How to install patch panels and switches?

How to install patch panels and switches?
The patch panel is a very important part of the integrated wiring management system, and it is a device that can be used at the central office for modular management of front-end information points. The use of patch panels helps to manage cables or replace faulty cables more conveniently or quickly, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the entire wiring system. So do you know how to install the patch panel? How should the patch panel be connected to the switch?
From the outside, patch panels and switches look very similar because they both have many ports. In fact, the patch panel is a passive device with a row of ports, used for cable management, and it is also a hub that realizes the cross-connection of the two subsystems of vertical trunk and horizontal wiring. In the patch panel, you can mark the direction of individual cables to create a clear and organized way to identify the direction of signal transmission, so that you can troubleshoot the line when there is a problem. In addition, the use of the patch panel also avoids the problem of damage to the switch port caused by multiple insertion and removal of cables.
The network switch has many Ethernet ports, but it is an active device. A switch is a network device used for electrical (optical) signal forwarding. It can provide an exclusive electrical signal path for any two network nodes connected to the switch. It uses data packet switching to receive, process, and forward data to the target device, thereby connecting the devices on the computer network together. If it is a structured cabling, you can connect the switch port with the port on the patch panel to connect the Ethernet devices together.
Installation steps of patch panel and switch
When installing patch panels and switches, you need the following tools: crimping pliers, cable tester, Phillips screwdriver, straight screwdriver and module punching tool. The main installation steps are as follows:
Ready to work
Before installing switches and patch panels, the height and overall layout of the rack must be considered to determine how many rack units can be used for patch panels and switches. Then make sure to install the type of cable, because different cables cannot be mixed.
Then check the distribution frame, accessories (including jumpers, cable fixing rings, etc.) are complete, and determine the placement of these tools. Generally, the patch panel has three installation positions in the middle of the rack, depending on your wiring structure.
When a grounded socket is used, the cable usually enters the inside of the rack from the bottom. Therefore, the distribution frame should be installed below the inside of the rack.
When using a bridge socket, the cable runs through the rack from the top. The distribution frame should be installed above the inside of the rack.
When the cables are inserted into the rack from the side, the patch panel should be installed in the middle of the rack.
installation steps
Use appropriate screws to fix the patch panel to the rack.
Arrange the cables of the appropriate length, and connect each cable to the appropriate port, and then use the strap to secure the cable.
Determine which ports of the patch panel should be connected to the switch port (the wiring method of the power cord should be considered).
Install the distribution frame, and then switch it to the rack-mounted floor stand in the distribution cabinet.
Use the prepared cables to connect the patch panel ports to the switch ports.
Install horizontal and vertical cable management, and use Velcro ties to tie the cables together for future use.
Mark each cable with the same label at both ends for easy identification.
The last step is to check to ensure that all equipment is placed in a safe and correct place. For safety reasons, this step cannot be ignored.
Cable management tools for patch panels and switches
Horizontal cable management tool
The horizontal cable management tool is mainly used to accommodate the cable connection between the adjacent unit equipment inside the cabinet. It has various styles, such as plastic single-sided or double-sided cable management racks (with clamping ring), metal horizontal cable management Frame (with 5 rings, with D-shaped plastic ring or with brush), metal embedded horizontal cable management frame (with D-shaped ring and with brush), detachable horizontal cable management frame, etc. to meet a variety of applications. They can be assembled at will to effectively simplify wiring. The following video shows a 1U metal horizontal cable management rack with end rings, which can be used to organize and clean messy racks.
Vertical cable management tool
The vertical cable management tools are divided into two types: inside the cabinet and outside the rack. The internal vertical cable management tool is mainly used to manage the cable connection between the upper and lower unit devices inside the cabinet. Generally, it is equipped with hinged doors that can be opened left and right. The vertical cable management tool can be used for copper cable and optical fiber connection. Common vertical cable management tools include 3" vertical finger cable organizer, 4.9" inch plastic single-sided or double-sided vertical cable organizer, etc. This type of cable management tool can be used with cable ties to keep the network cabling system in order.
Cable tie & cable label
Cable ties and cable label paper can also help improve installation efficiency. When building a network, a large number of cables are built into the rack. Cable ties and cable label paper can help manage these cables and mark the cables for easy identification in the future. Detachable cable ties can be used to fix cables and can be reused without wasting resources; multi-color optional cable ties are used for color coding; cable ties with fixing elements are used Connection and fixing of panels, welding studs, etc.; stainless steel cable ties, used in harsh environments. Velcro straps are the most common tool for securing cables together. At the same time, the cable label paper also helps to improve efficiency. Its main function is to ensure that the wires and cables are organized, correct and convenient for maintenance and inspection by the staff.