Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
The workmanship issues discussed in the previous sections on cross-connects
and punchdown blocks certainly apply to patch panels. You must ensure that the
cables to the back of the patch panel are properly routed and terminated. The ter-
mination procedures are the same as for the corresponding type of connection at a
workstation outlet or punchdown block. The termination techniques and proce-
dures to minimize untwist, kinks, and bends are described in Chapters 7 and 8.
Patch Panel Wire Management
Many of the potential problems that you will have with patch panels involve the
routing and dressing (putting in place) of terminated cables and connected patch
cords. The wide selection of wire management devices can help get the myriad of
wires under control and out of the way (Fig. 8.4). Some patch panels come with
ingenious methods of cable routing and strain relief for the station cable termina-
tions at the rear of the panel.
The use of external wire management trays, such as the slotted raceways from
several vendors, can eliminate the need for individual wire support and binding.
Similar slotted raceways are available for management of the patch cords on the
front of the panel. If the panel is not too many rows high, the patch cables can be
FIGURE 8.4
Wire management on patch panels.
