How to Punch Down a Network Ethernet Patch Panel

Summary

This video tutorial demonstrates the process of punching down a Cat5e cable into a 24-port patch panel using the 568B wiring standard. The step-by-step guide covers the tools needed, cable preparation, and the importance of proper wire placement to ensure optimal network performance. Viewers are taught to untwist cable pairs, match wires with the patch panel slots, and use an impact tool for secure connections. Tips for minimizing signal loss and ensuring efficient cable management are also shared, making it a comprehensive guide for both beginners and experienced technicians.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video demonstrates how to properly punch down a networking patch panel using a Cat5e cable.
• 😀 The Cat5e cable used is a four-pair, 24 gauge cable, and tools needed include electrician snips for cutting.
• 😀 It’s important to avoid cutting into the copper conductor sheath when removing the cable jacket, so a pull string should be used to pull it back.
• 😀 The cable consists of four pairs: blue, orange, brown, and green.
• 😀 The patch panel being used is a 24-port Cat5e panel with a 110 block, and the wiring color codes follow the 568B standard.
• 😀 When lacing the cable into the patch panel, start in the middle of the panel to prevent over-twisting the conductors and ensure optimal performance.
• 😀 The solid blue conductor should be placed in the solid blue slot, the blue/white in the white/blue slot, and similarly for the other color pairs (orange, green, brown).
• 😀 It’s important to only untwist the pairs by no more than half an inch to maintain Category 5e transmission performance.
• 😀 An impact tool is required for punching down the cable into the patch panel, with a high setting and a 110 blade for the process.
• 😀 After correctly aligning each conductor with its respective slot, punch down the cable using the impact tool, ensuring each conductor is securely connected.
• 😀 The video encourages viewers to check out other related videos and product offerings on their YouTube channel and online store.

Q & A

What type of cable is being used in the video?

The video uses a Cat5e cable, which is a four-pair, 24-gauge cable commonly used for networking.

What tools are required for punching down a networking patch panel?

The tools required include a pair of electrician snips to cut the cable and a punch-down impact tool for lacing the conductors into the patch panel.

Why is it important to avoid cutting into the copper conductor with the snips?

Cutting into the copper conductor can damage the cable, affecting its performance and the transmission of data. It is essential to keep the copper intact to ensure a good connection.

What is the significance of the color codes on the patch panel?

The color codes on the patch panel follow wiring standards like 568A or 568B. They guide you in correctly lacing the conductors into the patch panel, ensuring proper connectivity and network performance.

Which wiring standard is more commonly used in the video, 568A or 568B?

The video uses the 568B wiring standard, which is the more commonly used standard in networking today.

Why is it recommended to start lacing the cable from the middle of the patch panel?

Starting from the middle ensures that the conductors are not untwisted more than half an inch, which is crucial for maintaining Category 5e transmission performance and minimizing signal loss.

What happens if you untwist the cable pairs more than half an inch?

Untwisting the cable pairs more than half an inch can cause performance issues, such as slower data transmission or reduced network speed, especially when testing the cable with a certifier.

What is the purpose of the impact tool during the punching-down process?

The impact tool is used to push the conductors into the patch panel and cut off the excess cable. The high setting ensures a clean, secure connection, while the 110 blade does the cutting.

How do you correctly punch down the cable into the patch panel?

To correctly punch down the cable, align the conductor with the appropriate slot on the patch panel, then use the impact tool to push it down into place. The sharper part of the 110 blade cuts off the excess cable.

Where can you order networking products like patch panels and cables mentioned in the video?

Networking products such as patch panels and cables can be ordered online from the source mentioned in the video, which offers a variety of options including CAT5e, CAT6, and shielded cables.