Black Box CAT5e Feed-Through Patch Panel - 2U, Unshielded, 48-Port

The Black Box CAT5e Feed-Through Patch Panel delivers dense, reliable Ethernet connectivity in a compact 2U footprint. Designed for data centers, network closets, and enterprise classrooms, this unshielded, 48-port panel makes high-density cabling clean, simple, and scalable. It’s the ideal solution for busy IT environments that require straightforward patching, easy port identification, and durable performance without the extra cost of shielding. With its robust build and straightforward installation, it helps network administrators manage large Ethernet deployments while maintaining optimal signal integrity and quick access for moves, adds, and changes.

• High-port-density design: 48 Cat5e ports in a 2U footprint for efficient use of rack space in crowded equipment closets and data centers, enabling teams to expand networks without sacrificing organization.
• Unshielded Cat5e performance: Supports standard Ethernet up to 1 Gbps and is compatible with 100BASE-TX and 1000BASE-T applications, making it suitable for most office, school, and small to mid-size business networks.
• Feed-through simplicity: The feed-through design minimizes termination steps and speeds up patching, enabling quick changes and reducing cable management complexity across large deployments.
• Rack-ready construction: Built for standard 19-inch racks with a 2U height, ensuring secure mounting and seamless integration with switches, patch panels, and other equipment in dense racks.
• Clear organization and labeling: Front-access ports with consistent labeling and legible identifiers streamline patching, troubleshooting, and future upgrades, reducing downtime during moves, adds, and changes.

Technical Details of Black Box CAT5e Feed-Through Patch Panel

• Get this information from the "specifications" section of the product from https://ec.synnex.com/ using product "UPC" or "SKU" as reference

How to install Black Box CAT5e Feed-Through Patch Panel

• Prepare your rack: Ensure you have a standard 19-inch rack and ample space in the 2U area to accommodate the 48-port panel. Gather the necessary mounting hardware, cage nuts, and a screwdriver, and power down affected network equipment before installation.
• Mount the panel: Align the patch panel with the rack rails and secure it using the appropriate hardware. Confirm it sits firmly and level to prevent undue strain on cables and connectors.
• Label and map ports: Establish a consistent labeling scheme that corresponds to switch ports or device endpoints. Use clear, durable labels to simplify management and minimize mistakes during future changes.
• Terminate and route cables: Route Cat5e cables neatly behind the panel and terminate according to your preferred method (for example, through-the-back terminations or straightforward pass-through terminations if supported by your model). Maintain proper pair alignment and cable slack to preserve signal integrity and ease future reconfigurations.
• Test and document: After wiring, perform continuity and basic throughput tests to verify each port is functioning as expected. Update your network diagram with the port map and store the documentation for quick reference during maintenance.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is a CAT5e feed-through patch panel? A: It’s a patch panel designed to provide direct pass-through connections for Cat5e cables, simplifying patching and port organization in a rack-mounted network environment.
• Q: How many ports does this panel have? A: It features 48 ports arranged in a 2U rack-mountable strip, maximizing density in limited cabinet space.
• Q: Is this panel shielded? A: No, this is an unshielded (UTP) Cat5e panel, suitable for standard Ethernet deployments in typical office and enterprise environments. Shielded options are available for EMI-heavy applications if needed.
• Q: What speeds does Cat5e support on this panel? A: Cat5e supports Ethernet speeds up to 1 Gbps, making it appropriate for most office networks, POS systems, and small data centers where high data rates are required without specialized shielding.
• Q: How should I label ports for easy maintenance? A: Use a clear port-maging system that mirrors your switch or device assignments, and apply durable labels or color-coded cables to simplify troubleshooting and future upgrades.