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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 patch panels (and almost all modern networks
use this technology) are consider
“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 include
things like computers and printer) all connect
back to the central “hub” and it looks like a
big starburst. Another term is “spoke-and-wheel”
where the “wheel” is your hub and patch panel
and the individual cables going out to your
nodes (computers and printers) become the
spokes. Patch
panels come in various types and configurations
from the simple wall- mounted 12-port patch
panel block, to elaborate 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.
Patch panels come in
various 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
various number of ports on the patch panels.
Check the internet for the vast array of patch
panel styles available. There are also two
different standards for patch panels: T568A and
T568B mentioned above. Be sure to buy the
correct patch panels for the installation!
It is best to buy patch
panels that are rated for both standards. Since
the only difference between the two standards is
the order of the colored pairs, most
manufacturers rate their patch panels for both
standards. They simply have both wiring diagrams
affixed to their patch panels.
Dean Novosat is computer
expert and network engineer. He is the author of
including
“How to Wire Networks for Profit.”
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/
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