Black Box CAT6 Shielded Patch Panel - 1U, 24-Port

Designed for demanding networks where electrical noise threatens performance, the Black Box CAT6 Shielded Patch Panel delivers reliable, high-speed connectivity with robust shielding. Built for integration into standard 19-inch racks, this 1U, 24-port panel consolidates cabling, simplifies administration, and preserves signal integrity from switch to workstation. Whether you’re expanding a data center, upgrading a server room, or deploying in a classroom or office with heavy electrical equipment, this shielded patch panel helps you achieve cleaner, more stable networks with less interference and crosstalk. Its rugged construction and category-leading performance make it a dependable backbone for growing networks that demand consistency and speed.

• High-density 24-port, 1U design: Supports a compact, space-efficient arrangement in standard 19-inch racks, making it ideal for data centers, telecom closets, and evolving networks that require scalable patching without sacrificing organization or performance.
• Advanced shielded construction: A robust metal enclosure provides exceptional EMI/RFI protection, helping to maintain signal integrity in environments with motors, lighting, and other sources of electrical noise.
• CAT6 performance with backward compatibility: Delivers reliable data transmission up to 250 MHz, supporting gigabit Ethernet and backward compatible with Cat5e cabling for flexible upgrade paths across your network.
• Standard rack-mount compatibility and clean cable management: Designed for easy integration into most cages and cabinets, featuring labeling options and a cable-management approach to keep runs tidy and accessible.
• Efficient termination and labeling workflow: Color-coded pairing guidance and a dedicated termination area simplify punching down cables, reducing installation time while ensuring accurate port mapping for fast maintenance.

Technical Details of Black Box CAT6 Shielded Patch Panel - 1U, 24-Port

• Port count: 24 shielded RJ45 network ports arranged in a 1U form factor for dense patching in a 19-inch rack.
• Category: CAT6 patch panel designed to support up to 250 MHz signaling with low crosstalk and excellent return loss characteristics.
• Shielding: Fully shielded panel housing to minimize EMI/RFI and preserve signal quality in electrically noisy environments.
• Mounting: 19-inch rack-mountable with standard 1U height, compatible with most commercial equipment racks and enclosures.
• Construction: Heavy-duty steel enclosure engineered for durability and long-term use in data centers, server rooms, and networking closets.
• Termination: IDC/punch-down termination for Cat6 cabling with color-coded pair guidance to simplify wiring and reduce miswires.
• Labeling and cable management: Integrated labeling area and cable-management features to keep ports organized and easily identifiable for quick maintenance.
• Compliance: Designed to align with industry standards such as TIA/EIA-568-C.2 and ISO/IEC 11801, ensuring compatibility with modern network installations.
• Color and finish: Black metal finish for unobtrusive integration into most equipment rooms and rack setups.

How to install Black Box CAT6 Shielded Patch Panel - 1U, 24-Port

Follow these steps to install and configure the patch panel in a standard 19-inch rack, ensuring optimal performance and easy future maintenance:

• Prepare the rack space and mount the patch panel onto the rack using the included screws into the rack ears. Verify the panel is level and securely anchored to prevent movement during cable handling.
• Label ports and cables before termination. Use the built-in labeling area to map each port to its corresponding device or connection point, which makes future moves, adds, or changes faster and less error-prone.
• Terminate cables on the IDC blocks. Use a proper punch-down tool to seat each conductor firmly in the color-coded termination slots, following the Cat6 pairing scheme to preserve correct twisted-pair alignment.
• Grounding and shielding considerations. If your installation requires grounding, connect the panel’s grounding lug (if provided) to the facility grounding system to maximize shielding effectiveness.
• Finalize cable management. Route patch cables from the panel to switches, servers, or patch panels with careful organization to minimize cable clutter and maximize airflow and accessibility.
• Test the installation. Use a certified network tester to verify continuity, pair integrity, and crosstalk between all 24 ports. Address any miswires or untwisted segments before sealing the rack.
• Power up and monitor. After installation, power on devices and confirm stable connectivity across all ports, verifying throughput and latency meet expected performance levels.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the difference between shielded and unshielded patch panels, and when should I choose shielded?

  Shielded patch panels reduce electromagnetic interference and crosstalk in environments with high electrical noise, such as data centers, near high-capacity motors, or areas with dense power cabling. If your installation runs through a noisy environment or alongside power lines, a shielded panel like this Black Box model helps preserve signal integrity. In quieter offices or homes with minimal EMI, an unshielded panel may suffice.

• Q: Is this patch panel backward compatible with Cat5e?

  Yes. This CAT6 shielded patch panel is designed to support Cat6 performance while remaining backward compatible with Cat5e cabling. Upgrading to Cat6 cables and connectors will unlock higher potential performance, but existing Cat5e installations can continue to operate with this panel.

• Q: Will this patch panel fit in my standard 19-inch rack?

  Absolutely. The panel is engineered as a 1U, 19-inch rack-mountable device, making it compatible with most standard server racks, cabinets, and wired enclosures used in data centers and networking rooms.

• Q: Does the panel come with labeling or cable management features?

  Yes. The design includes a labeling area to map ports to devices, along with integrated cable-management features to help keep runs organized, reduce clutter, and simplify future maintenance or expansion.

• Q: How do I test the panel after installation?

  Use a certified cable tester to verify each port’s continuity, pair integrity, and crosstalk. Testing helps confirm that termination was done correctly and that the network will operate at the expected speeds with minimal interference.