A rack-mounted patch panel
A patch panel is a receptacle box that houses network cable connections. The panel is usually rack-mounted. Individual device cables plug into the front of the panel; a single thick cable comes out the back of the panel. The panel collects the signals from multiple circuits on the front and passes those signals down the larger cable in the back. When building a cable network, technicians use a set of specialized tools not typically found in an electrician's toolkit.
Cable Dresser
A cable dresser, also known as a cable comb, is used to bundle cables in a way that prevents them from becoming tangled. The dresser consists of two semi-circular pieces of thick, grooved plastic that snap together to form a band with the cables running through the center. Cable dressers come in sizes suitable for combing up to 12, 24 or 48 cables.
Punch Tool
A punch tool is a small hand tool that is used to cross-connect jumpers and terminate cable runs. Most are spring-loaded impact devices that terminate and trim at the same time. A punch tool is sometimes called a krone tool, named after one of the original manufacturers.
Butt Set
A butt set is used to test and monitor network lines during installation, repair and troubleshooting. Originally used by telephone linemen, butt sets have been adapted for computer networks and converged voice and data networks. Butt sets are also known as a lineman's handset. In addition to testing and monitoring functions, butt sets have integrated receivers, transmitters and dialing functions. This tool allows a repair technician to tap into phone lines and use them as a normal subscriber does.
Crimper
A crimper is a pliers-like tool used to install crimps, a type of solder-free, waterproof connector used to terminate wire strands. Crimp pliers and dies are color-coded, similar to Philips and Robertson screwdrivers. There are many different types of crimps including blade, ring and butt, and many different types of cable. This accounts for the need for specialized crimpers.
Related Posts:
Cat5 Patch Panel Tutorial
Wire a patch panel for your office or home network. Use either the 568A or 568B wiring schemes. Create a professional panel that is completely expandable for the future, and resilient to everyday...
Patch Panel Definition
Patch panels connect hardware devices via cable connections or wirelessly.Many hardware devices must be connected at times for testing or other purposes. This connection can be performed via physi...
Wire A Cat 5e Patch Panel
A CAT5E patch panel helps ensure cable integrity.Gigabit network infrastructure requires the installation of CAT5E or CAT6 (Category 5E or Category 6) cabling at a minimum in order to support high...
Coax Patch Panel Work
Coax patch panels are often utilized in situations where a variety of audio and video devices need to communicate with each other. A well-maintained patch panel is an important component of cable...
Cross Connect Network Switches To Patch Panels
Configure a LAN using a partial mesh design for failsafe redundancy.Connecting network switches to form a local area network (LAN) can be accomplished with only a single cable connection between e...
