How to Install Patch Panel and Switch?

Patch panel and Ethernet switch are commonly used to connect all devices in data centers. They are usually mounted on the sever rack to perform the revelent functions. Many people are distressed by the installation of patch panel and switch in their telecommunication room, and crazy about the cable spaghetti from the patch panel to switch. In practice, an ideal cable management system could deal with this embarrassing situation. Consequently, a well-designed structured cabling system is in place.

 

cable management for patch panel and switch

Patch Panel vs. Switch

From physical appearance, patch panel and switch look similar in that they present as rows of sockets in a rack. In fact, a patch panel is a passive device that has a row of ports, which is used for cable management to bundle multiple network ports together to connect incoming and outgoing cables. The ability to label individual cable runs in a patch panel creates a clean and organized way of identifying signal flow and troubleshooting technical problems. On the other hand, a network switch has a bunch of Ethernet ports, but it is an active device that connects devices together on a computer network by using packet switching to receive, process, and forward data to the destination device. In the case of structured cabling, the switch ports can be connected with the ports on the patch panel, allowing the Ethernet devices to be networked together.

 

Installation Steps for Patch Panel and Switch

Step 1: Determine where to place the patch panel and switch.

The proper operating environment keeps the equipment operate and maintain well. The airflow and vents should be unrestricted.

 

Step 2: Make up the patch cables of desired length, and indicate how many cables you need.

The slack cables will increase the cost of material and installation, and not facilitate cable management.

 

Step 3: Map out which switch port is connected to which patch panel port. (How power cables are routed should be considered.)

This delicate movement will cut down the time of whole installation process.

 

Step 4: Attach the patch panel and switch to a rack-mounted floor stand in the wiring closet.

The rack should accommodate the size of the patch panel and switch (standard 19″ wide is often used.)

 

Step 5: Run the prepared cables to connect switch port to the patch panel port respectively.

These cables can be moved from port to port if needed to facilitate location changes to the network.

 

Step 6: Install horizontal and vertical cable management, and Velcro cable ties to bundle the cables together for easier access in the future.

Step7: Labeling each cable with the same tag on both ends.

You can match end-to-end connectivity when you run across all of the ports of the patch panel and switch, which can help you to identify the cables for troubleshooting.

 

Cable Management from Patch Panel to Switch

 

Horizontal cable management can be used to support a pathway for patch cables between the patch panel and switch. The horizontal cable management panel has various style for multiple applications: designed with lacing bar, D-rings, finger duct, brush strip, and end ring. They can be assembled randomly to simplify cabling efficiently. The following video shows the 1U horizontal cable manager with end rings manager to neat and clean the messy rack.

 

Vertical cable management also addresses today’s cable routing demands. 3” single D-ring vertical cable manager and 3” wide plastic vertical cable manager with bend radius fingers are most commonly used between the patch panel and switch. They help to provide proper bend radius support for cables. Come with cable ties, it provides users with a neat and organized cabling system.

 

Cable Ties & Cable Labels

Cable ties and cable labeling can also help make the installation efficient. When a network system is constructed, large amounts of cables are built into the rack and routed where they need to go with devices. The Velcro cable ties are the most common tools for holding cables together. Meanwhile, cable labels can provide facilities with many benefits that will help increase efficiency, eliminate waste, improve safety, and generally make everything run more smoothly.

 

Conclusion

Patch panel and switch allow for expansion of traceable access points, which provides a robust and reliable management solution. Therefore, a proper installation for patch panel and switch plays a decisive role in the whole cable management. From patch panel to switch, a comprehensive line of cable management tools is used for protecting and supporting cables. For more information, please visit www.fiber-mart.com.