Fiber Optic Components: Patch Panels

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FIBER OPTIC COMPONENTS: PATCH PANELS

When it comes to fiber optic communication networks, a patch panel is used for fiber management. The main function of the panel is to transmit signals from one cable to another without interruption or the loss of signals and/or data. These panels also have the ability to interchange the individual cables to create the correct circuit on the front and have compound connectors on the back that do not differentiate which signal is coming from any given individual port. Special software has been developed to help facilitate the data transfers taking place.

To further the fiber management functionalities, the software can monitor data transfer signal strength, changes in temperature and power fluctuations in the patch panels themselves. These panels also make it very easy for a technician to quickly change the path of select cables without the expense of dedicated switching equipment.

There are four main components when it comes to fiber optic patch panels. These components consist of rack mount, wall mount, and patch & splice patch panels as well as sliding racks. The design is standard so you can mix and match with equipment from other manufacturers and applications. The rack mount patch panel is capable of holding 144 fibers, while the wall mount can fit 12, 36 or 72 cable connections. The patch & splice panels can hold up to 288 connections and is also compatible with existing frames from other vendors. The sliding rack is good for extremely compact design scenarios and only takes up 1.75 inches of rack space.

FiberOne Connectivity has a complete selection of patch panels including rack mount, wall mount, patch & splice and sliding racks. These products are easy-to-use and have a very compact design. All of their components meet Telcordia, TIA/EIA and JIS specifications as well.