in a wiring closet in a typical data center. Each of these racks contains at least one panel. These panels are back to back connected.
A patch panel provides interconnect or cross-connect patch methods to splice and end cables. It works by terminating cable elements and routing the signals to the ultimate destination via patch cables. When using panels, you just need to plug or unplug the matching cable to arrange the circuit.
Also Read: All You Need To Know About The Patch Cables
What is the Purpose of these Panels?
The patch panel is a multi-purpose device. This is one of the few equipment that can be used for both fiber optics and copper cabling networks. Almost all the networks use them for the cabling installations. Many advantages come with these panels:
These panels are the best replacement for the expensive port switches. If some cables are hanging from the ceiling or wall and you plug into switch, there is always a danger of pulling or pushing. This can lose connectivity. A patch panel keeps the cable safe from all the pulling.
Patch panels give a neat and clean look to a data center or a server room. You can easily identify the faulty cable and replace it. This also makes the troubleshooting an easier chore.
You also get the flexibility if you ever need to change something. You don't have to swap the place of the various equipment.
Recommended: What is a Patch Cable and Why Do You Need It?
Ethernet Panels for Cat5e/Cat6
We at NewYork Cables are offering patch panels for ethernet cables like Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a. These ethernet panels come with a punch-down design. You can buy premium-quality panels from us at a reasonable price with free shipping.