Patch Panels

Patch panel - A network socket with multiple ports

A patch panel is used for all network connections that can be consolidated in one area.

There can be network connections from your home or workplaces such as an office area and an industrial area.

Network cables from the relevant areas can be connected to a patch panel's network connectors.

The network connectors in a patch panel have numbers 1-24, so you assign a corresponding number to your outlet at home or in the office.

This way you get a complete overview of your network connections, which can make life as an internet user much easier in the long run.

If you need a solution for either your home or your workplace, take your time here on our site and look at our large selection of patch panels.

You have a fantastic opportunity to find just the right patch panel for your internet usage.             

5 things you should consider before buying a patch panel

If you're not very strong in the technical work required for setting up and connecting to the internet, don't worry.

Below we have gathered a range of useful information that can help you understand what to consider when buying a patch panel.

We will educate you about the many different types of patch panels available in the market and their good features.

We will also cover the number of ports in patch panels and whether you want a shielded or unshielded patch panel.    

#1 - Types of patch panels and their features

There are many different types of patch panels available on the market, so your choice of patch panel should be based on the internet usage you may have on a daily basis, either privately or for work.

If it is for private purposes, you can settle for a mini version of a patch panel that is intended for you to mount it on a desk or on a wall. 

A mini patch panel is in a compact size, so it doesn’t take up much space in your home office and does not require tools for installation.

If you are an entrepreneur running a web agency, it’s wise to consider investing in a large and wide version of a patch panel, so you can be sure that there is internet connection for all work computers.

Large patch panels often come with accompanying mounting equipment such as screws and include a manual that can guide you on how to set up a patch panel of this type.

It is definitely recommended that you take the time to explore our selection of patch panels and read more about their various features so that you are sure to buy the patch panel you may need.  

#2 - Number of ports in patch panels

There are differences in the number of ports in various patch panels, which is where you plug in your network cables individually.

If you do not have a great need for many network connections in your private home, you can settle for a patch panel with, for example, 8 ports, which should be enough for the household.

On the other hand, if you are an employer who needs enough for all the network connections that may be at your workplace, it’s best to opt for a patch panel with 24 ports.

Here are examples of the number of ports you find in patch panels:

• 8
• 12
• 16
• 24   

#3 - Types of network cables that can be used in patch panels

There are various connection types for the different patch panels, which is worth considering when you need to look for a patch panel.

If you have some Cat 5e network cables, then you should look for the type of patch panel that is intended for use with Cat5e network cables.

This way you can be sure to buy the patch panel that you know you can use.

Here are examples of the types of current network cables used in various patch panels, categorized:

• CAT5 - category 5
• CAT5e - category 5E
• CAT6 - category 6
• CAT6a - category 6A
• CAT7 - category 7
• CAT8 - category 8

You can view our selection of patch panels and click on each one to see what different types of network cables they use. 

#4 - Shielded or unshielded patch panel

There are patch panels that can be shielded or unshielded, and it is up to you to decide what works best for you.

• A shielded patch panel means you can use it for, for example, STP/FTP shielded network installations.
• An unshielded patch panel is ideal if you are using UTP network installations.

There are also patch panels that allow you to be both shielded or unshielded.

You can check our selection of patch panels to see which are unshielded or shielded.   

#5 - Choosing a color for the patch panel

You have the option to buy a patch panel in a color that may match your private environment or the environment at your workplace.

If you have white walls, it is obvious to go for a patch panel in a stylish white color that doesn’t draw too much attention.

The color choice of a patch panel naturally has nothing to do with its functions, so it is purely a matter of taste.

Here are examples of colors a patch panel can be available in:

• White
• Dark gray
• Black

5 advantages of having a patch panel 

There are many advantages to buying a patch panel for either home or workplace.

Among the good advantages of patch panels are, for example:

1. Scalability. Once you have installed a patch panel, you can easily add new devices to it without having to run new cables from one end to the other.
2. Reduction of cable interference. With a patch panel, you can minimize the risk of cable interference that can cause a lot of trouble. 
3. Cost-effective solution. A patch panel is not considered a “smart” device, as it is used solely to facilitate the transfer of data. Therefore, it is not very expensive to buy a patch panel.   
4. Low cable costs. By having a patch panel, you can settle for short cables that do not cost much compared to longer cables. 
5. Easy maintenance. If you need to test a cable or perform other maintenance tasks, it can be done quickly and easily compared to if each of your devices had a cable run to its destination.