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What is a patch panel?

Views : 111
Author : CETUS INTL
Update time : 2023-12-07 16:27:57
Have you ever heard of RJ45 patch panel? So what is a patch panel? This article will answer it for you!

What is a patch panel?
Distribution frame - the most important component in the management subsystem
Equipment used for end user lines or trunk lines and for arranging and connecting them.
The management subsystem's most crucial element is the patch panel. The hub for cross-connection of vertical trunk lines and horizontal cabling.
Patch panels are typically installed in a wall or cabinet. The patch panel can fulfill various needs by adding accessories for different types of cables and signals.
In network engineering, distribution frames that are frequently utilized encompass twisted pair distribution frames and optical fiber distribution frames. Two categories of distribution frames exist: main distribution frames and intermediate distribution frames. These categories are based on where they are used and their purposes.



Main distribution frame-MDF
Utilized to link subscriber lines, trunk lines, and dedicated lines to the respective interface points of the telephone exchange. To conduct testing, wiring and protection of intra-office equipment.
The configuration of MDF is split into two aspects: vertical and lateral. The in-line can be installed with protective arrangements, and the horizontal can be installed with test rows or wiring poles. For direct trunk lines or exclusive lines that don't need safeguarding, one can also set up test poles or wiring panels.
Identical model main distribution frames can be interconnected to cater to expansion requirements. The main distribution frame of user switches is mostly box-type because of its small capacity. The early main distribution frame was large in size, with a maximum capacity of 303 circuits per column.
Various types of new distribution frames exist for different occasions. These include wall-mounted, floor-standing, single-sided, and double-sided frames.
The primary roles of the main distribution frame include:
Security role
It protects user lines from high voltage or large current flow.

Wiring
Any user can select an intra-office number. The trunk module within the office can be selected to be occupied by trunk lines between various offices. And according to the needs of dedicated lines, it can connect inter-office and related user lines.

Intermediate distribution frame-IDF
A patch panel connects the incoming and outgoing lines between machines inside the telephone exchange. Two types of installation for it exist: the main distribution frame and the intermediate distribution frame. These categories are determined by the switching apparatus and the distribution frame between machines.
The configuration of IDF is also split into two aspects: vertical and horizontal. Connect the outgoing wires of the equipment in series, and connect the incoming wires of the equipment horizontally. Both vertical and horizontal lines come with wiring strips. The improved wiring strip has wire winding on one side.
The other side is the soldering wire. IDF's main function is to distribute incoming and outgoing lines among switching equipment at all levels, maximizing their effectiveness.

​The above is an introduction to the distribution frame.