Patch Panels

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In most types of office cabling, the computer is connected to a wall port and—via cabling running through the walls—to a patch panel.

• structured copper wiring runs from a wall port in user’s work area to a distribution frame in the network closet
  • both ends are terminated at a punch down block with insulation-displacement connection (IDC) terminals at the back of the panel
  • a distribution frame is normally implemented as a patch panel
    • also called a patch bay
    • punch down blocks on one side
      • contains contacts that cut the insulation from a wire and hold it in place
    • pre-terminated RJ45 modular ports on the other side
    • A patch cord is used to connect a port on the patch panel to a port on an Ethernet switch
    • reduces and makes moves, adds, and changes (MACs) easier than re-terminating
      • allows incoming and outgoing connections to be reconfigured
    • allows large numbers or cables to be terminated within a small space

Info

It is vital to use an effective labeling system when installing structured cabling so that you know which patch panel port is connected to which wall port.