| Patch panels are used as the central point in a | | | | you are running Cat 6 cable, you will need a Cat 6 |
| network where all the network cables terminate. | | | | patch panel. |
| It is the grand central station of the network. | | | | Network panels come in various designs and |
| Networks that use these panels (and almost all | | | | styles. There are patch where the cables plug-in |
| modern networks use this technology) are | | | | straight (90°), or angled at a 45° angle |
| consider "star-networks" or they use the term | | | | downwards; there are panels with 110 style punch |
| "star-topology." This is because if you look at a | | | | downs on the back and ones with tool-less punch |
| drawing of your network, all the network nodes | | | | downs; there are various number of ports on the |
| (nodes are end-points on the network and include | | | | panels. Check the internet for the vast array of |
| things like computers and printer) all connect back | | | | styles available. There are also two different |
| to the central "hub" and it looks like a big | | | | standards for network panels: T568A and T568B |
| starburst. Another term is "spoke-and-wheel" | | | | mentioned above. Be sure to buy the correct |
| where the "wheel" is your hub and patch panel | | | | ones for the installation! |
| and the individual cables going out to your nodes | | | | It is best to buy patch panels that are rated for |
| (computers and printers) become the spokes. | | | | both standards. Since the only difference between |
| They come in various types and configurations | | | | the two standards is the order of the colored |
| from the simple wall-mounted 12-port patch panel | | | | pairs, most manufacturers rate their patch panels |
| block, to elaborate 96-port (and more!) | | | | for both standards. They simply have both wiring |
| rack-mounted patch panel. As was mentioned | | | | diagrams affixed to their patch panels. |
| above, patch panels are rated for speed. So if | | | | |