Front-access patch panel leaves others behind

Patrick McLaughlin

Not every significant advancement in the cabling-product arena breaks speed records for data transmission or involves laser pulses. Anyone who terminates cables for several hours each day will tell you that a time- and labor-saving product, technique, or process is very welcome news.

A product that saves installers both time and labor is the wall-mounted front-access patch panel. Introduced approximately four years ago, this innovation has been applauded by cabling installers who have used it. The equipment cables and patch cords are accessible from the panel`s front, which is a time-saver. "The product mounts directly to a wall, which eliminates the need for other mounting equipment in the telecommunications closet," says Dennis Mazaris, president of cabling-consulting firm PerfectSite (Sterling, VA). "Many closets are cramped for space, so this product is a good fit in a lot of installations."

The wall-mounted front-access patch panel is one of those products that makes many say to themselves, "Why didn`t I think of that?" It`s simply a good idea. Whether they thought of it or not, several manufacturers now offer some form of the product--a sure sign of an idea`s success.