Do network cables HAVE to be terminated in a patch panel? Regulations?

[Gaz]

Not a terrible idea, but as someone else said, putting an RJ45/8P8C connector on the end of a solid core CAT5e/CAT6 cable is not going to be as good as on a stranded one - the contact may be a bit hit and miss. So, you'd need to make sure its properly done. Not to mention, those panels are outrageously expensive! Normal ones are £20-£40.

 

I'd still say do it properly with a punch-down patch panel.

 

Hes got 3 options really.

 

Cut all the cables and patch panel them - A lot of work and will the company still honour the work they have already done if you modify it?

Use a pass through patch panel - easy work but connection may be flaky (only if moved about alot and if they are patched into a panel then they won't be moving)

Get the company back in to do the work - can you trust them to do the work?

 

Just got to work out the time to cost to effort ratio.

[GeekyPete]

Just to nitpick on this - there are such things as solid core plugs where the blades are designed differently and work fine with solid cable. I sometimes use them to wire in APs, and they work fine.

 

Still best practice to use a patch panel, but if they have used the right termination plugs, connection quality should not be an issue.

 

I can see where you are coming from on this. The AP in the ceiling isn't going to be moved much. But it is still cutting corners. The correct way to do it is mount an ethernet socket in a box close by the AP and patch it from there. I think the OP isn't talking about that end of the wire though.He's talking about a patch panel in the cab. Are you suggesting that RJ45 solid core plugs are an acceptable alternative to a patch panel?

[Davit2005]

Any decent company should put a patch panel in unless a big problem is preventing (i.e. lack of room) but this should of been flagged up when they looked at the work.

 

I would of got seriously ear bashing and sent back out to do the job properly If I'd of done that in a previous job when I used to do network cabling.

 

A patch panel + patch cables would be more expensive but should be a hell of a lot more manageable, reliable and look a hell of a lot better.

Edited February 5, 2014 by Davit2005

[Frut02]

Sounds messy!!!

[GeekyPete]

What about labelling? is there anyway to marry the end in the server room with the socket at the other end? Or have they just put an ethernet plug on that end too?

 

really, call this bloke's boss. He's doing no one any favours, least of all his employers.