Overview
The Cable Matters 24-Port Cat6 Patch Panel is a versatile and essential tool for organizing network connections. This patch panel offers a clean and efficient way to manage up to 24 Ethernet connections in a single unit. Designed to handle high-speed 10Gb Ethernet traffic, it also supports older Cat5e and Cat5 cables, making it a flexible choice for different network setups. UL-listed for safety, it can be used reliably in both commercial and home environments, ensuring a safe, organized network installation.
Features & Benefits
This patch panel features gold-plated contacts that help ensure stable, error-free connections. It supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), PoE+, and PoE++ capabilities, making it ideal for powering devices like IP cameras and wireless access points directly through Ethernet cables. The 1U height and standard 19-inch rack compatibility make it easy to integrate into existing network setups, whether in a server room or a home office. Additionally, the included D-rings and cable ties aid in neat cable management, simplifying installation and keeping everything organized.
Best For
This network panel is perfect for home offices or small businesses that require an organized, efficient networking solution. It's an excellent choice for environments that demand high-performance Ethernet, particularly those looking to future-proof their infrastructure with 10Gb Ethernet support. It’s also a strong option for companies or individuals needing to manage multiple connections while keeping their setup neat and scalable. The support for PoE makes it ideal for setups with IP devices or wireless networks that need power through the same Ethernet line.
User Feedback
The Cable Matters 24-Port Cat6 Patch Panel has received generally positive reviews, with a solid rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Users particularly appreciate how easy it is to install and the clarity of the wiring diagrams, making setup quick and straightforward. However, some users have mentioned that while the build quality is solid, the cable management options could be more robust, especially for larger, more complex setups. Overall, it’s favored for its reliability and performance in home and office networking environments.
Pros
- Installation is quick and easy, even for users with minimal technical knowledge.
- Supports PoE+ and PoE++ to power devices like IP cameras and access points.
- Compatible with both 10Gb Ethernet and older Cat5e, making it versatile for various setups.
- Compact 1U design fits standard 19-inch racks, saving valuable space in server rooms.
- Gold-plated contacts ensure stable, error-free connections for reliable network performance.
- Clear wiring diagrams and numbered ports make setup straightforward for both beginners and pros.
Cons
- Cable management could be more robust, especially in larger setups with many cables.
- The panel may be overkill for users with smaller, less demanding networks.
- Some users reported that the metal construction could feel a bit flimsy under heavy use.
- Not ideal for highly rugged or industrial environments where extra durability is needed.
- While it supports high-speed connections, performance may be limited by the overall network setup.
- The price point may be too high for casual home users who don’t need all the features.
Ratings
After analyzing verified user reviews worldwide across multiple platforms and languages, we’ve compiled a comprehensive overview of the Cable Matters 24-Port Cat6 Patch Panel. This product receives positive feedback for its performance and ease of installation, with some mixed reviews regarding cable management. All spam, bot-driven, and off-topic reviews were filtered out, ensuring that the scores reflect only authentic, high-quality feedback from real users.
Ease of Installation
Build Quality
Cable Management
PoE Support
Reliability
Compatibility with Cat5e and Cat5
10Gb Ethernet Performance
Rackmount Fit
Customer Support
Documentation and Setup Guidance
Safety Features
Value for Money
Suitable for:
The Cable Matters 24-Port Cat6 Patch Panel is ideal for home users, small office setups, and businesses that need organized and reliable networking solutions. It’s especially beneficial for those looking to future-proof their network with 10Gb Ethernet support, making it perfect for environments where high-speed data transfer is crucial. Additionally, users needing to power devices like IP cameras or wireless access points through PoE will find this patch panel highly convenient. Its easy installation, clear documentation, and compact 1U design also make it an excellent choice for those with limited technical expertise or space constraints.
Not suitable for:
This patch panel may not be the best choice for users with smaller, less demanding network setups, particularly those who don’t require 10Gb Ethernet or PoE support. For home users or businesses with minimal networking needs, the price point might be considered high, especially if the full feature set isn't utilized. Additionally, while it offers solid build quality, some users noted issues with cable management, which could be problematic in larger setups with numerous cables. Those needing highly specialized or rugged network gear for extreme environments may find this network panel lacking in certain durability aspects.
Specifications
- Ports: This patch panel features 24 ports for connecting network cables, providing ample ports for medium to large network setups.
- Compatibility: Supports Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5 cables, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Ethernet networks.
- Ethernet Speed: Compatible with high-speed 10Gb Ethernet, offering future-proof performance for modern networks.
- PoE Support: Supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), PoE+, and PoE++ for powering devices like IP cameras and wireless access points.
- Mounting: Designed to fit standard 19-inch racks or wall mounts, offering flexible installation options for various setups.
- Rack Space: This patch panel occupies 1U of rack space, making it suitable for compact, organized installations in server racks.
- Punch-Down Compatibility: Compatible with standard 110 or Krone punch-down tools for secure cable termination.
- Material: Constructed from black steel for durability and a professional appearance, ideal for commercial and home use.
- Gold-Plated Contacts: Equipped with gold-plated contacts for stable, error-free connections and long-lasting performance.
- Safety Certification: UL-listed for safety and reliability, meeting stringent standards for both commercial and home network installations.
- Cable Management: Includes D-rings and cable ties to help keep cables organized and prevent tangling in your network setup.
- Backward Compatibility: Backward compatible with Cat5e and Cat5 cables, ensuring versatility in mixed network environments.
- Height: Has a 1U height, making it a compact solution for use in standard server racks or mounting setups.
- Weight: Weighs approximately 2.5 pounds, ensuring a sturdy yet lightweight design for easy handling during installation.
- Warranty: Backed by a limited warranty to ensure quality and support for users, enhancing peace of mind with your purchase.
- Build Quality: Features solid construction, ensuring long-term reliability for both home and business environments.
- Installation Ease: Designed for easy installation with clear wiring diagrams and numbered ports for quick, hassle-free setup.