Patch Cords CAT6

A patch cord is a pre-terminated short Ethernet cable having RJ45 connectors at both ends. It is used in data centers, home networks, and offices. 

Step-by-step guide on connecting patch cords to network devices and patch panels.

The basic network flow must be to connect a device to a wall outlet, a wall outlet to a patch panel, a patch panel to a switch, a switch to the router, and then to the internet.

Required items: Ethernet patch cord(Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a), a device, a wall network outlet, a network switch, and a patch panel.

Step 1: Identify the RJ45 Ethernet port on your device: printer, IP phone, network switch, router, desktop computer, or laptop.

Step 2: Insert the patch cord

Hold the patch cord by the connector, not by the cable. Take one end of the patch cord and insert it into your device’s Ethernet port. Keep pressing until you hear a clicking sound, which ensures that the cable is fully locked into the port.

Step 3: Attach to the wall outlet

Insert the other end of the patch cord into the wall outlet. Press until you hear a click sound.

After these 3 steps, your device is now connected to the building wiring. To confirm this, you can check the link lights.

This is executed in the server room or network cabinet.

Step 4: Look for the correct patch panel port

The patch panel has numbered ports (e.g. 1-24 or 1-48). The wall outlet is connected to the matching patch panel port. You can refer to labeling or network documentation. Ensure the labels match.

For example:

• Patch panel port: 12
• Office wall outlet: 12

Step 5: Connect to the patch panel port then to the switch

On another patch cord, take one end and insert it into the correct patch panel port.
Plug another end to the appropriate port on the network switch. Press until a click sound is heard.

For example: Patch panel port 10 to switch port 10

Step 6: Check for the link lights.

Most of the devices have LED indicators, which show the following:

Green light: Link observed.
Flickering light: Data transmission

In case no light appears, it may mean the following:

• You have to try another port or cable
• Re-check the patch panel connection

Step 7: Verify the network

Open a computer or a laptop and check for the connection. Open a web browser and try opening a website. If it loads, congrats you’re successfully connected. But what if it doesn’t?

• Ensure all the cables are accurately clicked in
• Try a different switch port or a patch cord
• Verify the patch panel port

It’s not always the network, but the device. So if everything goes well, restart your device.

• Always label both ends of the patch cord
• Avoid sharp bends in ethernet cables
• Do not pull cables by the wire
• Use cable management tools like Velcro or hoo and loop, cable trays to keep cables organised
• Whenever possible, keep patch cords under 5 meters
• Select a cable category based on your needs, for e.g. use Cat6 for home networks or Cat6A for modern high speed office networks

• Don’t plug into the incorrect patch panel port
• Make sure the cable you’re using are not damaged
• Labeling is must. If you are not labeling, avoid overcrowding the switch ports
• Document everything. Avoid mixing data and voice ports, if documentation is not there