Cat 6 Patch Panels - Keystone or Traditional?

[Avery]

Looking at patch panels... For residential ethernet - is it any better to use a traditional patch panel versus a plate that you insert the keystone jack? I will probably have 30-40 terminations, and will likely buy a whole-keystone jack punchdown tool, as well, but not sure if these types of patch panels are considered not as good.

 

[capncybo]

Looking at patch panels... For residential ethernet - is it any better to use a traditional patch panel versus a plate that you insert the keystone jack? I will probably have 30-40 terminations, and will likely buy a whole-keystone jack punchdown tool, as well, but not sure if these types of patch panels are considered not as good.

There is no definitive answer because either way will have advantages & disadvantages.
With Keystone couplers you will have twice as many contacts every-time you pass through a coupler... But you will eliminate human error re installation.
The Keystone couples will drive up your cost substantially, however... with your installation-time being accounted for... manually punching all terminations your time will add up... & if you're tired, the possibility of making mistakes will likely increase. Note: I really doubt using two Keystone couplers per line would impair ones ability to achieve 1G or faster speeds.

 

[CaptainSTX]

In either setup you end up up with a female RJ-45 Jack at both ends of the cable. You don't use couplers but take a jumper cable and plug one end into the patch panel and the other into a LAN port on your switch. You will be better off buying factory made jumper cables as it isn't worth the time and effort to make your own short cables with male jacks on both ends.

For the number of ports you want on a patch panel I would probably go with a pre-made patch panel as it would be more compact and finding a neat method to mount 30 - 40 keystone jacks is going to take some research. I have fabricated small patch panels using a quad electrical boxs and then mounting four duplex Decora style RJ-45 female jacks, but going bigger to this means both finding a box(s) and face plate covers.

 

[Avery]

I might not have been clear in my question. I'm referring to using keystones in one of these:

Blank Wall Mount Patch Panel with 12 Ports and Zero-U for HD Style - ICC

The 12-port high-density (HD) flush vertical (wall mount) blank patch panel is designed to be used with high-density (HD) modular connectors. It comes with an 89U bracket offering deeper depth for better cable routing.

icc.com

Blank Patch Panel with 24 Ports for HD Style in 1 RMS - ICC

ICC offers Blank Patch Panels. This individual patch panel is designed to support voice, data, audio, video, and fiber optic distribution. Designed to fit all standard 19″ racks and cabinets while giving off a professional appearance. This particular patch panel is equipped with 24 ports in one...

icc.com

versus one of these 110 style patch panels:

CAT6 Vertical Patch Panel with 12 Ports - ICC

ICC’s Category 6 (CAT6) vertical 12-port patch panel surpasses industry requirements for Category 6 performance. This vertical patch panel offers a flexible solution suitable for use as a consolidation point. It comes with a bracket for easy wall mounting and comes with an integrated universal...

icc.com

CAT6 Patch Panel with 24 Ports and 1 RMS - ICC

The Category 6 (CAT6) 24-port, 1 RMS patch panel exceeds TIA’s Category 6 performance standards. This horizontal patch panel is designed with rear 110 IDCs for quick and easy punch-down termination. It also comes integrated with a universal label for either 568-A or B wiring. Package includes...

icc.com

 

[Tech Junky]

Why not just do a 48 port panel?

48-Port 1U Rack-Mount Cat6 Cat5 110 Patch Panel, RJ45 | Eaton

Tripp Lite's Category 6 Patch Panels offer you all the functionality and compatibility as any name brand. Each panel comes with 110-type termination, while meeting and exceeding EIA/TIA TSB-40 Category 6 connecting hardware specifications. Color coded for both EIA/TIA 568A & 568B installations...

www.tripplite.com

 

[Laxarus]

Keystones are easier to work with and configuration mistakes can be isolated. Imagine changing your rack location or replacing a cable.

 

[Avery]

Why not just do a 48 port panel?

48-Port 1U Rack-Mount Cat6 Cat5 110 Patch Panel, RJ45 | Eaton

Tripp Lite's Category 6 Patch Panels offer you all the functionality and compatibility as any name brand. Each panel comes with 110-type termination, while meeting and exceeding EIA/TIA TSB-40 Category 6 connecting hardware specifications. Color coded for both EIA/TIA 568A & 568B installations...

www.tripplite.com

The number is less of the focus.... I was just illustrating a 110 style patch panel, vs one that keystones snap into.

 

[Tech Junky]

Then just do whatever is easier to manage and install.

 

[Avery]

In either setup you end up up with a female RJ-45 Jack at both ends of the cable. You don't use couplers but take a jumper cable and plug one end into the patch panel and the other into a LAN port on your switch. You will be better off buying factory made jumper cables as it isn't worth the time and effort to make your own short cables with male jacks on both ends.

For the number of ports you want on a patch panel I would probably go with a pre-made patch panel as it would be more compact and finding a neat method to mount 30 - 40 keystone jacks is going to take some research. I have fabricated small patch panels using a quad electrical boxs and then mounting four duplex Decora style RJ-45 female jacks, but going bigger to this means both finding a box(s) and face plate covers.

Thanks.

I missed this one earlier. The patch panel frames that you snap the keystones into are readily available... some examples linked above. It sounds like the keystone 'templates' may be the way to go.

 

[follower]

Looking at patch panels... For residential ethernet - is it any better to use a traditional patch panel versus a plate that you insert the keystone jack? I will probably have 30-40 terminations, and will likely buy a whole-keystone jack punchdown tool, as well, but not sure if these types of patch panels are considered not as good.

Key stone: No.
Traditional Patch Panel: Yes. $1 punch down tool is enough for you.
This is just an example for professionals. Go to Amazon and buy something.

Copper Panels

Learn more about high-performing copper panels for voice telephony, data transmission, and broadband networks. Enhance connectivity with CommScope

www.commscope.com

 

[thiggins]

When I wired my new home, I used the 110 style panel. Cheap and easy to use. For room outlets, I used Leviton modular connectors. Also easy to use, but expensive.
As others have said, it's a matter of preference.

 

[Avery]

Thanks, all. Doesn't sound like here are any real pros or cons. I am going to go with the modular style, for ease of maintenance and adding/removing/replacing later. That also lets me use a full-jack punch-down tool, which should reduce the risk of me screwing it up - given I've only done this in one home previously.

Now, I just need to figure out which of those systems to go with. Leaning towards ICC HD or Belden REVConnect, possibly Platinum's system.

 

[follower]

Thanks, all. Doesn't sound like here are any real pros or cons. I am going to go with the modular style, for ease of maintenance and adding/removing/replacing later. That also lets me use a full-jack punch-down tool, which should reduce the risk of me screwing it up - given I've only done this in one home previously.

Now, I just need to figure out which of those systems to go with. Leaning towards ICC HD or Belden REVConnect, possibly Platinum's system.

Then use a shielded key stone. Absolutely CAT.7 SFTP with STP RJ45 or above right? 10gb would be nice. But why don't you use Fiber system?

 

[SSri]

110-style panel terminated at the attic. Shielded
RJ45 faceplates as outlets in rooms.