Tag Archives: fiber optic patch panel

Patch Panel Cable Management

Patch panel cable management is a common practice in network system. This because technology develops at an unbelievable speed, consequently, today’s server rooms are featured with a large number of different bandwidth-intensive devices, such as clustered storage systems, blade servers, virtualization applications or some other backup devices. These devices are all interconnected via network cables or cable management tools. Besides, it’s known that challenges in server rooms arise not only with trying to pursue the increasing demand of higher performance and flexibility in order to achieve a scalable and manageable cabling infrastructure, but also with evolving cabling industry standards, which sometimes may determine future’s cabling offerings standards for technological growth. To solve those problems, patch panel cable management is a wise choice in the physical plant.

Benefits of Patch Panel Cable Management

Patch panel cable management describes how fiber cables are connected and managed in a patch panel. Fiber optic patch panel is a very popular cable management tool used for wiring fiber cables in an organized way. And a correct patch panel cable management will deliver several advantages, which will enhance one’s network availability.

  • Reduced signal interference. Patch panel makes the cables in their corresponding positions, that means the cables will not interfere with each other. This can greatly reduce the crosstalk and interference between cables and ensure cables’ performance.

  • Improved serviceability. Patch panel allows technicians to recognize which cable should be changed or upgraded easily, minimizing working time and improving safety.

  • Cooler function. Thanks to the fix positions of cables in a patch panel, there is more space within a rack for air flowing. It brings down the whole equipment running temperature.

  • A roadmap for growth. Labels on the patch panel is an effective cable management which gives the direction to technicians to scale and adapt to changes in cabling infrastructure as well as reducing service time.

Tips for Patch Panel Cable Management

Here are several patch panel cable management tips for network installers.

Start with measuring. Remember the adage “Measure twice, cut once”. Measure the cables’ length needed for a patch panel carefully, to avoid messy cabling and expensive cable waste.

Don’t forget the labels. Just take some time to mark clearly on the connection point, which will pay off in the long run.

End with testing. After connecting cables via patch panel, test each cable by using a quality tester. If the test doesn’t pass 100%, reconfigure the cable. Believe me, this step will avoid lots of extra work in the end.

Patch Panel Cable Management Solutions

Patch panels are available in different categories based on various ports and designs. Confused about which one will work for your application? FS.COM is the right way for your cabling design. The following are the two products sold well from FS.COM.

24 port fiber patch panel is the best choice for small LAN cable management. This 24 port LC duplex fiber patch panel with a max cable capacity of 48 OS2 single mode fibers is suitable for 1U high 19 inch frame rack mount or cabinet. The ports are in the upright design with folded sides, providing a cold aisle orientation for cables.

24 port patch panel

Wall mount patch panel is a wise practice in the limited room. This fiber optic wall mount patch panel can hold 4 standard FHD series adapter panels. The max cables capacity of this type is 96 fibers. Equipped with slack spools, strain relief and silica gel stopple, the wall mount patch panel can protect cables bend radius and prevent dust.

wall mount patch panel cable management

FS.COM patch panel cable management tools are ideally designed to store, protect and terminate fiber cables and connectors. Need help with setting up a patch panel cable management? FS.COM is the definitive choice for all your optical fiber needs.

Structured Cabling Solution for Fiber and Copper Cables

Most people know that data amount has grown exponentially due to the increase in mobile computing, the rise of social networks and the spread of information technology into almost all areas of private and work life. And for network operators, they require a structured cabling solution for fiber and copper as well as an efficient analysis and implementation of ongoing capacity expansion. However, someone may be still confused about why a structured cabling solution is essential?

Why We Need a Structured Cabling Solution?

There are four reasons to use a structured cabling solution, bend radius protection, cable routing paths, cable access, physical protection, because these four aspects can directly make influences on network’s performance.

  • Bend radius protection. When fiber bends exceed the specified minimum bend diameter can fracture, resulting in service failure and increasing network operating costs. Thus protecting the bend radius can enhance cables’ long term reliability and reduce signal attenuation.

  • Cabling routing paths. A right path is beneficial for decreasing the probability of bend loss and long term cable failures. So it’s important to make access to individual cables simple and safe.

  • Cable access. A good structured cabling should allow each cable to be plugged in or removed simply without damage. Besides, this will help to maintain bend radius protection.

  • Physical protection. All cables should be protected from accidental or physical damage, otherwise, the whole network may break down.

    structured cabling solution

FS.COM Equipment for a Structured Cabling Solution

FS.COM offers both horizontal cable management and vertical cable management so your network will not behave like a spaghetti bomb exploded near your servers. Here is some equipment you may use for building structured cabling.

  • 45U adjustable open frame rack. It’s typically used for server room and data center rack applications and designed to house 19inch standard mounting device.

  • Cable manager. Vertical cable manager and horizontal cable manager are available. We choose 45U dual sided vertical cable manager that can be used for both front and back cabling. And 1U metal horizontal cable manager with brush strip, it increases overall air flow within cabinet while helping to prevent equipment from overheating. The steel construction and black powder coat finish fights provides durability, resists corrosion. Besides, there are 1U metal horizontal cable manager with 5 D-rings and 1U plastic horizontal cable manager with finger duct, which can provide a large supported area to organize and route cables.

  • Equipment for connecting fiber optic cables such as 1U FHD fiber enclosure, FHU MTP-LC breakout patch panel, FHX ultra high density fiber enclosure. There are different types of fiber optic patch panel with different connectors, port numbers on FS.COM. In addition, standard or customized fiber adapters panels can also be found on FS.COM. You can choose based on your need.

  • Copper cabling equipment includes 1U shielded or unshielded patch panel, and 24 port blank keystone patch panel. These are used for connecting copper cables.

Installation of a Structured Cabling Solution

Here is a video gives a quick look at data center structured cabling solution of fiber or copper system.

First, place the 45U adjustable open frame rack in the spacious room. Then insert the 45U dual sided vertical cable manager to handle the cables vertically.

Second, deal with the fiber optic cables. Install the fiber optic equipment on the rack. Choose the suitable fiber patch panel to connect the matched fiber optic cables. For example, LC fibers should be linked to the LC adapter panel, otherwise, the network can not work.

Third, install the 1U copper patch panel on the rack. Then plug in CAT5e and CAT6 cables in turn. Make the copper cables go through the fingers of horizontal or vertical cable managers. This step aims at protecting cables and perfecting the structured cabling.

A good structured cabling solution helps increase network system performance and improve maintenance and serviceability of cables. With the right tools, you don’t need to worry about how to sort in the maze of sloppy cabling, you can build a network that is flexible enough to reconfigure and upgrade. Hope FS.COM will be your first choice to buy fiber equipment.