+Zal Tarantula Thanks Zal for the comments! Internal guide for our techs new to network cabling in Philadelphia. Hope it covers a few things.......always more to cover.....but do not want too long winded :)
I've been putting off terminating my cables into my patch panel for a week now because I just could not figure out the best way to do it inside my tiny 9u cabinet. The trick with flipping the patch panel around is just awesome, and now I slap my head wondering why I never thought of it before. Many many thanks.
This will really come in handy since we have to re-cable 3 rooms for a grand total of 6 racks! A lot cabling with student volunteers who have no experience. I will use this to help explain how to punch down in the right order. Thanks!
Thanks Kathleen! Just a "touch" of how to run your cables. Really each job is a different look depending on the site.....but there is a "pattern". We are looking to improve our videos and show punching down a patch panel a bit better. Just wanted to say thanks! :)
LOL......we have all seen different ways....but yikes.....middle is rough :) Actually you could use the "fan out" method to star in the middle......I've seen various techs work with what they have been given. Like one time we followed a electrician that cut the bundle too short.....now that was some creative terminations :)
I'd like to see a switch + patch panel + organizer setup: order of mounting and how you drive the cables from the patch panel to the switch. As I remember from a distant past experience, 0.5 m cables are the shortest in such setups but still they can be arranged in an esthetic way. This could ease my work that I have to perform next week at a client. Thank you!
We mostly run 25 pair where I work. One of our night guys does the punches. I noticed there is always more unjacketed wire then if it was a multi-cable job. Are there any issues with interference?
Thanks Brandon for the question! Multi-cable job? I am leaning towards the issue with the wire exposed from the jacket. Every tech in the years I have been working in this field has different lengths. I can always tell from new clients if the installer was "any good" seeing the lengths. Typically vendors will have around the same suggestions, and our "rule of thumb" on our teams is remove the jacket an inch or less from the patch panel. It is true with say three inches of exposed wiring you might get interference. Being in the field we all know as soon as a vendor or IT comes in they lay cables everywhere! I could ramble on.....but keep the jacket on the wiring as close as the patch panel or jacks as possible.
The basic idea goes way back, and not just for computer circuits. It's the same for coax cable, such as for a TV aerial. The screening and other electrical features of the cable start to falter as soon as you strip the jacket. And even done right, the connector will suffer some signal loss. I have had alleged professionals do things that I wouldn't dare try. But my time is cheaper than theirs.
Can you give me some information on the service loop. do you loop in bundles. say 12,24,or 48 cables and loop them all together. Or do you loop them individually? Do you make the service loop above the stub out then make it nice with velcro & cable comb. Leave excess then cut to length and punch down ?
+Koshy1 Great question! Service loops vary from installers. Typically service loops are hidden. So if you are coming into a rack or server room it makes sense to hide like 4-6 ft of wiring above the ceiling. Keep in mind some come from the ground. Again, it really depends on the install. Never keep the loops in plain sight as we want the appearance to look neat and easy to work/service with. One thing we typically do is wrap the network cabling once on a J-Hook in the ceiling. Very rarely do you move your MDF or rack but.....if you do...then with a service loop you are good to go! Most techs will also mention to do a service loop, 6ft, at the end locations, like the workstations. Hope this helps! Paul
Thank you, would you loop all the cables together and velcro as one large bundle, or would you loop them individually, then Velcro all the loops together .
Without too much research....all of them :) Once we had a new client with his network and VoIP phones going up and down all the time. We checked out the jacks......old telephone guy, or some rookie, just did 2 pairs....WTH? Think of it this way.....on the network with just 3 pairs alot of lag and packets lost. Up in NY this week we got some VoIP phones back up and running after seeing only 3 pairs were working. Seems like two wires got damaged.....odd enough.....both wires were the brown pair.....the random cut was same for both wires....odd.
Bridge Cable thanks for the reply. Multi-cable in that you would have four 24 pair copper cables or one large copper cable patched to a 24 port panel instead of each port having one cable punched into it.
110 Style Patch Panels are old technology. Nobody who knows low voltage cabling uses a punch down tool and 110 style patch panels anymore for terminating low voltage cables. Rather, for high performing networks and cable terminations use modular data jacks on both ends of the cable and terminate them using a "crimp tool / wire termination tool." These tools provide a perfect seating of the copper wires into the modular jack. I don't care how good you are with a punch down tool, you'll end up separating the small copper prongs in the 100 style block and thus reducing your performance. Make it easy on yourself while providing the best cable performance you can. Acquire a patch panel that is un-populated so you can snap in the modular jacks, see this link: www.discount-low-voltage.com/Connectivity/Blank-Patch-Panels It really doesn't matter who the manufacturer is, all manufacturers provide blank / unpopulated patch panels. These are all the reasons why you should be using a crimp tool and not a punch down tool and terminating both ends of your cables onto jacks: 1.) Provides the best seating / termination of each individual copper wire into the jack. Result: Best Performance! 2.) It's much easier and way quicker: Result: Save Time! 3.) Cables enter the jack straight on, not kinked up or bent to run along the back of the 110 style patch panel. Result: Best Performance 4.) Blank / Un-populated Patch Panel are less expensive. So, you have 25 CAT6 cables that need to be terminated onto the patch panel? Why buy a 48 Port CAT 6 Patch Panel, buy a 48 Port blank Patch Panel and 25 Jacks. Why buy more ports than you need? By a few extra jacks for future cables. Result: Less expensive! 5.) Your patch panel will look great buy using these materials and method. Result: Professional Appearance Many more reasons to not use 110 style patch panels and punch down tools. Those who know use jacks and crimp tools at both ends of the cables..... Expand Communications LLC 414-550-4566
There's arguments both ways. And there is a Keystone RJ45 system with an all-in-one crimp direct to the cable rather than punch-down. I have seen several different sorts of punch-down tool, and it also depends on the type of cable you have, multi-strand or solid core. As always, use the correct tool. I am not sure it's all that much easier and quicker; you have the get the wires ordered right in the connector, even if the order is engraved in your brain, but I can see how that sort of pass-through Keystone can be useful if you expect things to be changed.
Great insight David and a good rundown of another way to terminate wires. I see that working and we have done the above in the past. However with skilled techs regular punch down blocks and tools are very common still. I'm unsure of how many sites you work on or have been on......95% of the sites we are called on and most techs will see still require a punch down tool. Granted using the mods is a clean look that most rookies can do. The only companies that would really insist on the above might be an enterprise site. Even then with a skilled tech the "old school" way is still leading the pack. Back and forth on this......plus real quick......the mods you install you need the brand jacks and crimper. "Old School" fits most brands....more universal. Out of my techs....they complain on mod panels.....they are skilled at cable management :)
Now I can die in joy, finally found a wiring video that does it the way I install for 20+ years. I thought I was the odd man out. Thanks for this.
LOL, thanks for the comment! You know then it is all about the installer. :)
been installing networks for 10 years already and managed to learn something new. awesome
+Zal Tarantula Thanks Zal for the comments! Internal guide for our techs new to network cabling in Philadelphia. Hope it covers a few things.......always more to cover.....but do not want too long winded :)
+Bridge Cable I never thought of turning the patch around always did it the hard way. never fun to install a 21u that's flat against a wall
I think the flip side is a great idea. I'm a low voltage apprentice it just makes it easier thanks for the great advice.
Welcome to this field! Rewarding and sky is really the limit! Get some experience and then aim for BICSI certs :)
Thanks I'll do keep making great video to help me out thanks a million
I've been putting off terminating my cables into my patch panel for a week now because I just could not figure out the best way to do it inside my tiny 9u cabinet. The trick with flipping the patch panel around is just awesome, and now I slap my head wondering why I never thought of it before. Many many thanks.
Aw Thanks! Proven the point on this channel....just trying to help others! :)
Was a fun informational video actually, retained the majority
Thanks! Spreading some tips to the new techs :) Love to hear what people would like to see in our videos....besides hair tips (I'm bald).
Thanks for informative video
So nice of you!! Thanks for viewing!
This will really come in handy since we have to re-cable 3 rooms for a grand total of 6 racks! A lot cabling with student volunteers who have no experience. I will use this to help explain how to punch down in the right order. Thanks!
Thanks Kathleen! Just a "touch" of how to run your cables. Really each job is a different look depending on the site.....but there is a "pattern". We are looking to improve our videos and show punching down a patch panel a bit better. Just wanted to say thanks! :)
These tips you post are really helpful! Thanks
this is really awesome.I learned a lot and will put it to work.you really made my day by watching this video. thanks so much
Thanks for the kind words......love to see YOUR videos if you post them. Always different ways to punch down.....just be NEAT :)
Bridge Cable thank you once more.looking forward to more videos from you.you just thought me a smart, neat and professional way to work.
great info and great insight on how to work in a tight space.
Thank you for taking the time to view the video!
Awesome Vid, thanks for sharing the knowledge.
Thank You! Trying to help and share what we have found useful :)
Keep in mind......always many ways to punch down a patch panel.....really depends on the site! :)
Thanks for this! Much appreciated
Thanks for the input! Just one of the many ways to punch down.....hoping it helps new techs!
I like this guy, he seems cool :)
Say for example: you start in the middle. You're a winner. lol
LOL......we have all seen different ways....but yikes.....middle is rough :) Actually you could use the "fan out" method to star in the middle......I've seen various techs work with what they have been given. Like one time we followed a electrician that cut the bundle too short.....now that was some creative terminations :)
it's a nice idea thanks a lot
Your a pro!
Trying to pass along information to whom needs it :) Thank You!
great explanation...thanks
Thank you for viewing! :)
Please can I loop a same cat6 from one socket point to another socket?
Like a connection from one port to another?
Thank you!
Thanks for the comment! Please let us know what else you would like to see!
I'd like to see a switch + patch panel + organizer setup: order of mounting and how you drive the cables from the patch panel to the switch.
As I remember from a distant past experience, 0.5 m cables are the shortest in such setups but still they can be arranged in an esthetic way.
This could ease my work that I have to perform next week at a client.
Thank you!
We mostly run 25 pair where I work. One of our night guys does the punches. I noticed there is always more unjacketed wire then if it was a multi-cable job. Are there any issues with interference?
Thanks Brandon for the question! Multi-cable job? I am leaning towards the issue with the wire exposed from the jacket. Every tech in the years I have been working in this field has different lengths. I can always tell from new clients if the installer was "any good" seeing the lengths. Typically vendors will have around the same suggestions, and our "rule of thumb" on our teams is remove the jacket an inch or less from the patch panel. It is true with say three inches of exposed wiring you might get interference. Being in the field we all know as soon as a vendor or IT comes in they lay cables everywhere! I could ramble on.....but keep the jacket on the wiring as close as the patch panel or jacks as possible.
The basic idea goes way back, and not just for computer circuits. It's the same for coax cable, such as for a TV aerial. The screening and other electrical features of the cable start to falter as soon as you strip the jacket. And even done right, the connector will suffer some signal loss.
I have had alleged professionals do things that I wouldn't dare try. But my time is cheaper than theirs.
Can you give me some information on the service loop.
do you loop in bundles. say 12,24,or 48 cables and loop them all together. Or do you loop them individually?
Do you make the service loop above the stub out then make it nice with velcro & cable comb. Leave excess then cut to length and punch down ?
+Koshy1 Great question! Service loops vary from installers. Typically service loops are hidden. So if you are coming into a rack or server room it makes sense to hide like 4-6 ft of wiring above the ceiling. Keep in mind some come from the ground. Again, it really depends on the install. Never keep the loops in plain sight as we want the appearance to look neat and easy to work/service with. One thing we typically do is wrap the network cabling once on a J-Hook in the ceiling. Very rarely do you move your MDF or rack but.....if you do...then with a service loop you are good to go! Most techs will also mention to do a service loop, 6ft, at the end locations, like the workstations. Hope this helps! Paul
Thank you, would you loop all the cables together and velcro as one large bundle, or would you loop them individually, then Velcro all the loops together .
Keep the main bundle together! :)
How many Cat 5e/6 pairs are require for VoIP?
Without too much research....all of them :) Once we had a new client with his network and VoIP phones going up and down all the time. We checked out the jacks......old telephone guy, or some rookie, just did 2 pairs....WTH? Think of it this way.....on the network with just 3 pairs alot of lag and packets lost. Up in NY this week we got some VoIP phones back up and running after seeing only 3 pairs were working. Seems like two wires got damaged.....odd enough.....both wires were the brown pair.....the random cut was same for both wires....odd.
Bridge Cable thanks for the reply. Multi-cable in that you would have four 24 pair copper cables or one large copper cable patched to a 24 port panel instead of each port having one cable punched into it.
I have the same tools!
110 Style Patch Panels are old technology. Nobody who knows low voltage cabling uses a punch down tool and 110 style patch panels anymore for terminating low voltage cables. Rather, for high performing networks and cable terminations use modular data jacks on both ends of the cable and terminate them using a "crimp tool / wire termination tool." These tools provide a perfect seating of the copper wires into the modular jack. I don't care how good you are with a punch down tool, you'll end up separating the small copper prongs in the 100 style block and thus reducing your performance. Make it easy on yourself while providing the best cable performance you can. Acquire a patch panel that is un-populated so you can snap in the modular jacks, see this link:
www.discount-low-voltage.com/Connectivity/Blank-Patch-Panels
It really doesn't matter who the manufacturer is, all manufacturers provide blank / unpopulated patch panels.
These are all the reasons why you should be using a crimp tool and not a punch down tool and terminating both ends of your cables onto jacks:
1.) Provides the best seating / termination of each individual copper wire into the jack. Result: Best Performance!
2.) It's much easier and way quicker:
Result: Save Time!
3.) Cables enter the jack straight on, not kinked up or bent to run along the back of the 110 style patch panel.
Result: Best Performance
4.) Blank / Un-populated Patch Panel are less expensive. So, you have 25 CAT6 cables that need to be terminated onto the patch panel? Why buy a 48 Port CAT 6 Patch Panel, buy a 48 Port blank Patch Panel and 25 Jacks. Why buy more ports than you need? By a few extra jacks for future cables.
Result: Less expensive!
5.) Your patch panel will look great buy using these materials and method.
Result: Professional Appearance
Many more reasons to not use 110 style patch panels and punch down tools. Those who know use jacks and crimp tools at both ends of the cables.....
Expand Communications LLC 414-550-4566
There's arguments both ways. And there is a Keystone RJ45 system with an all-in-one crimp direct to the cable rather than punch-down. I have seen several different sorts of punch-down tool, and it also depends on the type of cable you have, multi-strand or solid core. As always, use the correct tool.
I am not sure it's all that much easier and quicker; you have the get the wires ordered right in the connector, even if the order is engraved in your brain, but I can see how that sort of pass-through Keystone can be useful if you expect things to be changed.
Great insight David and a good rundown of another way to terminate wires. I see that working and we have done the above in the past. However with skilled techs regular punch down blocks and tools are very common still. I'm unsure of how many sites you work on or have been on......95% of the sites we are called on and most techs will see still require a punch down tool. Granted using the mods is a clean look that most rookies can do. The only companies that would really insist on the above might be an enterprise site. Even then with a skilled tech the "old school" way is still leading the pack. Back and forth on this......plus real quick......the mods you install you need the brand jacks and crimper. "Old School" fits most brands....more universal. Out of my techs....they complain on mod panels.....they are skilled at cable management :)