Patch Panels

Choose a patch panel by the cable it terminates, the number of runs it must hold, and whether it goes in a 19-inch rack or on a wall.

Match the cable category

Use a panel of the same category as the cable. The All-Rack PNL24AB is designed for UTP Cat 5e cable, the All-Rack PNL24ABCAT6 and Knightsbridge NETC624 are Cat6, the TRENDnet TC-P24C6AS is a Cat6A panel for Gigabit and 10G copper, and the Vanco 820924 complies with CAT6a specifications. TRENDnet shielded panels such as the TC-P16C6AS are designed for shielded cabling to eliminate EMI and crosstalk.

Punch-down or keystone

Punch-down panels terminate cable on rear IDC blocks with a 110 or Krone tool, as on the All-Rack PNL24ABCAT6 and Vanco 820924. Keystone panels take separate keystone jacks instead: the Connectix 009-010-010-35 is a shielded 24 way angled panel supplied unloaded, whose 10G keystone modules click into position, and the Vanco 820048 takes UTP or modular keystone jacks.

Fibre patch panels

Connectix fibre panels are supplied complete with splice management. Starlight LC panels such as the 009-023-040-04 are mild steel with a black powder coating for 19" cabinets, and Fibrefox sliding panels such as the 009-022-020-08 have a sliding tray for easy access to splices.

Rack or wall mounting

Rack panels fit standard 19-inch cabinets: 1U 24-port models such as the Knightsbridge NETC624 take one rack unit, and Connectix high density panels such as the 009-001-009-30, with 48 ports in 2U, are made for cabinets where space is tight. Without a rack, the TRENDnet TC-P12C6V is a 10" Cat6 wall mount panel with an 89D bracket.

Brands we stock in Patch Panels

Adastra, All-Rack, AMG Systems, Connectix Cabling Systems, Knightsbridge, TRENDnet and Vanco.

Most panels are made by Connectix Cabling Systems and TRENDnet.

Related categories

Terminate runs with RJ45 connectors, patch to the switch with Ethernet cables, house panels in server racks and cabinets, or fit outlets from the data and communication range.