Tag Archives: cat6 patch panel

Cat6 Patch Panel vs Cat6a: Difference and Usage

Patch panels are always the indispensable component of tidy and neat cabling system in the data center. There are many Ethernet patch panel types available on the market. According to different cable types, there are different patch panels, such as the cat6 patch panel and cat6a patch panel. Then what’s cat6 and cat6a patch panel? Will Cat6 patch panel work with Cat6a cable?

What Is Cat6 Patch Panel

As the name suggests, the Cat6 patch panel is designed for Cat6 cable management in Gigabit Ethernet applications. With these panels, users can easily manage cables and save space of the data center rack. The Cat6 patch panel features high density to deliver the performance needed for current and next generation data communication networks and applications. These high-density panels offer different port versions, such as the 24, 48 port patch panel.

Cat6 Patch Panel

Figure: Cat6 Patch Panel: used for Cat6 cable management

What Is Cat6a Patch Panel

The Cat6a patch panel is designed for Cat6a cable management. The Cat6a patch panel is a 10G series panel. It also can offer different port versions, such as 24 port Cat6a patch panel and 48 port Cat6a patch panel. The Cat6a patch panel features port labeling areas and port numbering for easy circuit identification. In addition, it offers maximum strength and durability. This Ethernet patch panel can be easily installed in a universal 19″ rack/cabinet or a wall-mounted bracket with a 1U standard height.

Difference Between Cat6 Patch Panel and Cat6a Patch Panel

In fact, there is no big difference between the Cat6 and Cat6a patch panels. The cat6 patch panel is used to manage the cat6 cables, and the cat6a patch panel is used to manage the cat6a cables. So the main difference between Cat6 patch panel vs Cat6a patch panel lies in the wire gauge specified for cat6 and cat6a cables – cat6a cables are thicker and bulkier than Cat6 cables.

Can Cat6 Patch Panel Work with Cat6a Cable?

Will it work if the Cat6a cable is installed on the Cat6 patch panel? There are several things to consider before answering it.

Will the Connectors Match?

The Cat6a cable is the improved version of the Cat6 cable. But they share the same RJ45 connectors. So there is no doubt that the Cat6a cable can be plugged into the Cat6 patch panel.

Will It Be Safe?

Since the Cat6a cables are thicker and bulkier than Cat6 cables, the corresponding minimum bend will be larger. This will change the installing requirements of cabling and the design of routing. For an instance, if the Cat6a cables are installed on the Cat6 panel, the thinker cables may be bend. So it will be not safe enough, users need to manage it more patiently and carefully.

Will It Work?

In general, the conductor determines if the connection is working. Then, since both the Cat6a cable and the Cat6 patch panel have the same RJ45 connectors, the Cat6a cable and the Cat6 panel can work together. Just as mentioned above, it is not safe enough.

Therefore, the Cat6a cables are able to run on the Cat6 panel. I still recommend not taking such an adventure. Because the cables may be out of work, which will cause damages to your business.

Conclusion

With the advancement and development of technology, today’s data centers require a more reliable and flexible cable management system. The Cat6 patch panel and Cat6a patch panel are integral parts of the Cat6 and Cat6a cable management. The above content has given some details about Cat6 and Cat6a patch panel. Hope it can help you to understand the two.

The Difference Between Cat5e vs Cat6 Patch Panel

To build a flexible and tidy cabling system. Patch panels are something we can never forget. The panel enables speedy UTP interconnections to hubs, routers, and other active equipment. Ethernet patch panel on the market comes in various types, such as 24 port patch panel or 48 port patch panel for Cat5e or Cat6 that is shielded or unshielded. So what’s difference between Cat5e Patch Panel and Cat6 Patch Panel? Can I use cat5e rated patch panel with cat6 cabling?

Cat5e vs Cat6 Patch Panel: To Know About Cat5e Patch Panel

Cat 5e patch panels meet the standards of TIA/EIA 568 industry specifications, which can help enhance the network performance in a maximum and keep up with the growing changes in your network. For now, there are many Cat 5e patch panel products that customers can pull off the shelf. Cat5e Ethernet patch panels from reliable supplier like FS are made from steel materials so that they can stand up even the most extreme conditions. With numbers labeled on ports, it’s easy for cable organization. FS Cat5e patch panels are available in 6-port and 8-port module groupings, in 8, 12, 24, and 48-port sizes. The high density panel design can be mounted to standard racks or cabinets, accommodate top, bottom or side cable entry, and also save valuable rack space.

cat5e patch panel

Cat5e vs Cat6 Patch Panel: To Know About Cat6 Patch Panel

As it’s name suggests, Cat6 patch panels is specially designed for Cat6 cabling in 1 Gigabit Ethernet applications. With the help of these patch panels, you can achieve easy management and save data center rack space. They can meet or exceed the TIA/EIA 568 industry specification. All these Ethernet patch panels feature both T-568A and T-568B wiring configurations. Each patch panel terminates with standard 110 termination tools on the rear, which allows quick installations. Panels in FS cover 12, 24, 48, and 96-port configurations. Patch panels can be configured with six or eight port modules.

cat6e patch panel

Cat5e vs Cat6 Patch Panel: Can I Run Cat6e on a Cat5e Patch Panel?

Actually, there isn’t much practical difference in the Ethernet patch panels themselves. But there is a difference in the wire gauge specified between cat5/5e and cat6, and Cat6 wire gauge is typically larger which can be an issue when punching down on a 5e block. That’s to say:

  • When punching down Cat5/5e wire on a Cat6, the Cat5/5e wire is enough smaller that it is possible to get what looks like a good punch, but the insulation on the wire is not actually penetrated or is only partially penetrated by the vampire jaw of the punch block.
  • When punching down Cat6 wire on a Cat5/5e panel, the larger wire can end up bending or even breaking the vampire jaws on the punchdown block.

In both cases, using care and testing each connection, you can usually make it work. If your just doing one panel at home you are probably OK. However it wouldn’t be recommended if doing several panels or working on an enterprise/commercial jobs that you plan to warrant the work.