Can I go from a punch down block to network switch?

[K997]

Hi there - I getting ready to move into a condo that has network drops on several walls already. In total, there are 5 drops with 2 RJ-45 connectors each. I thought this was great until I opened up the On-Q/Verizon FiOS box, only to find that all the cables appear to be terminated into a punchdown block with no RJ-45 connectors (pic attached).

My question is: Is it possible to go from this punch down block, straight into a network switch? I was thinking of buying some pre-made cat-5 cables, clipping one end and "attaching" them to the punchdown block, but I don't know if that's even possible and if it is, how?

This is what I could find regarding the punch down block that is installed:
http://www.legrand.us/-/media/brands/on-q/on-q/is-sheets/is0360revo.ashx

And this is the network switch I'm thinking of getting and placing inside the other utility box in the wall (next to the Verizon ONT):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0032FO20O/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ALZYDHGPLQNLD

Just need to figure out how to connect the two ... thanks for any direction ya'll can provide!

 

[ch33zw1z]

The punchdown block spec sheet and webpage appears to be for voice.

To answer your question: "Can I go from a punch down block to a network switch?"

Yes - that's how it works.

You will need an appropriate punch down block though, and a switch in the cabinet with the module.

http://www.legrand.us/categories/networking/wired-networks/networking-modules.aspx

Also, I would check the drops in the rooms to verify how they're cabled. You want both sides to be either 568A or 568B for a straight thru run.

There's a bit more to look at though.

What type of cabling is used right now? Read the jacket and see if it's "patch" cable or "riser" cable

Patch = stranded, and should not be punched down into blocks
Riser = solid core, and should be punch into blocks

May as well double check these things while setting it up.

 

[K997]

The punchdown block spec sheet and webpage appears to be for voice.

To answer your question: "Can I go from a punch down block to a network switch?"

Yes - that's how it works.

You will need an appropriate punch down block though, and a switch in the cabinet with the module.

http://www.legrand.us/categories/networking/wired-networks/networking-modules.aspx

Also, I would check the drops in the rooms to verify how they're cabled. You want both sides to be either 568A or 568B for a straight thru run.

There's a bit more to look at though.

What type of cabling is used right now? Read the jacket and see if it's "patch" cable or "riser" cable

Patch = stranded, and should not be punched down into blocks
Riser = solid core, and should be punch into blocks

May as well double check these things while setting it up.

Thanks for the feedback! I had suspected that the block is for voice, not data. What's weird is the installer patched the data cables into a voice block and left the voice cables (the grey ones) unpatched. All the blue the data cables are solid core from what I can tell.

So at this point, I can replace the existing patch panel with a new one from Legrand however, would it be possible to use the existing one and just patch in cables that will run into my switch? Or should I gut the whole thing and install a new patch panel (and check for cabling standards while I'm at it)? My fear is loss of signal/bandwidth but I don't know if that will really be impacted.

 

[ch33zw1z]

Take a few minutes and think about the path from point A to point B.

The existing one doesn't have any way to allow cabling to a switch.

In the link, you'll find a couple different punch down blocks that have the RJ-45's built in for the runs to a switch / router

You can either buy a Legrande punch down block that is suitable for LAN networks, or just buy regular punch down blocks and punch the cables into those, secure them nicely and let it go.

Either way, you'll need patch cables from the blocks to a switch.

 

[K997]

Take a few minutes and think about the path from point A to point B.

The existing one doesn't have any way to allow cabling to a switch.

In the link, you'll find a couple different punch down blocks that have the RJ-45's built in for the runs to a switch / router

You can either buy a Legrande punch down block that is suitable for LAN networks, or just buy regular punch down blocks and punch the cables into those, secure them nicely and let it go.

Either way, you'll need patch cables from the blocks to a switch.

Ok got it. I'll pick up a new Legrand patch panel then. Last question - can you recommend a "drop tester" that is capable of testing/toning and highlighting which standard the drop is configured as?

 

[ch33zw1z]

While I can't recommend a specific one based on recent experience (or even experience in the last few years, as it's been that long since I've needed one), a quick google search shows this one for under $40 USD on amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/SC8108-Network-Length-Cable-Tester/dp/B00A20KO18

You would attach a know working cable to each end of the run and test it end to end.

 

[K997]

Awesome, thanks!