Will this Cat6 patch panel support Cat5e also?

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steve98

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Topic # 114252 13-Feb-2013 13:32

Our new build has been wired with Cat5e, and the builders have installed one of Dynamix's 28" HWC metal cabinets in the garage. I am now looking for a 16-port patch panel to go inside it.

Initially I found the Dynamix HPP-1008-1 which is an 8-port patch panel designed specifically to fit nicely into that cabinet. I figured two would do the job. But now I see that on the Dynamix website they no longer advertise this product and seem to be doing the HPP-1008-1SL instead but the trouble is that says it's Cat 6. Would a Cat 6 patch panel be backwards compatible with Cat 5e cabling or am I going to have to try to source a couple of these discontinued ones?

Cheers

Steve

Zeon

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Reply # 761728 13-Feb-2013 13:45

Yes cat6 panels will definitely work with cat5e cable.

steve98

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Reply # 761730 13-Feb-2013 13:46

Is there no issue with the fact that cat 6 is slightly thicker? i.e. when the Cat 5e is punched down will it still sit tightly enough in a Cat6 patch panel to be reliable? Cheers

chevrolux

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Reply # 761891 13-Feb-2013 18:59

It will be fine. Not much difference at all between IDCs on 5e and 6 panels.

steve98

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Reply # 761910 13-Feb-2013 19:26

Sweet thanks for the reassurance. Explains why they discontinued the Cat5e model I guess.

webwat

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Reply # 767549 22-Feb-2013 12:01

steve98: Sweet thanks for the reassurance. Explains why they discontinued the Cat5e model I guess.

I've had problems with Cat5e cables being loose in Cat6 panels before. It should work but you might need to make extra sure the cable is tied down and can't move in a way that could work itself loose. It should be done like that anyway but try to find a Cat5e panel if you can.

Qualified in business, certified in fibre, stuck in copper, have to keep going ^_^