Need your recommendation for a patch panel

[RoamDog]

I am having my basement partially finished. I am installing 14 runs of Cat5e to various rooms. I just bought a Netgear switch (I want to be able to transfer viodeo files). But now I am thinking that I should go ahead and get a patch panel to terminate all these wires (rather than just putting jacks on the ends and plugging straight into the switch). So, what patch panel should I purchase? Obviously, I need at least 14 ports (probably want at least 16). This is a home set up so I do not need a super-high-grade commercial piece of equipment capable of allowing me to set up my own ISP, but I do not want to purchase a total piece of crap. What would recommend? What do I look for when choosing a patch panel? I suppose I should also ask if there are home versions of racks that I could install the patch panel in (this is not mandatory but as long as you are giving me advice)...

 

[fartbag]

I have bought stuff from gruber. They have an ebay store so just search for the name. They also have wall mount brackets to mount the patch panel to in case you are not mounting to a two post rack or something.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gruber-2-Rack-Space...17QQcategoryZ20316QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



Looks like you might find a better deal through ebay on the patch panel but at least this gets you started.

 

[cmetz]

RoamDog, Ortronics and Panduit are very good. Otherwise, go with inexpensive.

There are swing-out wall-mount brackets you can get that allow you to mount a patch panel directly on a wall (studs). This is what I suggest for low-density sites like homes. A rack is overkill.

 

[RoamDog]

Wow. That seller has a TON of stuff. I am in way over my head as I do not even understand the descriptions of most of the items.

Originally posted by: fartbag
I have bought stuff from gruber. They have an ebay store so just search for the name. They also have wall mount brackets to mount the patch panel to in case you are not mounting to a two post rack or something.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Gruber-2-Rack-Space...17QQcategoryZ20316QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem



Looks like you might find a better deal through ebay on the patch panel but at least this gets you started.

 

[RoamDog]

Thanks for the recommendation. I will look around to see if I can find Ortronics or Panduit models locally. Note that I do not have access to the secret supply places in my local area that electricians and cabling professionals do.

The wall mount brackets sound great; however, the space I have has no studs at this point as it is just basement wall (cement). I would have to build/frame a space to get studs to attach to which is why I was toying with the idea of just getting a rack and being done with it. But then I have to figure out if I need a 2-post or a 4-post. And then convince my CFO that our home really needs this gear.

Originally posted by: cmetz
RoamDog, Ortronics and Panduit are very good. Otherwise, go with inexpensive.

There are swing-out wall-mount brackets you can get that allow you to mount a patch panel directly on a wall (studs). This is what I suggest for low-density sites like homes. A rack is overkill.

 

[RebateMonger]

Definitely go with a patch panel, instead of using crimp-on RJ45 connectors. An intermittent connector can be a pain to troubleshoot.

Monoprice.com has excellent prices on networking components and delivers almost instantly. I buy lots of patch cables from them. They have several patch panels at decent prices. I have NO idea if the quality is good, bad, or indifferent.