What is a patch panel and what is it used for?

Patch panels are important network components that aid in the connection, organization, and overall management of network cables. Let's talk about what exactly a patch panel is and why you should learn about it on your Network+ exam.

What is a patch panel?

A patch panel is the ultimate tool for network organization. It serves as a central point where all cables can be neatly labeled and arranged. Network administrators use patch panels to avoid tangling of CAT5 cables within the local area network (LAN) shed.

Patch Panel Explanation

As shown in the figure below, a patch panel is located in a telecommunications closet between a switch and the multiple workstations that connect to it.

The patch panel will screw into the same rack as the switch, allowing short cables to be connected between the switch and the patch panel.

Speaking of cables, patch panels are designed to accommodate a variety of cable types. For example,

Patch panels are manufactured to facilitate Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a and fiber optic.

Finally, patch panels come in different sizes. Typically, they have 12, 24, 48, or 96 ports on them.

What is the purpose of a patch panel?

Patch panels serve as a centralized point for organizing and managing multiple network cables, allowing for efficient connection and easy reconfiguration of devices in a network setup.

They also provide an excellent way to separate the actual cabling from the expensive hardware used to route data.

Additionally, it enhances cable management, simplifies troubleshooting, and provides documentation and traceability for all workstations.

Hopefully the purpose of a patch panel is clear. Now let's delve deeper into when to use it.

When should you use a patch panel?

There are many factors that must be considered when determining the necessity of a patch panel. For example, consider the size of your network. If your switch has more than a dozen connections, it may be time to purchase a patch panel.

Furthermore, if there are plans to expand the network or there is a strong desire for organized cables, then a patch panel will be the right choice.

Generally speaking, patch panels should be used in any network that has rack-mount hardware.

How do patch panels work?

Of all the network components, the working principle of a patch panel is probably the simplest. In its purest form, a patch panel is simply a tool that facilitates the organization and documentation of cables. It is not as complex as a switch.

Typically, the patch panel sits directly on top of the switch. The cables enter the patch panel from the back and then connect to the router or switch on the front of the device with a very small cable.

It separates this function from the switch, preventing cables from being frequently disconnected and redirected from critical traffic management devices. The most important role of a patch panel is to manage physical connections.

Patch panels manage physical connections

The most important responsibility of a patch panel is to manage the physical connections. This is done by providing a single, centralized area for all cables to be terminated.

If you decide to bypass the patch panel and plug all your devices directly into the switch, you will need to run a lot of long cables from the workstation directly to the switch. Since the switch ports are mounted at the front, this can quickly get out of control and become a mess.

In addition, patch panels allow for labeling. This helps administrators know exactly which cable goes to which workstation. All in all, patch panels are better!

Will patch panels reduce signal strength?

No, a patch panel itself will not degrade the signal. However, the length, quality, and improper termination of the cables will all contribute to signal degradation. For example, a poorly crimped Cat5 cable will play a significant role in signal degradation, whereas a patch panel will not. Recall that a patch panel is simply a non-electronic component used to manage and organize cables.

Speaking of Category 5 network cables, let's first review the differences between Category 5 and Category 6 patch panels.

What is the difference between Cat5 and Cat6 patch panels?

While these two patch panel types are certainly not the only ones, they are the most common. Although the differences are subtle, they are certainly worth noting.

Cat6 cable was introduced in 2002 as an improvement over the existing Cat5 cable. Currently, most LANs run on either Cat5e or Cat6, with Cat6 being the best cabling solution.

Difference in transmission speed of patch panels

The speed difference between Cat5e and Cat6 through a patch panel is determined by the specifications of the cable itself, not the patch panel.

For example, both Cat5e and Cat6 can transmit 1 GB per second of data at a range of 100 meters. However, Cat6 can transmit up to 10Gbps at a distance of 55 meters.

So when it comes to high-speed internet over relatively short distances, it’s technically the better choice. (Although 55 meters isn’t a short distance in an office building.)

This means that transmission speed has little to do with patch panels. Rather, it's the gauge of the cables that run through them.

Are there different wiring standards for patch panels?

Yes, patch panels have different wiring standards depending on the cables they are intended to accommodate. The wiring standard determines how the individual wires in the Ethernet cable are terminated into the connectors at the patch panel.

The two most common wiring standards for Ethernet cables are T568A and T568B. You can use either Ethernet wiring standard as long as you stay consistent.

However, always refer to the documentation for the patch panel to confirm whether there are recommended wiring standards.

If T568A and T568B are interchangeable Ethernet cabling standards, does that mean Cat5 and Cat6 are also interchangeable? Let's take a look.

Are Cat5 and Cat6 patch panels compatible?

Yes, Cat5 and Cat6 patch panels are compatible. They both follow the same Ethernet standard. The only difference is the specifications and speed. One thing to remember is that your LAN is only as fast as the slowest cable.

In other words, if you mix and match Cat5 and Cat6 cables, your LAN will only be as fast as the Cat5 connection.

This guideline means that it is usually a better idea to build a LAN using Cat6, as it is much faster. On the other hand, if it is a traditional LAN, stick with Cat5 if you can get it cheaper. You will not enhance your LAN by occasionally adding Cat6.

Next, let's take a closer look at the interaction between switches and patch panels.

What is the difference between a patch panel and a switch?

The difference between a patch panel and a switch is that a patch panel is a tool for organizing cables near a switch. On the contrary, a switch is responsible for routing network traffic.

A switch is a physical device that requires power and acts as the primary routing mechanism within a LAN. In contrast, a patch panel is a component located close to the switch that facilitates easy and traceable access to the switch.

Switches are active network devices

Switches are active network devices that do all the heavy lifting on your LAN. A patch panel is simply a tool for organizing your cables. If switches were Christmas lights, then patch panels would be the organizational tool to ensure they don't turn into a giant knotted ball by the next holiday season.

Patch Panel Passive Cable Management Equipment

Patch panels offer the advantage of labeling and organizing network cables. They are usually mounted on top of a switch and provide labels or color codes to indicate the location of the connected workstations.

Patch Panel Not Routing Traffic

As mentioned earlier, it is important to understand that patch panels do not route traffic. Switches, routers, and gateway routers do all of that.

However, patch panels are inexpensive due to their simplicity. Patch panels typically cost between $20 and $100, depending on their size.

For example, a patch panel with 16 port openings costs significantly less than one with 48 port openings. Not only are they less expensive, but they can be customized to a considerable degree through the keystone. Let's discuss how to increase the flexibility of a patch panel by adding keystone correction.

What is Keystone?

Keystone is a connector that works with patch panels and wall plates to allow for alternative connection types. For example, a network may need to connect a phone line to a router that only accepts Ethernet. The Keystone will attach to the wall plate to allow for an easy transition from an RJ11 to an RJ45 connection. Overall, this will simplify reconfiguration and maintenance of the network.

Patch Panel and Keystone

In terms of patch panels vs. Keystone, a patch panel is a centralized point where various cables are connected and managed. In contrast, a Keystone is an adapter designed to plug into a patch panel. In situations where the device being connected does not have an Ethernet port (or whatever port type is required), a Keystone acts as an adapter.

The patch panel is a centralized device

The patch panel assembly sits just above the rack and plugs into the router using very short cables that run from the patch panel to the router. The initial connection point for each workstation on the network is the patch panel.

Keystone, on the other hand, is used to allow devices that would not otherwise be connected to a patch panel.

Keystone (jack or module) connection cable

Let's start with a basic example to illustrate the usefulness of the keystone module. Suppose your organization is a mix of Ethernet connected devices and POTS (plain old telephone service). POTS requires an RJ11

A traditional phone line with an adapter, while an Ethernet cable requires an RJ45 connection. However, your switch only has RJ45 ports. This is where the keystone module comes in.

You can mount the keystone module of the RJ11 adapter directly into the wall to connect all your phone lines. This will route the CAT5 or 6 cable directly to the patch panel. This way your POTS can be routed into the network while still having the exact same switch. The same basic principles apply to any other type, whether it's HDMI, USB, USB-C, or something else.

Keystone can be installed in the patch panel

In the previous examples, we discussed adding a Keystone module to the outlet that a device plugs into. However, sometimes a Keystone can be installed directly into a patch panel.

Keystone modules in a patch panel can be flexibly adapted to your connectivity needs without requiring an overall network infrastructure. For example, if a Keystone is mounted on a wall plate, that specific device can only be used in that room.

However, if the Keystone module is located in a patch panel, ports can be switched very easily. This is particularly beneficial for large network setups.

Advantages and disadvantages of patch panels

As with everything, patch panels have some pros and cons. Let’s discuss and decide if a patch panel is right for you.

Patch panels help manage cables

The number one reason to buy a patch panel is to help manage cables. Talk to anyone who has been in LAN administration, new or old, and they will tell you that cables can quickly become a tangled knot.

Patch panels also feature keyholes, allowing you to connect different cables to the switch that would otherwise be incompatible. This solution is ideal for legacy POTS networks or when you need to convert fiber to CAT6. Next, let's move on to patch panels and flexibility.

How patch panels increase flexibility

A patch panel allows you to plug in cables from the back of the rack and then run a short connector cable (no more than a foot) to the switch. So when you need to switch a different port, you only have to deal with a tiny one-foot cable.

Without a patch panel, you would be forced to replace a cable that is 100 feet long. Also, the router does not have a proper system to mark where the cables go. The patch panel is built on top of the ports.

Patch panels might help meet future needs?

Patch panels by themselves do not future-proof a network. However, they provide an excellent way to decouple cable management from critical resources such as switches or routers. This means that upgrades will be less of a hassle and will greatly aid in future-proofing your network.

For example, having a patch panel will make upgrading CAT cabling much easier, and will certainly make replacing switches a breeze (from a cable management perspective).

Patch panel costs, including maintenance

The initial cost of a patch panel is not expensive. They can cost as much as $200 for a device with multiple ports, but they can certainly be found for cheaper. The true cost of a patch panel will come from the labor. Installing a patch panel is a relatively involved process involving rack mounting, cable crimping, and cable labeling.

However, the cost is well worth the increased uptime, cable organization, and ease of future maintenance. Finally, once installed, maintaining the jumpers requires very little work.

Complexity and space requirements of patch panels

Before purchasing a patch panel, make sure there is enough space above or below the switch to install it. The patch panel must be as close to the switch as possible.

However, the cost is worth it with the increased uptime, cable organization, and ease of future maintenance. Finally, patch cords require minimal effort to maintain after installation.

Complexity and space requirements of patch panels

Before purchasing a patch panel, make sure there is enough space above or below the switch to install it. The patch panel must be as close to the switch as possible.

Also, think carefully about how you want to use the Keystones. They can be plugged directly into a wall plate or patch panel.

Finally, make sure the front and back of the patch panel are easily accessible. If an outage occurs, you don't want to spend an inordinate amount of time working on the back of the patch panel.

Signal degradation and maintenance associated with patch panels

Patch panels themselves do not cause signal degradation, but improperly installed cables can. For example, a loose cable at the back of a patch panel can cause unwanted delays in the network. When wiring your network, verify that the cables are high quality without any crimps or cuts in the wires.

Overall, routine maintenance and following best practices for cabling and maintenance can help prevent issues that can affect signal quality. If there is signal degradation in your network, the signal is not coming from the patch panel, unless the cable crimp is poor.

in conclusion

We've done a lot of work on patch panels. By now, you're ready for whatever information Network+ throws at you about patch panels. Here are the highlights:

•   Patch panels are centralized solutions that assist with cable management.
•   They allow LAN administrators to easily replace cables, providing flexibility.
•   Patch panels allow the cabling to be documented and traced to workstations.
•   They are inexpensive but relatively time-consuming to set up.

Hopefully you got some ideas on how to improve the maintainability of your network!