F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Networks Uncover the secrets behind the patch panel mystery.

Uncover the secrets behind the patch panel mystery.

Uncover the secrets behind the patch panel mystery.

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Amber_Playzzz
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03-06-2016, 07:35 PM
#1
Hello everyone, I’ve gained access to the IT room on my floor and have a query about the patch panel setup. Each device has two CAT6 cables, with one labeled "D" for data traffic and another marked "V" or "L." For units with "V" (including mine), the port is empty, suggesting it’s used for voice. The "L" ports connect to a UniFi switch, indicating a 100Mbps link without PoE. What do you think the "L" stands for in this scenario?
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Amber_Playzzz
03-06-2016, 07:35 PM #1

Hello everyone, I’ve gained access to the IT room on my floor and have a query about the patch panel setup. Each device has two CAT6 cables, with one labeled "D" for data traffic and another marked "V" or "L." For units with "V" (including mine), the port is empty, suggesting it’s used for voice. The "L" ports connect to a UniFi switch, indicating a 100Mbps link without PoE. What do you think the "L" stands for in this scenario?

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5Byte
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03-12-2016, 10:29 AM
#2
Do you know what's at the other end of those patches? I agree that D probably means Data and V probably means Voice. You'll have to see how those voice lines are terminated; if they're Cat6 runs that are properly terminated to 8P8Cs at each end, there's no reason they can't be used for data too. (That tells me they were either pulled as 1:1 replacements for Cat3 voice lines, or you inherited infrastructure from someone stuck in the 90s.) And please unplug 1005L and 1006L, then plug them back in so that fiber isn't woven between them. EDIT: And what's up with that numbering? The port numbers aren't in order! Are they punched down in order of where they land in the building? I hope you've got a map of which runs go where, otherwise you might have to do some cable tracing with a Fox & Hound or the good old fashioned scream test . Edited July 14, 2023 by Needfuldoer The mess you inherited is upsetting me the more I look at it Sad
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5Byte
03-12-2016, 10:29 AM #2

Do you know what's at the other end of those patches? I agree that D probably means Data and V probably means Voice. You'll have to see how those voice lines are terminated; if they're Cat6 runs that are properly terminated to 8P8Cs at each end, there's no reason they can't be used for data too. (That tells me they were either pulled as 1:1 replacements for Cat3 voice lines, or you inherited infrastructure from someone stuck in the 90s.) And please unplug 1005L and 1006L, then plug them back in so that fiber isn't woven between them. EDIT: And what's up with that numbering? The port numbers aren't in order! Are they punched down in order of where they land in the building? I hope you've got a map of which runs go where, otherwise you might have to do some cable tracing with a Fox & Hound or the good old fashioned scream test . Edited July 14, 2023 by Needfuldoer The mess you inherited is upsetting me the more I look at it Sad

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SmileEnchanter
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03-12-2016, 12:56 PM
#3
Thanks for the update! It seems unclear what the other side of the patches is about. I’m just trying to understand what people might be thinking. To be clear, I live in this apartment complex and haven’t taken on any admin duties. I’m not there to manage the building, but I can tell you it’s a bit chaotic. This place was recently finished in 2020. Also, as mentioned earlier, the UniFi switch is supplying PoE to whatever is connected at the other end. The complex uses a Z-wave network for smart devices like lights and thermostats. My guess is that "L" probably stands for "lights," and there are Z-wave base stations on the receiving end. This post was just out of curiosity, since I don’t know what’s in my unit—I’m a "V" resident.
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SmileEnchanter
03-12-2016, 12:56 PM #3

Thanks for the update! It seems unclear what the other side of the patches is about. I’m just trying to understand what people might be thinking. To be clear, I live in this apartment complex and haven’t taken on any admin duties. I’m not there to manage the building, but I can tell you it’s a bit chaotic. This place was recently finished in 2020. Also, as mentioned earlier, the UniFi switch is supplying PoE to whatever is connected at the other end. The complex uses a Z-wave network for smart devices like lights and thermostats. My guess is that "L" probably stands for "lights," and there are Z-wave base stations on the receiving end. This post was just out of curiosity, since I don’t know what’s in my unit—I’m a "V" resident.

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