CAT6 Patch Panel

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StarBlazer

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#107030 5-Aug-2012 20:42

I've just spent the weekend running Cat6 cable under the house only to find that my RJ45 crimping stinks - personally I think it's probably the tool or the jack plugs :)

Anyway, I was thinking of using a patch panel instead as my keystone fitting is much better (IMO). So I've found these on TradeMe;

http://www.trademe.co.nz/computers/networking-modems/other/auction-499370372.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/computers/networking-modems/hubs-switches/auction-500898659.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/computers/cables-adaptors/networking/auction-500843192.htm

The only thing is the first auction says Cat6 but the picture says Cat5e - on a patch panel, is there any difference?

Perhaps you can recommend another alternative (including a good price on short patch leads). I could just be a cheapskate and buy 8 more Cat6 Keystone RJ45 Jacks/boxes and plates and 8 patch leads - but at least I would know that I had Cat6 gear.

Any thoughts?

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RunningMan

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#667964 5-Aug-2012 21:18

Have you looked at http://www.cablesdirect.co.nz/ for patch panels and leads?

Zeon

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#667972 5-Aug-2012 21:47

Haha yea crimping sucks :(. It's usually the tool. But same goes for punch down, it's pretty tricky aswell if you have a bad tool.

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StarBlazer

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#667976 5-Aug-2012 21:49

RunningMan: Have you looked at http://www.cablesdirect.co.nz/ for patch panels and leads?

Thanks RunningMan - I've had a look at cables direct and Ascent - particularly at item HPP-1008-1SL but what do I mount it to?

http://www.cablesdirect.co.nz/catalog/entry?entry=482&page_number=1

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chevrolux

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#667991 5-Aug-2012 22:05

Zeon: Haha yea crimping sucks :(. It's usually the tool. But same goes for punch down, it's pretty tricky aswell if you have a bad tool.

It is almost ALWAYS the user lol...

But anyway, go to your local electrical wholesaler and look for a dynamix 12-port mini patch panel. More than you need but you never know what you might add. Comes with a nice little back mount frame and are nice and easy to work on. Just one thing though, they aren't a 110 IDC they are a krone IDC so make sure you have the right tool.
Those small 8 port ones look like they have a small back mount bracket so you should be able to just screw it to the wall.

StarBlazer

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#668057 6-Aug-2012 07:24

chevrolux:
Zeon: Haha yea crimping sucks :(. It's usually the tool. But same goes for punch down, it's pretty tricky aswell if you have a bad tool.

It is almost ALWAYS the user lol...

But anyway, go to your local electrical wholesaler and look for a dynamix 12-port mini patch panel. More than you need but you never know what you might add. Comes with a nice little back mount frame and are nice and easy to work on. Just one thing though, they aren't a 110 IDC they are a krone IDC so make sure you have the right tool.
Those small 8 port ones look like they have a small back mount bracket so you should be able to just screw it to the wall.

I saw that, the only thing is some say Cat6 and orthers call them Cat5e - which was part of my original question; on the equipment, what's the difference really? Cable I understand, hardware where it's a block with connectors I don't.

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cyril7

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#668059 6-Aug-2012 07:31

Hi, Cat5e is rated and characterised to 100MHz (class D rating) whereas Cat6 is designed to meet Class E which is characterised to 250MHz. I should point out that both do GigE to the full 100meters.

The design of the termination on the patch panel is subtley different to meet the higher spec. This is more than just plastic housing and terminals in a patch panel (or wall outlet) socket, there is impendance matching components that are designed to their repective class rating.

I suggest you stay with a cat6 panel if you have cat6 cable, although at the end of the day it will still work just fine.

As for what to mount it on, I suggest a wall frame as linked below a 3U job is all you need, and dont forget to get a top plate (and optionally a bottom plate), you then mount the panel in that and you can also get a rack mounting switch to finish the job.

http://www.cablesdirect.co.nz/catalog/entry?entry=469

Cyril

StarBlazer

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#668060 6-Aug-2012 07:54

cyril7: Hi, Cat5e is rated and characterised to 100MHz (class D rating) whereas Cat6 is designed to meet Class E which is characterised to 250MHz. I should point out that both do GigE to the full 100meters.

The design of the termination on the patch panel is subtley different to meet the higher spec. This is more than just plastic housing and terminals in a patch panel (or wall outlet) socket, there is impendance matching components that are designed to their repective class rating.

I suggest you stay with a cat6 panel if you have cat6 cable, although at the end of the day it will still work just fine.

As for what to mount it on, I suggest a wall frame as linked below a 3U job is all you need, and dont forget to get a top plate (and optionally a bottom plate), you then mount the panel in that and you can also get a rack mounting switch to finish the job.

http://www.cablesdirect.co.nz/catalog/entry?entry=469

Cyril

If money was not a problem, I would probably go for something like that. Trouble is I've spent over $200 on cable, plates and a switch and now the Mrs is starting to get interested! I can't work out from the site what are the other parts which I would need - can you help me out so I can estimate a cost.

I must say I'm interested in the suggestion of the 12 port mini patch which is only $65 with GST and delivery is more in my price - but I like to do the job properly when possible.

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StarBlazer

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#668062 6-Aug-2012 08:05

cyril7: Hi, Cat5e is rated and characterised to 100MHz (class D rating) whereas Cat6 is designed to meet Class E which is characterised to 250MHz. I should point out that both do GigE to the full 100meters.

The design of the termination on the patch panel is subtley different to meet the higher spec. This is more than just plastic housing and terminals in a patch panel (or wall outlet) socket, there is impendance matching components that are designed to their repective class rating.

I suggest you stay with a cat6 panel if you have cat6 cable, although at the end of the day it will still work just fine.

As for what to mount it on, I suggest a wall frame as linked below a 3U job is all you need, and dont forget to get a top plate (and optionally a bottom plate), you then mount the panel in that and you can also get a rack mounting switch to finish the job.

http://www.cablesdirect.co.nz/catalog/entry?entry=469

Cyril

Sorry forgot to say thank you for the information. Glad to see they are not charging extra money for just a different label!!!

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cyril7

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#668063 6-Aug-2012 08:24

Hi, how many outlets do you have, if <12 then yes the surface mount 12port unit is all you need. How were you going to distibute phones, or are you runninng that seperately.

Cyril

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#668077 6-Aug-2012 08:58

cyril7: Hi, how many outlets do you have, if <12 then yes the surface mount 12port unit is all you need. How were you going to distibute phones, or are you runninng that seperately.

Cyril

Thanks - At the moment I have 5 actually in use and 2 spare - with the fly lead to the wireless router that makes 8, which fills the switch. That of course still leaves me with 3 spares on the wireless router as well - so I think 12 is enough for a long time.

I think I'm going to avoid touching the phones (if it aint broke....) - from what I can tell there is a master and 2 spurs. I use cordless phones and the Sky box is plugged into one of the spurs.

When I finally decide to go VoIP I will probably move the phone stuff to the cupboard - but that will be another story. I still have to decide on the cost benefit analysis - I'll soon have 2 teenage daughters using the phone constantly for local calls - which at the moment are free (TCL) - again that's another thread!

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cyril7

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#668112 6-Aug-2012 10:02

Hi, sounds all good, so you broadband, is it DSL or HFC Cable, if its DSL then I recommend you put a master filter in if not already done.

Cheers
Cyril

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#668117 6-Aug-2012 10:11

cyril7: Hi, sounds all good, so you broadband, is it DSL or HFC Cable, if its DSL then I recommend you put a master filter in if not already done.

Cheers
Cyril

It's not DSL. Phone provided by TelstraClear Cable - so I presume HFC - that's if TCL are that advanced! Never really thought that some of the network would be fibre - just presumed coax all the way.

Do you happen to know if any of the electrical suppliers in the Hutt stock patch panels - may take a drive later.

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cyril7

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#668151 6-Aug-2012 11:08

Hi, Egleys is where I would try first, 118 Hutt RD, otherwise Stewarts at 399 Hutt Rd. Cory's here in town (Taranaki St) did have them.

Cyril

StarBlazer

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#668856 7-Aug-2012 12:32

I just wanted to say thanks to you for your advice and recommendations.
I ended up buying the Dynamix 12 port mini patch from Advanced Electrical in Petone for $52+GST plus another $26+GST for the patch leads.

Got it on the wall and 6 cables punched in about 30 minutes and every one is working. Nice to see a 1G connection in the LAN setting :)

Here is the finished (for now) install. Still needs a bit of a tidy, waiting for the sparky to put a socket in the cupboard and two cables to go through the ceiling.

Plan is to build a box around with peg board for ventilation - that'll stop the kids yanking wires out when they throw the school bags in the cupboard.

Thanks again as always.

Procrastination eventually pays off.