Patch panel yes.
Patch panel yes.
I'm working on a wiring issue in a client's home. It looks like a patch panel is involved. This setup involves connecting to fiber optics, and I need guidance on the process. Adding a three-mesh router with a backhaul Ethernet connection is also part of the project. I should clarify the scope and pricing for this work.
This concept resembles an early telephone connection setup, using just two wires per phone. Ethernet cables replaced Cat3 as the main medium. It seems the yellow cable might only serve one port, suggesting a need for a complete redesign. Replace all wiring with a switch, separate internet and phone lines, then connect the switch to a new router. Acquire IP phones or adapters for compatibility.
The green panel seems to be a telephone punch-down unit with an RJ31X connector for security alarm interruption. It's difficult to determine the exact connections, but I support @Windows7ge’s suggestion. You should replace this with a switch and router setup to identify which wires serve telephone versus Ethernet. Label the wires as you determine them.
So even though I’m not a Fiber subscriber, I can make some assumptions. 1) The Verizon box supplies the Internet, TV, and phone for the whole house. 2) The wires coming out of the top of the panel box connect to different rooms inside? How are they connected? Are they going to Keystone blocks or RJ45 connectors? 3) That green panel with all the lines looks like a hub or something similar. I haven’t seen anything like it before, and it seems unnecessary. Based on my experience with networking and more recently with cabling and infrastructure work, this setup probably belongs to a proprietary system. I’m assuming Verizon customers might have different setups. The box has a network cable coming out, and if it includes a router, you could connect that directly to a switch. You’d then use keystone blocks to terminate the blue cables and install a patch panel that fits them. Then connect network cables from the patch panel to the switch. Alternatively, you could plug the blue ends into RJ45 connectors and use the switch. Honestly, if an installer built something like that in my house, I’d be upset.
Consider the total cost and functionality carefully. Decide whether adding a mesh router with Ethernet backhaul is worth the investment or if connecting directly to an 8-port switch makes more sense. Installing connectors at one end and removing the blue cables is a viable option, but ensure you understand the setup before proceeding. A patch panel isn’t what you’re aiming for here.
It seems you're sharing a quick update about your setup. You mentioned not thinking of a security system and that it connects directly to your network switch. That's a solid approach!
A group of Ethernet ports might link to a security board for monitoring or control purposes. Pricing should reflect the complexity and integration needed. Adding a mesh router with Ethernet backhaul is a significant investment—consider whether a switch or patch panel better suits your setup. Installing connectors at one end and removing cables isn’t ideal; a proper patch panel or switch is recommended. This setup isn’t a standard patch panel.
Check if the blue cables connect to Ethernet ports first. If they end in RJ-11 ports, this setup resembles a 66 block for analog phones—more like a patch panel than a switched Ethernet solution. I wouldn’t add another one. Just connect the ends to a switch.
Track the blue wires carefully. If they lead to home network points, you can replace them and connect them to a switch. The cost varies based on time and effort. Charging typically ranges from $30 to $40 per hour, likely requiring a few hours of work for tracing, redoing, and testing.