Doesn't this panel create more problems down the line?

Arjun

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Doesn't this panel create more problems down the line? Isn't it better to punch rather than just plug and click?
 

IAmATeaf

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It looks like it’s basically a utp coupler similar to what you’d use to extend say an Ethernet cable.

Can’t see why it would cause any issue as it’s just a more glorified patch panel minus the need to punch down but you’d need to put a plug on all the tails coming in behind it.
 

mat200

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Doesn't this panel create more problems down the line? Isn't it better to punch rather than just plug and click?
Yes .. @Arjun

FYI - for those wondering, THIS is the backside of the "patch panel"

Which means, you need to terminate the bulk cat5e/6 line with an RJ45 and plug it into the back of the panel, OR use premade cat5e/6 cables ..

IT Professionals I know prefer a proper punch down on the backside of the panel.

I personally DO not recommend this style of patch panel.
 

tigerwillow1

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My thinking is this type of panel adds 2 more connectors to each cable run, adding more potential failure points. In my history, the single biggest type of failure has been with connectors.
 

slidermike

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Agreed, quality connectors make for a solid connection. No different than punching them down. I punch down connectors and sometimes they are not secure; no different than prebuilt as long as they are making a good contact.

All datacenters use patch panels. There is nothing wrong with doing this if you do it right. Mine has been working without issue for years.
 

kd5mdk

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If you're running bulk wire, you'll need to terminate each end with something. Punching down is in my experience a bit harder to get right than crimping a plug. But not so much harder it's worth crimping your own cables to use a passthrough jack.

IT Professionals usually hire an outside contractor to run the wires and do the punchdown, use their Fluke tester to provide a certification for each run and warranty they'll come out and fix it if it fails. If you're doing it yourself that's a bunch of different steps you're unlikely to do as well.

If you're running premade cables, then having a panel like this is definitely superior, and the cables are probably better made than what you can do yourself too. The only trouble is getting the right lengths.
 
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